Here’s a classic Homemade Pickled Beets Recipe — tangy, slightly sweet, and perfect as a side, salad topping, or snack right from the jar. This recipe is easy to make with either fresh or pre-cooked beets.
🥄 Homemade Pickled Beets
🕒 Total Time: About 2 hours (plus cooling & chilling)
🍽️ Yields: ~4 pint jars (depends on beet size)
Ingredients
For the Beets:
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3 lbs fresh beets (about 6–8 medium)
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Water, for boiling
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1 tsp salt
Pickling Brine:
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2 cups apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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1 cup water
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¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 ½ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground allspice (or 4 whole allspice berries)
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½ tsp ground cloves (or 4–6 whole cloves)
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1 cinnamon stick
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Optional: ½ tsp mustard seeds or peppercorns
Instructions
1. Cook the Beets
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Wash beets and trim tops and tails.
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Place in a large pot, cover with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 40–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
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Drain and let cool slightly. Peel skins (they should slip off easily).
2. Slice or Quarter
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Cut beets into 1/4-inch slices, wedges, or bite-sized chunks—your preference.
3. Make the Pickling Brine
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In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse flavors.
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Strain if using whole spices.
4. Combine Beets and Brine
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Place sliced beets into sterilized glass jars (pint-size or quart).
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Pour hot brine over the beets, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
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Tap jars gently to remove air bubbles.
5. Cool & Store
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Let jars cool to room temperature.
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Seal with lids and refrigerate.
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For best flavor, let them sit for at least 24–48 hours before eating. Flavor deepens over time.
🧊 Storage
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Refrigerator: Lasts up to 2 months.
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Canning (optional): If water-bath canning, process jars for 30 minutes for longer shelf stability (use proper canning methods and equipment).
✅ Tips & Variations
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Golden Beets: Use for a sweeter, less earthy flavor and vibrant yellow color.
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Spicy Version: Add a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to each jar.
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Herbal Twist: Add fresh dill or rosemary sprigs for an herby profile.
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No Sugar Option: You can reduce or omit sugar for a more tart pickle.