Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Pickled Beets are SO easy to make! This quick pickling recipe requires minimal steps before you pop the jar of beets in the refrigerator and let them pickle to perfection in just an hour. They always turn out perfectly tangy, slightly sweet, and impossible to have just one of!

Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Quick Pickled Beets

Once you run out of your first jar of Pickled Beets, you’ll want to make another batch ASAP! I love keeping a jar of these in my refrigeartor at pretty much all times. They’re such a healthy and simple snack to reach for when I need a little bite to eat.

Besides snacking on them, you can enjoy these refrigerated Pickled Beets in a variety of ways! Toss them onto a salad, use them in a sandwich, or whatever else your heart desires. They add such a pretty, vibrant touch of red color to everything they’re served with.

Why You’ll Love this Pickled Beets Recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: After a few foolproof steps, you just have to pop the beets into a jar with some brine and let them pickle for about an hour. It’s SO quick and easy!
  • Good for You: Keep scrolling to see some of the many health benefits that beets offer you!
  • Flavorful: When made just right, pickled beets are tangy, sweet, and have the best amount of that signature brine flavor.

Once you learn how to pickle beets, you’ll want to serve them any time! I might just plate them next to my turkey for Thanksgiving. You just can’t go wrong with this timeless pantry staple!

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How to Pickle Beets

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Remove the stems from the beets.
  2. Bring the beets to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until they’re fork-tender.
  3. Peel the beets and slice them.
  4. Place the prepared beets into two mason jars.
  5. Create the brine in a pot and bring it to a boil, then remove from heat.
  6. Pour the brine over the beets, and place the lid back on the jar.
  7. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
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Are pickled beets good for you?

Pickled beets are rich in natural sugars, copper, folate, and manganese. They’re also a good source of antioxidants and probiotics, which can help improve immunity and fight disease. Overall, pickled beets make a great addition to a balanced diet!

Can I make pickled beets with canned beets?

Yes, you will want to drain the liquid from your beets before you pour the brine over them.

How do I peel the skin off of beets?

To peel the skin off the beets, you need to rub your fingers along the beets, and it will just come right off after they’re done cooking. I recommend wearing gloves to prevent staining your hands!

Can dogs eat pickled beets?

No! While boiled plain beets are safe for dogs, pickled beets contain added sugar, salt, and spices that are not good for dogs.

Are pickled beets good for diabetics?

There is some evidence to suggest that pickled beets can help regulate or even lower blood sugar levels. Vinegar can help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal, and the nitrates and antioxidants in beets are also suspected to help keep blood sugar levels in check.

How long should pickled beets sit before eating?

Pickled beets can be enjoyed as soon as they are made, but they are best if left to sit for at least 24 hours. The longer they sit, the more the flavor will develop.

Do pickled beets need to be refrigerated?

Yes! These beets are quick pickled, which means that they need to be refrigerated to preserve their freshness.

Can I can pickled beets?

I would imagine so! While I’m not a canning expert, you can find guidance on how to can pickled beets from the Ball Canning Guide.

Homemade Pickled Beets are a total cinch to make! Plus, having a jar on hand is such a fun, rustic feeling.

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Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

Make Ahead Instructions

These pickled beets are a great make-ahead recipe. Once cooled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Enjoy cold.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze pickled beets in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Variations

  • You can use any variety of beets you like in this recipe, such as golden beets, sugar beets, or Chioggia beets.
  • You can also use pre-packaged cooked beets or canned beets.
  • You can use apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar instead of white vinegar.
  • Try adding onion and garlic, red pepper flakes, a cinnamon stick, bay leaves, or dill for a different flavor.

Tips for the Best Pickled Beets

  • I like to use wide-mouth mason jars for this recipe, but any glass jar with a tight-fitting lid will work.
  • Make sure the beets are completely submerged in the brine at all times. The brine is what helps to preserve the beets for such a long time.
  • Remember that these are quick-pickled beets, NOT shelf-stable canned beets. They MUST be refrigerated!
  • Let the beets chill completely in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best flavor.
  • The longer the beets sit, the better the flavor will be!

More Healthy Pantry Staple Recipes We Love

  • Homemade Oat Milk
  • Refrigerator Pickles
  • Pickle Relish
  • Hearty Vegetable Soup
  • Tomato Soup
  • Homemade Ramen Cups
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Pickled Beets are one of those little snacks that you can’t just have one bite of. They have the crispest consistency, most mouthwatering tangy and sweet flavor, and best brine in every bite.

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try:

  • Easy Candied Sweet Potatoes
  • Creamed Green Beans
  • Au Gratin Potatoes
  • Vegetarian Stuffing
  • Corn Casserole
  • Mac and Cheese Casserole

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Pickled Beets Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 20 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

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Serves32 ounces (2 jars)

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Pickled Beets are SO easy to make! This is a quick pickling recipe that requires minimal steps before you pop the jar of beets in the fridge and let them pickle to perfection in just an hour. They always turn out perfectly tangy, slightly sweet, and impossible to have just one of!

Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Email This Recipe

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Ingredients

  • pounds red beets (about 6 medium beets)
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 6 whole peppercorns
  • teaspoon ground mustard

Recommended Equipment

  • 2 16-ounce mason jars

Instructions

  • Cut the stems off of the beets.

    1½ pounds red beets

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  • Place the beets in a pot of water and bring it up to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the beets are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.

