10 Easy Ways to Cook With Beets

Channel your inner Dwight Schrute

By Corey Williams Updated July 31, 2019

Advertisement

Beetroot is a controversial vegetable—some people find beets delicious, others think they taste like dirt. When prepared properly, however, the root vegetable packs a tasty, nutrient-packed punch. Here are some of our favorite ways to utilize the fall staple:

1. Roasted Beets

Greg DuPree

Greg DuPree

You can’t go wrong with roasted beets. Toss them with a vinaigrette, use them in place of chickpeas for a delicious hummus, or eat them seasoned simply with a little salt and pepper.

Get the recipe: Roasted Beets with Mushroom Bordelaise

2. Beet Salad

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Robin Bashinskymy

Beet salads are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or holiday entertaining.

Get the recipe: Beet and Labneh Salad with Duck Fat Granola

3. Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are great in salads, slaws, or served alone as a side. They can last for months in the pantry, so make an extra jar to have on hand.

Get the recipe: Easy Pickled Beets

4. Beet Soup

Credit: Christopher Testani; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Can you imagine a more perfect fall main course? Didn’t think so.

Get the recipe: Golden Beet Soup with Toasted Grains

5. Hasselback Beets

Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Robin Bashinsky

Hasselbacking isn’t just for chicken or potatoes—it’s also a show-stopping way to serve the seasonal vegetable.

Get the recipe: Hasselback Beets with Tangy Dill Sauce and Carraway

6. Beet Chips

Credit: Anna Theoktisto

Anna Theoktisto

Though they’re nutritious and tasty, packaged beet chips can be expensive. Save money by making them at home.

Get the recipe: Crispy, Sweet Air-Fried Beet Chips

7. Beet Hummus

Credit: All photos by Teresa Sabga

All photos by Teresa Sabga

Beet hummus (like the kind you get at Trader Joe’s) is chock-full of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron. Also, it’s delicious.

Get the recipe: Roasted Beet Hummus

8. Beet Salsa

Rainbow Salsa image

| Credit: Time Inc. Video Studio

Rainbow Salsa image Time Inc. Video Studio

Also called “Rainbow Salsa,” this healthy side is great with chips or served on top of tacos.

Get the recipe: Beet Salsa

9. Beet Cupcakes

Credit: Victor Protasio

Victor Protasio

We love red velvet anything, and the natural food coloring found in beets is icing on top of the (cup)cake.

Get the recipe: Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes

10. Beet Bloody Mary

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey

Bright and bold, beets are an unexpected (but welcome) addition to a classic Bloody Mary recipe.
Get the recipe: Golden Beet Bloody Mary