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Roasted Carrots

These Roasted Carrots are the ideal side dish: they’re healthy, easy to make, and taste so good that you might even forget you’re eating a vegetable! They are sweet and tender with a slightly crispy interior, and seasoned well with simple balsamic herb glaze that adds just the perfect balance to naturally sweet carrots.

The best part? It takes just ten minutes to prep this year-round Roasted carrot recipe, so you can work on the main dish or other sides while they roast in the oven! Plus, because they’re so simple, they pair well with just about anything! So whether you’re serving red meat, chicken, fish, pork, or vegetarian mains, they will compliment your entree perfectly. Serve them as a side for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party.

Why You'll Love these Roasted Carrots

  • Simple ingredients. This incredibly simple side is made with only 4 common ingredients (plus salt and pepper) — perfect for times when you’re running low on groceries or want a low-effort veggie side!
  • Quick and easy to make. Roasted carrots are a simple and easy dish that can be made with just a few simple steps. It takes about 5-10 minutes of prep time before they are ready to roast in the oven for about 30 minutes.
  • Healthy side dish. No ready-made sauces with artificial ingredients or preservatives here! Just carrots, olive oil, balsamic, seasoning blend of spices, salt, and pepper. These roasted carrots are just as good for you as they are delicious. This side dish is vegan and gluten-free too.
  • Perfect for Easter! Looking for the perfect vegetable side to serve with your Easter ham or roast? Look no further — these simple honey roasted carrots pair beautifully with all the classic Easter dishes, and they’re perfectly festive for spring.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Roasted Carrots, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

  • carrots - use your favorite variety, but look for fresh, firm, and unblemished carrots with bright orange color for the best flavor and texture. This recipe will also work with parsnips, just make sure they’re scrubbed clean and shaved or cut down to carrot-size.
  • olive oil - use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It's important to coat the carrots evenly with the oil to ensure they roast evenly and don't dry out. You can also use avocado oil as a good substitute.
  • balsamic vinegar - look for a good quality balsamic vinegar with a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Aged balsamic vinegar works particularly well in this recipe, as it adds a rich and complex flavor to the carrots.
  • Italian seasoning - Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. You can use store-bought Italian seasoning or make your own by combining these herbs in equal parts.
  • salt and pepper

You will also need measuring spoons, mixing bowls, and a large baking sheet.

How to Make the Best Roasted Carrots

  1. Slice carrots. Slice carrots into 1 ½-inch pieces, cut on an angle. Place the carrots into a large mixing bowl.
  1. Toss with seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour over the carrots and toss to combine.
  1. Bake. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet and place  into the oven. Bake in a 400 F preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tender. (Note that depending on how thick your carrots are, the roasting time may vary. Thicker carrots will need more time). Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

  • Spice things up. The flavor of these stunningly simple roasted carrots can easily be customized by tossing them in your favorite spice or spice blend before roasting them. Try adding some cumin, chili powder, or paprika to your seasoning blend and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for balance.
  • Make it tangy. Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over your roasted carrots before serving for a tangy and salty twist.
  • Sweeten it. You can sweeten your roasted carrots by drizzling them with honey or maple syrup before roasting. The result is a caramelized, sweet and savory flavor.
  • Herb it up. Add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley when serving your roasted carrots for an aromatic and fragrant taste.
  • Add crunch. Add some crunch to your roasted carrots by topping them with crispy toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts or pistachios. The nuts add a contrasting texture and depth of flavor.
  • Finish with a drizzle. Give your roasted carrots a final touch of flavor by drizzling them with honey, balsamic glaze, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

How to Serve

The most common way to serve these Roasted Carrots is as a healthy side dish to almost any entree or protein. Some of our favorite entrees to serve them with are:

  • Pesto Whole Chicken
  • Prime Rib Roast
  • Greek Salmon
  • Instant Pot Turkey Roast
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites
  • Pecan Crusted Chicken

But, there are other creative ways to serve these roasted carrots too, such as:

  • in a salad - Toss roasted carrots into a salad to add a sweet, caramelized flavor and a pop of color. Try it in this Roasted Carrot Arugula Salad.
  • as a snack - Roasted carrots make a great snack on their own, especially when served with a flavorful dip like Hummus or Tzatziki Sauce.
  • in soup - throw these carrots into any soup recipe that calls for carrots. Try it in Carrot Pumpkin Soup or Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup.
  • on a charcuterie board - Add roasted carrots to a Charcuterie Board for a colorful and tasty addition.
  • as a topping - Use roasted carrots as a topping for grain bowls, pizzas, or tacos to add a flavorful and nutritious twist.
  • mixed with other roasted vegetables - Combine roasted carrots with other roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a delicious and colorful medley.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Cut the carrots evenly. To ensure that your roasted carrots cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even pieces that are roughly the same thickness.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. Make sure to leave enough space between the carrots on the baking sheet or dish. Overcrowding can cause the carrots to steam instead of roast, resulting in a soft texture instead of crispy.
  • Roast at a high temperature. To achieve crispy, caramelized edges, roast your carrots at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C) or above.
  • Use a timer. Keep an eye on your carrots while they roast and use a timer to prevent overcooking or burning. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork – you want them to be tender but not mushy.
  • Serve at gatherings and holiday parties. Roasted carrots are the perfect easy-but-fancy side dish to serve when you want to impress your friends and family. Summon this recipe for dinner parties and holidays like Christmas and Easter for maximum impact!
  • Pair with a dipping sauce. Whether you have a picky eater at home or just want something a little extra, you can serve these carrots with a dipping sauce on the side. Enhance the honey flavor with a honey vinaigrette or serve it with pesto or homemade ranch dressing.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Place cooled roasted carrots into an airtight container or large Ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, stirring continuously.

How to Freeze

Transfer the roasted carrots to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the carrots to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating, or add directly from frozen to dishes such as soup.

More Carrot Recipes

  • 40 Best Carrot Recipes
  • Honey Roasted Carrots
  • Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
  • Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce
  • Carrot Pumpkin Soup
  • Carrot Cake Pancakes

Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Roasted Carrots


  • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe


This post first appeared on Ahead Of Thyme, please read the originial post: here

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Roasted Carrots

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