Roasted Beet Rounds with Honey & Cranberries

These roasted beet rounds are as beautiful as they are delicious. Earthy, naturally sweet beets are roasted until tender, then drizzled with golden honey and topped with tangy dried cranberries. A sprinkle of feta and toasted nuts adds creamy-salty crunch, while fresh thyme gives an aromatic finish. This vibrant side dish is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to elevate your veggie game with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3 medium beets, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven → 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare beets → Slice peeled beets into ½-inch rounds. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Roast → Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
4. Finish → Drizzle roasted beets with honey while warm. Sprinkle cranberries, feta (if using), and nuts on top.
5. Serve → Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.
• Golden or striped beets can be used for color variation.
• If you don’t like feta, goat cheese also pairs beautifully.
• For a vegan option, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Tips

• Slice beets evenly for consistent roasting.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy depth.
• Roast beets ahead of time; assemble with toppings just before serving.
• Toast nuts lightly in a skillet for extra flavor.

Servings

• Serves 4 as a side dish.

Nutritional Info (per serving, without cheese)

• Calories: ~160
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbs: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Sodium: 90 mg

(Values approximate, will vary if cheese/nuts are added.)

Benefits

• Beets are rich in antioxidants, folate, fiber, and nitrates that support heart health.
• Honey and cranberries add natural sweetness without refined sugar.
• Nuts and feta boost healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
• A colorful, nutrient-dense dish that looks elegant yet simple to prepare.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast the beets in advance and refrigerate. Add honey, cranberries, and toppings just before serving.

Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Definitely—this dish works well chilled as a salad-style side.

Q: What’s the best way to peel beets?
A: Peel with a vegetable peeler before roasting, or roast whole, then rub off skins once cooled.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are too tart on their own—if using, cook them down slightly with honey before topping.

Q: What pairs well with this dish?
A: Roasted chicken, lamb, or salmon make excellent main dishes alongside these beets.