Best Garlic Roasted Carrots

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No boring side dishes around here! These Best Garlic Roasted Carrots are just 3 ingredients and all flavor. It’s all about roasting these beauties at a high temperature so the carrots caramelize as the cook. So if you’ve ever thought carrots were on the boring side, this recipe is for you. Also be sure to check out my other favorite varations below from Maple Herb to Honey Dijon.

Sheet pan with Roasted Carrots and a wooden spatula.

This easy side dish is another case of a simple recipe that seems too good to be true. I mean how can 3 simple ingredients make veggies that taste so good? As usual it’s all about technique. But don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy or time consuming!

The high oven temperature does all the work caramelizing these carrots into a veggie side dish everyone will want again and again. This recipe can also be used as a base for other veggies you love too. Olive oil + garlic + hot oven = very tasty veggies!

Side view of Roasted Carrots in a sheet pan on a white background.

I’ve used this exact cooking method on delicata squash, cubed up butternut, and sweet potatoes. But it’s also great on green beans, (way less cooking time though) and brussels sprouts as well.

One of my main goals is finding simple ways to make veggies taste great. However I almost feel strange sharing something so simple. But this is how we love to eat our veggies. So it’s just too good not to share, even though it’s incredibly simple.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Carrots, olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and pepper on a wooden cutting board.
  • Carrots – cut into 1/2″x1″ pieces is what I call for in the recipe, but you can also use baby carrots as a super quick shortcut! Just note that baby carrots don’t tend to brown as well since they come pretty wet in the package.
  • Olive Oil – avocado oil or butter all work here. I don’t usually use butter because it has to be melted and toss with the carrots. Although butter is really tasty, olive oil is my go-to for great flavor and convenience.
  • Garlic – freshly minced adds a ton of flavor here. But if you don’t have fresh, try a bit of garlic powder or garlic granules. I don’t recommend the jarred minced garlic!
  • Salt & Pepper – also add a lot to these simple carrots, and the salt is important to bring out all the flavors.

How to make this Best Garlic Roasted Carrots recipe step by step!

Sliced up carrots on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1: Cut the carrots up into 1/2″ thick slices. I used carrots that were about 1″ in diameter and cut them on the bias or at a 45º angle for a nice look.

Slice carrots tossed with olive oil and garlic on a sheet pan.

Step 2: Toss the carrots together with the olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and garlic. Then spread them out evenly on a large cookie sheet.

Finished Roasted Carrots on a gold sheet pan.

Step 3: Roast until tender and golden browned, then sprinkle with parsley if desired before serving.

FAQ’s

Should I peel carrots before roasting?

This is entirely up to your preference, they do tend to look brighter if they’re peeled. But you can definitely skip this step to save time.

Does roasting carrots make them sweeter?

Yes the heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in carrots and makes them way tastier than steamed carrots.

Can I use baby carrots in this recipe?

Yes they may need more or less time, just keep checking on them. Also they don’t usually brown quite as well and the texture isn’t as good as regular carrots.

Storing leftovers!

  • To Store – place them in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
  • Reheat – in a small frying pan over low heat stirring until warmed through. Or reheat in the oven if you’re already baking something else.
  • Freezer – cooked carrots can be frozen but they loose their texture and aren’t very firm so I don’t recommend it.
Close view of Roasted Carrots on a gold sheet pan.

3 Roasted Carrot Variations!

  1. Maple Herb – rosemary, sage, or thyme all work great here. Add 1 tablespoon each maple syrup and chopped fresh herb of choice. You can also try my Browned Butter Maple Sage Carrots.
  2. Honey Mustard – add 1 tablespoon each mustard and honey when you toss the carrots before roasting. I like to use Dijon mustard for the best flavor. You can also add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme as well.
  3. Parmesan – You can add 1/4-1/3 cup grated parmesan in the last 10 minutes of cooking time or sprinkle it over the finished carrots. Either way is really tasty!
Roasted Carrots sprinkled with parsley on a sheet pan with a blue and white linen in the background.

I really hope you enjoy these Best Garlic Roasted Carrots! They’re so tasty and easily adaptable to so many different dinners. If you do get a chance to make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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Finished Roasted Carrots on a gold sheet pan.

Best Garlic Roasted Carrots


  • Author: Kari Peters
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

No boring side dishes around here! These Best Garlic Roasted Carrots are just 3 ingredients and all flavor. It’s all about roasting these beauties at a high temperature so the carrots caramelize as the cook. So if you’ve ever thought carrots were on the boring side, this recipe is for you. Also be sure to check out my other favorite varations below from Maple Herb to Honey Dijon.


Ingredients

Scale

2 pound carrots, cut into 1/2” slices, see notes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional: 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF.

On a large cookie sheet, toss the carrots together with the olive oil, garlic, sea salt, and pepper to combine.

Spread the carrots out evenly and roast in the oven until tender and beginning to brown, 30-40 minutes.

Check halfway through the cooking time and stir the carrots that are browning.

Sprinkle with the optional parsley, and serve.

Notes

You can peel the carrots or not. They do tend to be slightly brighter in color when peeled.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Roasted Carrots, Oven Roasted Carrots, Roasted Carrots

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