Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe

First, cook, then pickle! Homemade Pickled Beets are tangy, sweet, and easy to make. Perfect for kids, healthy, and packed with nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh beets, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp whole cloves (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. First, cook the beets: Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for 25–30 minutes until tender. Then, drain and let them cool.
2. Next, peel and slice the beets: After cooling, remove the skins and slice into ½-inch thick rounds or wedges.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Then, bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. After that, pack the beets into jars: Place the beet slices tightly into sterilized jars.
5. Then, pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully covered.
6. Finally, seal and refrigerate: Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving for best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Additionally, use fresh beets for the best flavor and texture.
• Next, adjust the sweetness: Add more sugar if you prefer sweeter pickled beets.
• Then, for extra tanginess, increase the vinegar slightly.
• Finally, for long-term storage: Process in a water bath for 10 minutes to make them shelf-stable.

Variations & Benefits

• Kid-Friendly Version: Cut beets into fun shapes or smaller slices and reduce the vinegar slightly for milder tanginess.
• Spiced Version: Add peppercorns, star anise, or ginger slices to the pickling liquid for extra flavor.
• Health Benefits: Beets are rich in fiber, antioxidants, folate, and potassium. As a result, pickled beets support heart health, digestion, and overall wellness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

• First, chop into small cubes for easy snacking or lunchboxes.
• Next, serve with a dollop of yogurt or mild dressing for dipping.
• Finally, mix into salads or sandwiches for extra color and nutrition.