Easy Roasted Carrots Recipe
Roasted carrots are a simple yet flavourful side dish. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they caramelize beautifully in the oven for a naturally sweet, tender, and golden result.
In this post, you will learn how to make roasted carrots.
How to Make Roasted Carrots
Take your carrots and peel them, then slice them lengthwise.
Place the sliced carrots into a pot of water and bring to a boil.
Boil for 1 minute then remove from heat and add the carrots to an ice bath.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and add the carrots to the tray.
Drizzle with olive oil then add the salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 1 hour then increase the heat for another 15 minutes to crisp up the carrots.
Remove from the heat and serve with your main dish and a side of crispy smashed potatoes!
What is Blanching?
Blanching is a quick cooking technique where vegetables are briefly boiled in hot water (or steamed) and then immediately cooled in an ice bath.
This method helps preserve their bright colour, crisp texture, and nutrients while making peeling or freezing easier.
Blanching is especially useful for preparing vegetables like green beans, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes.
If you’re looking for the best way to keep veggies fresh, vibrant, and freezer-ready, blanching is the key kitchen tip every home cook should know.
How to Store
I find it best to eat your carrots on the same day, but should you wish to store them, the best ways to properly store roasted carrots so they stay fresh and tasty are listed below:
To refrigerate, place the cooled roasted carrots into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze for a longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will last about 2–3 months in the freezer.
If you want to reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F /175°C/Gas Mark 4 until heated through or quickly reheat in a skillet. However using the oven helps to keep them slightly crisp instead of mushy.
If you love easy vegetable side dishes, you may also enjoy my oven roasted asparagus.
Ingredients
Carrots: carrots are the main ingredient in this side dish. When they are heated at high heat, they will turn nice and crispy.
Olive Oil: olive oil is used for extra flavour, helps with browning, and boosts nutritional value in this carrot dish.
Salt: salt is added for flavour.
Black Pepper: black pepper is added for flavour.
Tips
- Blanching the carrots before baking helps them to crisp up more evenly than baking them straight away.
- Do not boil your vegetables for longer than 1 minute when you are blanching them or else they can turn to mush.
Looking for other side dishes? Try the recipes below!
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Wedges
- Slow Cooker Stuffing
- Mashed Butternut Squash
- Tomato and Carrot Salad
Roast Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. carrots peeled and sliced lengthwise
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the carrots and peel them. Slice them lengthwise and place them into a pot filled with water.
- Blanch the carrots for 1 minute. Remove from heat and place the carrots into ice cold water.
- Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6/200℃/400℉.
- Place the blanched carrots onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the olive oil onto the carrots then add the salt and black pepper.
- Bake for 1 hour making sure to flip the carrots halfway through. Then increase the heat to Gas Mark 9/240℃/475℉. Bake for another 15 minutes on the higher heat.
- Remove from the oven let cool and serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is best for roasting carrots?
Roasting carrots at around 400°F (200°C) works well. The higher heat helps the carrots become tender on the inside while developing beautifully caramelized, browned edges.
Do I need to peel carrots before roasting?
Peeling is optional. If you’re using young, fresh carrots, you can simply wash and scrub them well. For larger carrots, peeling them can give you a smoother texture.
How do I make roasted carrots crispy?
Cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as too much moisture can prevent the carrots from browning properly.
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots are convenient and work well for roasting. If they are particularly thick, cut them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
Can I make roasted carrots ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to help bring back some of their roasted texture.
What seasonings go well with roasted carrots?
Garlic, Parmesan, thyme, rosemary, parsley, black pepper, paprika, honey, and maple syrup all pair beautifully with roasted carrots.
Can I make roasted carrots with honey?
Absolutely! Honey adds a delicious sweetness and helps the carrots caramelize as they roast. You can also use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
Why are my roasted carrots soggy?
Soggy carrots are often caused by overcrowding the baking sheet. Spread the carrots out so they have plenty of room and roast them at a high enough temperature to encourage browning.
What can I serve with roasted carrots?
Roasted carrots are delicious alongside juicy roast chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, pork chops, steak, glazed meatloaf, turkey, roast beef, oven baked potatoes, and stuffing. They’re also an easy addition to Thanksgiving and holiday dinners.
Are roasted carrots good for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Roasted carrots make an easy and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish. Their natural sweetness pairs especially well with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and other classic holiday sides.