Description
Brown sugar roasted carrots offer a sweet and caramelized twist on classic vegetable sides, elevating humble carrots into a crave-worthy dish. Rich maple undertones and golden-brown edges make this simple recipe a perfect companion for roasted meats or holiday gatherings you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (or use baby carrots)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- Gather the carrots and place them in a spacious mixing bowl, coating them thoroughly with melted butter to ensure even coverage.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over the buttered carrots, gently tossing to create a uniform glaze that will caramelize during roasting.
- Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece sufficient space for proper roasting.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to rotate and redistribute the carrots for consistent browning.
- Check the carrots for tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft yet retain a slight firmness and display a rich, golden-brown caramelization.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbal brightness.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delectable side dish.
Notes
- Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization across the entire batch.
- Use fresh, firm carrots with bright colors for the best texture and sweetness in the final dish.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity based on carrot sweetness and personal preference, tasting can help balance flavors perfectly.
- For a healthier version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut sugar or honey as alternative sweeteners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 189 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg