Instructions
1. Cook the beets
Wash the beets well and trim the tops.
Place them in a pot of water and cook until they become tender when pierced with a fork.
Allow them to cool, then remove the skins.
2. Slice the beets
Cut the cooked beets into slices or bite-sized pieces.
Place them into clean glass jars.
3. Make the pickling liquid
Add the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cloves, and cinnamon stick to a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
4. Pickle the beets
Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the beets until they are covered.
If using onion, add the slices between the beet pieces.
5. Refrigerate
Allow the jars to cool, then cover them and place them in the refrigerator.
For the best flavor, let the beets sit for at least 24 hours before serving.
How to Serve Pickled Beets
There are so many easy ways to enjoy homemade pickled beets.
Try adding them to:
- 🥗 Green salads
- 🥪 Sandwiches
- 🍔 Burgers
- 🍖 Grilled meats
- 🧀 Cheese boards
- 🥔 Potato salads
- 🥚 Deviled eggs
- 🍚 Grain bowls
You can also serve them as a simple side dish alongside lunch or dinner.
Why People Love Homemade Pickled Beets
One reason this recipe is so popular is its combination of flavors.
The natural sweetness of the beets works beautifully with the acidity of vinegar, while the spices add extra depth.
Homemade pickled beets are also easy to customize. You can make them sweeter, more tangy, or more heavily spiced depending on your preference.
Tips for Better Pickled Beets
Use fresh beets: Smaller or medium-sized beets are often easier to cook and slice.
Don’t overcook them: You want the beets tender but not falling apart.
Give them time: The flavor becomes better after the beets have had time to absorb the pickling liquid.
Keep them refrigerated: This recipe is intended as a refrigerator pickle rather than a shelf-stable canning recipe.
How Long Do Pickled Beets Last?
For this refrigerator version, keep the beets covered and refrigerated and use clean utensils when serving.
If you want to make shelf-stable canned pickled beets, use a tested water-bath canning recipe from a reliable food-preservation source rather than improvising the vinegar-to-water ratio.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made pickled beets at home, this is a simple recipe to start with.
The combination of sweet beets, tangy vinegar, and warm spices creates a flavorful side dish that works with everything from salads to hearty dinners.
❤️ Would you eat pickled beets straight from the jar, or would you serve them with dinner?
