Honey Sweet Pickled Beets
Sweet and tangy pickled beets with honey and warm spices, perfect as a condiment or side for salads and charcuterie boards, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup honey ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups juice from boiled beets ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons pickling spices (1 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons celery seed)
- 1 small to medium onion, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beets until skins slip off easily.
- Put cooked beets into cold water and remove skins, tops, and roots.
- In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, dry mustard, celery seed, salt, and juice from boiled beets.
- Add pickling spices and diced onion (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Slice the prepared beets and place them into sterilized jars.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jars and allow to cool before refrigerating. Let pickles sit for at least 24 hours for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger to the pickling liquid. You can substitute agave syrup for honey if you prefer a vegan option. If you have leftover beet juice, use it in smoothies or salad dressings for a vibrant color and nutrient boost.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Sweet Pickled Beets make a delightful addition to charcuterie boards or as a tangy topping for sandwiches. They also pair beautifully with Fried Peach Pieces for a sweet-savory contrast. Serve alongside grilled meats or as a vibrant side dish to brighten up your meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickled beets in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to two weeks. For serving, you can enjoy them cold straight from the jar or add them to salads. Avoid reheating pickled beets, as it may alter their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Sweet Pickled Beets contains roughly 582 calories, with 4g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2099mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh beets instead of boiled ones?
Yes, you can use fresh beets; just boil them until tender and then proceed with the recipe. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the beets, but typically it takes about 30-45 minutes.
How long do the pickled beets need to sit before eating?
For the best flavor, let the pickled beets sit for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Can I reuse the pickling liquid for future batches?
Yes, you can reuse the pickling liquid for a second batch of beets, but it's best to do so within a week. The flavor may become milder with each use, so consider adding fresh spices to boost the taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).