Grilled Beets

Here’s how to make perfect grilled beets! They come out sweet and tender, ideal as a side dish for a summer grilled meal.

So you want to grill beets? Here’s how to do it! Grilled beets are an ideal summer side dish for when you’re planning to fire up the grill. These come out sweet and tender, perfectly cooked and even better with a sprinkle of feta cheese. While they take a little longer than most grilled vegetables, they’re worth the wait. Serve them up with a a few other grilled veggies or summer salads, and they make the meal complete. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients for grilled beets

Let’s clarify one thing first: beets are delicious no matter which way you cook them! If you’re looking simply to cook beets quickly, we recommend Instant Pot beets, which takes only 30 minutes. You can also roast them (our favorite!) and boil them. But if you’re already planning to fire up the grill: you should definitely try grilled beets! All you’ll need is a few ingredients:

• Beets
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper

For serving, adding a sprinkle of feta cheese is nice too (beets and feta are a perfect pairing!). It makes them stand out as a fancier side dish. But it’s certainly not required!

Make grilled beets in foil

Yes, you can grill beets directly on the grill grates. But for this method, the beets are grilled in a foil packet. (You can also use the foil method for potatoes and corn.) Here’s why:

• The foil packet helps contain the mess. Beets are messy! The beet juice gets everywhere when you handle cut beets. This is why we don’t suggest placing the beets right onto the grill grates.
• The foil also takes up less grill space. Try to grill beets right on the grates, and they take up the entire grill with no room for anything else! With the foil packet method, they take up much less space, leaving room for a grilled main or other veggies.

How to grill beets: tips!

Ready to get grilling? Here are a few tips for making grilled beets:

• Cook time: 35 to 50 minutes. The biggest thing to note about grilled beets is the cook time: they do take longer than any other grilled vegetable. (Don’t worry: this is still quicker than roasting!)
• Taste test to assess doneness. The exact timing depends on how thick or thin you cut them, the age of the beets, and the exact grill temperature. Throw them on the grill and be aware that you’ll need to taste test them!
• Cook over medium high heat. That’s 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add Italian seasoning: it gives the beets a subtle Mediterranean-style flair! Use purchased or we have a recipe for homemade.

Once they’re done, top with feta cheese to add a salty element. Not required: but we love them that way!

Make it a meal!

Grilled beets go well with lots of summer main dishes! Here are some ideas for pairings that go alongside:

• Salmon or Tuna: Try with our Grilled Salmon or Grilled Ahi Tuna, Broccoli Slaw, and an Aperol Spritz.
• Shrimp: Make Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Corn, and Watermelon Salad.
• Veggie Burger: Make this Portobello Burger, Grilled Caesar Salad, and Watermelon Vodka Cocktails.

This grilled beets recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free (feta cheese is optional).

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More grilled vegetables

Here’s how to make just about any grilled vegetable you could think of! Try these grilled side dish ideas:

• Perfect Corn, Corn in Foil, Corn in Husk, or Elote The best ways to cook this seasonal treat. Or try grilled corn salad.
• Portobellos or Mushroom Skewers Full of meaty, smoky flavor.
• Cauliflower or Broccoli Charred florets of goodness.
• Onions, Peppers, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Zucchini and Squash Perfect for summer.
• Grilled Potatoes, Potatoes in Foil, Grilled Baked Potato, Sweet Potatoes, or Carrots Classic!
• Asparagus, Avocado, Okra, Bok Choy, Beets, or Brussels Sprouts Unique, tasty and easy.
• Romaine, Cabbage, or Kale These leafy greens are fantastic grilled.
• Pineapple, Bananas, or Grilled Apples A sweet ending from a grilled dessert!