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These Hasselback beets turn basic root veggies into a fancy, gorgeous side that'll wow everyone at your table. The cutting method creates those cool fan-like slices that roast up perfectly, letting the natural beet flavor stand out while making delightfully crisp edges.
I came across this slicing trick during a boring winter when my veggie box was full of root vegetables. What started as just trying to make beets more interesting has turned into my go-to dish for dinner parties, and everyone always asks me how I make them.
Ingredients
- Medium beets: grab ones that feel hard with unblemished skin and bright color for the best taste
- Olive oil: pick a nice extra virgin kind to get better results when roasting
- Salt and pepper: grinding your pepper right before using really makes food taste better
- Fresh dill: this herb makes the sauce special and adds freshness to the earthy beets
- Greek yogurt: brings a nice tang and smooth texture, and whole milk versions work best
- Lemon juice: cuts through the sweetness of the cooked beets
- Honey: just a touch pulls all the dressing flavors together
- Garlic: a tiny clove adds flavor without taking over the gentle dill taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get your beets ready:
- Start by scrubbing and peeling those beets completely since any dirt will mess up the taste. For those fancy hasselback cuts, put wooden spoons or chopsticks alongside each beet so you don't accidentally cut all the way through. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch apart, going across the whole beet and stopping when your knife hits the spoons. The thinner and more even your slices, the prettier they'll look when done.
- Add flavors before cooking:
- Set your sliced beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment so they won't stick and cleanup's a breeze. Pour plenty of olive oil over them, and use your fingers to work it between all those slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, making sure some gets down in the cuts. Getting seasoning and oil between all those slices makes a huge difference in the final taste.
- Cook them just right:
- Stick them in a 400°F oven for about 50-60 minutes, and check on them now and then. How long they take depends on how big your beets are and how soft you want them. You'll know they're done when the edges look a bit crispy and a fork slides in easily. For the last 15 minutes, spoon the pan juices back over the beets to help them brown nicely and stay moist.
- Make your dill sauce:
- While those beets are cooking, mix up your dressing with finely chopped fresh dill, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and a bit of minced garlic in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before you use it so all those flavors can mix together. The sauce should be runny enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay on the beets.
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Fresh dill really makes this dish special. My grandma always had dill growing in her garden, and whenever I smell it, I'm right back in her kitchen again. The first time I tried it with these beets, they went together so perfectly that my family now asks for them all the time.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can fix these fancy beets up to two days before you need them, which is super handy for dinner parties. Just prepare and cook them as the recipe says, then let them cool down completely before putting them in a sealed container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat them, warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until they're heated through. Make the dill sauce separately and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce actually gets better after sitting for a day as the garlic and dill flavors really sink into the yogurt.
Seasonal Variations
Red beets might be what most people use, but trying different kinds can make your dish look amazing. In summer, go for golden beets for a bright yellow dish, or try Chioggia beets with their cool candy-stripe centers that'll get people talking. During winter, try mixing red and golden beets on the same plate for a colorful display that brightens up dark days. Each type has its own slightly different taste but they all have that earthy sweetness beets are known for.
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Perfect Pairings
These fancy beets go great as part of a bigger meal. For a Mediterranean dinner, serve them with chicken roasted with lemon and herbs plus some wild rice on the side. They also work really well with rich meats like lamb or duck by adding sweetness that balances the strong flavors. For a vegetarian option, put them in a filling grain bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and tahini sauce. Beets are so flexible they work for both casual family dinners and fancy dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does hasselback mean for beets?
It refers to slicing the beets thin without cutting completely through. This style gives the beets a fan-like look and helps them get crispy as they roast.
- → How do I avoid cutting through the beet completely?
Place wooden spoons or chopsticks along the sides of the beet as guides. They'll keep the knife from slicing too deep.
- → What can I pair with these roasted beets?
They're great alongside grilled chicken or salmon. For plant-based pairings, pop them next to quinoa, arugula salads, or roasted vegetables.
- → Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
For sure! Swap the Greek yogurt out with coconut yogurt or mashed avocado to keep it creamy and vegan.
- → How do I level up the dill sauce flavor?
Add some apple cider vinegar, a pinch of red chili flakes, or fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh twist.