Grilled Beets Recipe
These Grilled Beets are perfectly tender with a rich caramelized flavor. Top with pesto for over the top deliciousness. Perfect as a side dish, or add to salads and bowls.
How to Make the Best Grilled Beets
Grilled beets are a revelation for anyone who thinks they don’t like beets. The high heat of the grill caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweet, smoky flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Paired with a drizzle of pesto, these beets transform from a humble root vegetable into an elegant side dish worthy of any summer gathering.
The key to perfect grilled beets is starting with oven-roasted beets. This two-step process ensures the beets are tender all the way through while the grill adds those beautiful char marks and extra depth of flavor. The balsamic vinegar enhances the beets’ natural earthiness, while the olive oil helps achieve a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
These grilled beets are incredibly versatile—serve them as a standalone side dish, toss them into salads for added color and flavor, or add them to grain bowls for a nutritious boost. They’re also delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Grilled Beets
These Grilled Beets are perfectly tender with a rich caramelized flavor. Top with pesto for over the top deliciousness. Perfect as a side dish, or add to salads and bowls.
Ingredients
Grilled Beets
Instructions
Prepare and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Clean any dirt or debris off the beets. Leave about 1/4 inch of the stem intact to keep the juices contained. Wrap the beets in foil and place on a pan. Alternatively, bake in a pan with a lid.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. A knife should easily pierce the center, but the beets should not be overly soft. This step can be done ahead of time, up to a few days in advance.
Grill
- When the beets cool down, the peels will slip off easily. Peel and slice into 1/4 inch slices.
- Brush slices with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt.
- Preheat grill to high heat for about 15 minutes until it's good and hot.
- Place beet slices in a single layer on the grill or in a grill basket (smaller beets can slip through the grates).
- Grill about 5 minutes each side or until grilled to your preference. Serve topped with pesto.
Notes
- The beets can be baked several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
- Use a grill basket for smaller beet slices to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- For best results, let the grill get very hot before adding the beets for nice grill marks.
