Sweet, tangy, and beautifully vibrant, these Homemade Pickled Beets are an easy way to turn fresh beets into a flavorful side dish. They’re delicious served chilled, added to salads, or enjoyed alongside sandwiches and grilled meals.
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Pickling Time: 24 hours
Total Time: About 1 hour 55 minutes + chilling
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish / Pickles
🛒 Ingredients
2 lbs fresh beets
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
½ teaspoon whole cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
½ small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Beets
Wash the beets thoroughly and trim the tops and roots. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 30–45 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain and allow them to cool enough to handle. Peel the beets and slice them into rounds or wedges.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Fill the Jars
Place the sliced beets into clean glass jars. Add the sliced onion if desired.
- Add the Brine
Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the beets until they are completely covered.
- Refrigerate
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Seal tightly and place them in the refrigerator.
- Let the Flavor Develop
For the best flavor, let the beets pickle for at least 24 hours before serving. The flavor becomes even better after a few days.
💡 Recipe Tips
Slice the beets evenly so they pickle consistently.
For sweeter pickled beets, add a little extra sugar to taste.
Red onions can be added for extra flavor and color.
Keep the beets completely covered with the pickling liquid.
Always use clean utensils when removing beets from the jar.
🥗 How to Serve
Enjoy these pickled beets chilled as a side dish, or add them to:
Green salads
Grain bowls
Sandwiches
Burgers
Charcuterie boards
Grilled meat dishes
🧊 Storage
Store the pickled beets in sealed jars in the refrigerator and keep them submerged in the brine. For shelf-stable storage, use a properly tested and approved home-canning method rather than simply storing the jars at room temperature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long should pickled beets sit before eating?
For the best flavor, refrigerate them for at least 24 hours before serving.
Can I use canned beets?
Yes. Canned beets can be used for a quicker version, although fresh beets provide a more natural texture.
Are pickled beets served hot or cold?
They are typically served chilled or at room temperature.
What do pickled beets taste like?
They have a delicious combination of earthy beet flavor with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced pickling brine.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy homemade recipe
✔️ Sweet and tangy flavor
✔️ Great for salads and sides
✔️ Simple ingredients
✔️ Beautiful vibrant color
✔️ Perfect for meal prep and refrigerator storage