Are you tired of boring, bland vegetable side dishes that nobody wants to eat? Prepare to revolutionize your dinner table with these mind-blowing Caramelized Oven Roasted Carrots that transform ordinary root vegetables into a culinary masterpiece! With just a few simple ingredients and a magic touch of honey and high-heat roasting, you'll create a side dish so delicious that even vegetable skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly, then cut them into uniform diagonal or matchstick-shaped pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces approximately 2-3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
- Place the prepared carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the carrots instead of caramelizing them.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the carrots, then sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the carrots gently to ensure they are completely coated with oil and seasonings.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking to promote even caramelization.
- During the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle honey over the carrots and gently toss to coat, which will enhance their natural sweetness and create a beautiful golden-brown caramelized exterior.
- Remove from the oven when carrots are tender and have developed golden-brown edges with a slight caramelized appearance.
- Let the carrots rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the caramelization to set and flavors to meld.
- Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added freshness.
Tips
- Choose the Right Carrots: Select fresh, firm carrots with smooth skin for the best caramelization. Avoid carrots that are limp or have extensive green tops.
- Cut Uniformly: Consistent cutting ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation. Use a sharp knife to create uniform pieces about 2-3 inches long.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing.
- High Heat is Key: The 425°F temperature is crucial for creating those gorgeous golden-brown edges and bringing out the carrots' natural sweetness.
- Honey Hack: Add honey in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while creating a beautiful caramelized glaze.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.Pro Tip: Let the carrots rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the caramelization to set and flavors to fully develop. Trust us, patience pays off!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