    Pickled Beets Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

  • Peel the skin off the beets and slice them. Place the beets into two 16-ounce mason jars.

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  • Add the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and mustard to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.

    1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 6 whole peppercorns, ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard

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  • Pour the brine over the beets.

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  • Place the lids on the jars and refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • You can use any variety of beets you like in this recipe, such as golden beets, sugar beets, or Chioggia beets.
  • You can also use pre-packaged cooked beets or canned beets.
  • You can use apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar instead of white vinegar.
  • Try adding onion and garlic, red pepper flakes, a cinnamon stick, bay leaves, or dill for a different flavor.
  • I like to use wide-mouth mason jars for this recipe, but any glass jar with a tight-fitting lid will work.
  • Make sure the beets are completely submerged in the brine at all times. The brine is what helps to preserve the beets for such a long time.
  • Remember that these are quick-pickled beets, NOT shelf-stable canned beets. They MUST be refrigerated!
  • Let the beets chill completely in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best flavor.
  • The longer the beets sit, the better the flavor will be!

Storage:Store pickled beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1ounce Calories: 17kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 4g (1%) Protein: 0.3g (1%) Fat: 0.04g Saturated Fat: 0.01g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 235mg (10%) Potassium: 70mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 7IU Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 4mg Iron: 0.2mg (1%)

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FAQs

Are pickled beets good for your kidneys and liver? ›

There are many benefits of pickled beets as they are one of the best foods for nitric oxide boosting, even when pickled. Beets are low in fat and calories and are a great plant-based source to fuel the body including vital systems like the brain, heart, kidneys, and the nervous system.

Are Aunt Nellie's pickled beets healthy? ›

Aunt Nellie's Pickled Beets contain no fat, saturated fat or cholesterol; they are kosher and gluten-free.

Do pickled beets lower blood pressure? ›

Pickled beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. This molecule helps blood vessels dilate, which protects against high blood pressure ( 8 ). Research suggests that beet products can lower blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg.

Are pickled beets good for diabetics? ›

Pickled beets can be a great way to get more fiber in your diet. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels. This works by slowing down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. It can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, which is helpful for people with diabetes.

Are pickled beets good for your kidneys? ›

Beets can keep your kidneys and liver healthy.

Keep in mind, however, that beets are also rich in compounds called oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. So eat beets in moderation if you're prone to kidney stones.

Who should not eat pickled beets? ›

Canned and pickled beets likely contain high amounts of sodium, so if it's heart health you're after, these choices should be limited.

How many pickled beets should you eat a day? ›

The oxalates found in beets can increase your uric acid level, meaning that too many beets can lead to gout. To avoid this, stick to no more than a single half-cup serving of beets per day.

Are pickled beets bad for high cholesterol? ›

The phytosterols, or plant sterols, present in beets, are structurally similar to cholesterol and can help to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol. In the body, phytosterols compete with the cholesterol to decrease the amount of cholesterol absorbed and lower harmful LDL cholesterol.

Are pickled beets full of sugar? ›

Unfortunately, all of that comes with a high amount of sodium – 350 to 500 milligrams, depending on the brand and around 16 grams of sugar, about the same amount as four teaspoons of sugar. So if you eat pickled beets, keep the quantity small.

What is the best drink to drink for high blood pressure? ›

The top drinks for lowering blood pressure include water, fruit juices (pomegranate, prune, cranberry, cherry), vegetable juice (tomato, raw beet), tea (black, green), and skim milk.

What happens if I eat pickled beets everyday? ›

That said, there is evidence that eating pickled beets positively affects your health. The vinegar used to pickle beets might help with blood sugar management. Vinegar reduces blood sugar levels after meals. Some studies have shown that pickled beets may help protect against cancer.

What are the side effects of eating beets? ›

Beet is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. Beet can make urine or stools appear pink or red. But this is not harmful. There is concern that beets might cause low calcium levels and kidney damage.

Can I drink beet juice while taking blood pressure medication? ›

Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, which might negatively interact with certain blood pressure-lowering medicines, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Are beets good for neuropathy? ›

Over time, nerve damage can be a symptom of diabetes. Beetroot contains an antioxidant called alpha lipoic acid that may help with this. A review from 2022 notes how alpha lipoic acid may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of nerve damage in people with diabetes.

Do beets spike insulin? ›

3.1.

Similarly, in a single-blind cross-over controlled study, consumption of a beetroot juice significantly lowered postprandial glycemic and insulin response relative to volunteers who consumed a control beverage (Wootton-Beard et al., 2014).

Are pickled beets in a jar good for your liver? ›

Beetroot's antioxidants have been associated with a lower risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease and dementia, and with supporting liver and kidney health. A bitter-sweet result of the pickling process, however, is that small amounts of these antioxidants are lost.

Should you eat beets if you have kidney problems? ›

However, for ESRD patients, beets are typically avoided because they are also high in potassium. Your kidneys work to filter out excess potassium and the amount of potassium in your diet is directly related to the amount of potassium found in blood.

Do beets affect kidney function? ›

There is concern that beets might cause low calcium levels and kidney damage. But this hasn't been shown in people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if beet is safe to use as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Can beets help with liver damage? ›

Chock-full of antioxidants and nitrates, beetroot has earned its stripes as a potent weapon for heart health, blood pressure, cognition, and inflammation. But when it comes to liver health, this resplendently red root also serves as a natural blood cleanser, purging your body of toxins and heavy metals.

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