Roasted carrots are one of those versatile side dishes that work well with almost any meal.
Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or planning a more elaborate feast, these tender, slightly sweet carrots are the perfect vegetable side dish.
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In this post, I’ll show you how to make simple roasted carrots, and I’ll share some great ideas for what to serve with them.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegetable Recipe
- Quick Prep: Ready to roast in just 5 minutes.
- Versatile: Works with various carrot types—baby, whole, or sliced. Colorful carrots look gorgeous for special occasions.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Carrots are packed with nutrients, and roasting enhances their natural sweetness.
Roasted Carrots Recipe
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds carrots (baby carrots, whole carrots, sliced, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the carrots, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for approximately 40 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Depending on the size of the carrots, the cook time may vary—check for tenderness every 5-10 minutes after the initial 30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor.
How to store Roasted Carrots
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. These are also really delicious cold.
What to Serve with Roasted Carrots
Pairing your roasted carrots with complementary dishes can take your meal from simple to extraordinary. Here are some delicious ideas:
Proteins
- Roasted Chicken: Classic and comforting, a roasted chicken is perfect with these sweet and savory carrots.
- Grilled Steak: The hearty flavors of steak pair wonderfully with the tender carrots. This is a common steakhouse pairing.
- Baked Salmon: Light and flaky, salmon pairs beautifully with the earthiness of roasted carrots.
- Lentil or Quinoa-Based Dishes (Vegetarian/Vegan): For a plant-based option, hearty grains and legumes are perfect with roasted veggies.
Additional Side Dishes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and smooth, mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing with roasted carrots.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Adds freshness and color to your plate.
- Couscous or Rice Pilaf: A flavorful base that soaks up the delicious juices from the carrots.
- Mixed Green Salad: Crisp and refreshing, salad is a great contrast to the soft, roasted vegetables.
Sauces and Condiments
- Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant, herbaceous sauce that livens up any protein.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: Drizzle over carrots and proteins for a sweet and tangy boost.
- Tahini Dressing: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor, especially when serving the carrots with grains or salads.
Recommended Items for Easy Roasted Carrots
- Baking Sheets: Check out these non-stick baking sheets for perfect roasting every time. These are really sturdy and food cooks up nicely.
- Parchment Paper: Easy-cleanup parchment paper that’s ideal for roasting vegetables.
- Vegetable Peelers: A good quality vegetable peeler should be in every kitchen.
- Serving Platters: Stylish serving platters to showcase your roasted carrots.
- Herb Scissors: Chop fresh herbs effortlessly with these herb scissors. Plus, they’re kind of fun to use.
- Storage Containers: Keep your leftovers fresh with these airtight containers. They’re microwaveable and freezer safe, and dishwasher safe, but can also be recycled or disposed of.
Roasted carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that go with a wide variety of meals. With minimal prep and versatile pairing options, they’re a go-to simple side dish recipe for any occasion.
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