Pickled Beets - 1

By Becky Hardin

Published Nov 30, 2022

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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!

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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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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!

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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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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!

MoreHealthyPantry Staple RecipesWe 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
  • Harvard Beets
  • 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!

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1½ 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
  • ▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions

  • Cut the stems off of the beets. 1½ pounds red beets
  • 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.
  • Peel the skin off the beets and slice them. Place the beets into two 16-ounce mason jars.
  • 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
  • Pour the brine over the beets.
  • Place the lids on the jars and refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

Equipment

  • 2 16-ounce mason jars

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!

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

featured pickled beets. - 13

Pickled Beets Recipe

Equipment

  • 2 16-ounce mason jars

Ingredients

  • 1½ 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
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard

Instructions

  • Cut the stems off of the beets. 1½ pounds red beets
  • 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.
  • Peel the skin off the beets and slice them. Place the beets into two 16-ounce mason jars.
  • 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
  • Pour the brine over the beets.
  • Place the lids on the jars and refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

Notes

  • 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!

Nutrition

Pickled Beets - 14

By Becky Hardin

Published Jul 12, 2017

A screenshot of text - 15 basic grocery list - 16 grocery list iPad image - 17 grocery list free printable - 18 essential grocery list - 19

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

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Essential Grocery List

It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!

It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.

However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.

In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.

I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

grocery list iPad - 21

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.

When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.

So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Fresh Produce

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Avocados
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Lemons/Limes
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

GRAINS

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sandwich Bread
  • Tortillas

MEAT/PROTEIN

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sliced Turkey
  • Lunch Meat

DAIRY

  • Butter
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Milk
  • Sour Cream
  • Greek Yogurt

BAKING GOODS

  • Baking powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Flour
  • Honey
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry Yeast
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Sugar

FREEZER

  • Fruit and Berries
  • Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
  • Juice Concentrate
  • Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
  • Pie Crust
  • Cookie Dough

CANNED/DRIED GOODS

  • Chicken stock/broth
  • Salsa
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
  • Soups
  • Tuna
  • Green Chiles
  • Canned Veggies
  • Coffee or Tea

Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods

CONDIMENTS/SPICES

  • Black Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
  • Soy Sauce
  • Steak Sauce
  • Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
  • Salad Dressings

OILS/VINEGARS

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable/Canola Oil
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
  • Cooking Wine
  • White Wine Vinegar

SNACKS

  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Quick Oats
  • Popcorn
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Cereal

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Pickled Beets - 22

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!

I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!

Stock Your Kitchen

Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

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Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

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Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

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Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

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Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

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Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

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26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

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What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

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Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

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How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

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Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart

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