Sweet Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Print Version)
Sweet carrots caramelized with herbs and spices, creating a vibrant and healthy side dish.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
→ Garnish
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1 tsp lemon zest
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place peeled and cut carrots into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with sea salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder if desired. Toss to coat thoroughly.
03 - Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast carrots for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until tender, caramelized, and golden.
05 - Transfer roasted carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They taste like candy but are actually good for you, with natural sweetness that emerges only when you roast them properly.
- One sheet pan, five minutes of prep, and you've got a side dish that makes everything around it taste better.
- Works as a snack, a side, or even chopped into grain bowls the next day if you happen to have leftovers.
02 -
- Don't flip them too early or too often—let them sit undisturbed for the first 10 to 12 minutes so they develop that caramelized exterior.
- Oven temperatures vary wildly, so trust your eyes and nose; if they're browning too fast, lower the heat slightly.
03 -
- Cut the carrots into roughly the same size so they roast evenly; uneven pieces will brown before thinner ones cook through.
- Use a convection oven if you have one—the circulating heat creates even more caramelization and takes about 5 minutes off the cooking time.