Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple, flavorful side dish that elevates everyday carrots with a rich garlic butter glaze. Roasted to tender perfection and caramelized just right, these carrots make a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby carrots, washed and trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Step 4: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
6. Step 6: Remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Step 7: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the carrots for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use baby carrots for best texture; if using larger carrots, cut them into sticks of similar size to ensure even roasting.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
• Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet note.
• For a smoky twist, grill the carrots instead of roasting, cooking for 10-15 minutes and turning often.
• Add spices like paprika or cumin, or brighten the dish with a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for variation.
• Use vegan butter or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage

Allow the roasted carrots to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, place cooled carrots in a freezer bag with excess air removed; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to preserve texture, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes for a quicker option, though this may soften them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How long do garlic butter roasted carrots need to cook?

They roast for about 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Stir halfway through to ensure even caramelization. The carrots should be tender but not mushy when done.

Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?

Yes, baby potatoes, zucchini, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or bell peppers can be used. Adjust cooking times as needed since some vegetables require longer roasting to become tender.

Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

Deliciously roasted baby carrots coated in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, enhanced with fresh thyme and a touch of honey. This simple yet elegant side dish is perfectly caramelized, tender, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, complementing a wide range of main courses.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound baby carrots, washed and trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots to perfect caramelization and tenderness.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Coat Carrots: Add the baby carrots to the bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Toss them thoroughly to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even roasting.
5. Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time, around 15 minutes, to promote even browning and cooking. The carrots should be tender and lightly caramelized when done.
6. Cool Slightly: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling and serving.
7. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the carrots for added freshness and color. Optionally, drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan on top for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Use baby carrots for the best texture and quicker cooking; if unavailable, cut regular carrots into similarly sized sticks.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the carrots roast evenly instead of steaming.
• Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture for additional flavor depth.
• For dairy-free alternatives, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweet notes.
• To reheat leftovers, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: garlic butter roasted carrots, roasted baby carrots, side dish, easy roasted carrots, garlic carrot recipe, honey glazed carrots, thyme roasted carrots