These roasted brown sugar carrots are a sweet side dish you’ll love! The carrots turn tender and caramelized, with just the right amount of sweetness to make your taste buds smile.
Seriously, who knew carrots could taste like this? I often sneak bites straight from the pan—they’re that good! Perfect for dinner with family or friends.
Cooking them is super easy, just toss with brown sugar and roast until golden. I like to serve them alongside roasted chicken for a tasty combo. Enjoy the yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots bring sweetness and tenderness. However, you can use regular carrots by peeling and cutting them into uniform pieces. I often find that fresh, locally sourced carrots have a better taste. Look for vibrant colors and firm texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to use white sugar, though the carrots might lose some of that rich sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
Olive Oil: I prefer using olive oil for a light and fruity flavor. However, you can substitute canola or avocado oil if you want a different taste. The oil helps the carrots roast nicely and enhances their natural sweetness.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is an easy way to add flavor. If you have fresh garlic, you can use a minced clove instead for a stronger taste. Just keep in mind that fresh garlic can burn easily, so add it later in the roasting process.
How Can I Ensure My Carrots Are Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting carrots is simple, but there are a few tips to make them turn out great! First, make sure to preheat your oven well so the carrots cook evenly. Oven temperature really matters when it comes to caramelizing.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re too crowded, they might steam instead of roast.
- Toss them halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get caramelized and that they cook evenly.
- Check for tenderness with a fork at around 20 minutes; if they’re not done, keep roasting! Every oven is different.
How to Make Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or peeled and cut regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to roast in the oven, so you’ll have delicious roasted brown sugar carrots ready to enjoy in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your carrots roast nicely and become tender and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Carrots:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the baby carrots, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything until the carrots are evenly coated. This flavorful blend will make the carrots sweet and savory!
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the sheet. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Roast the Carrots:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, take a moment to stir the carrots to ensure they’re cooking evenly and caramelizing beautifully.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are tender and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a serving bowl, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor!
Enjoy your delicious and sweet roasted brown sugar carrots!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are convenient, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into uniform pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long, to ensure even roasting. You might also try using rainbow carrots for added color!
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can also be used, but reduce the quantity slightly since they are sweeter.
How to Store Leftover Roasted Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You could also microwave them, but they may lose some of their caramelization.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a delicious mix. Just cut all the vegetables to similar sizes for even roasting and keep an eye on the cooking time, as different veggies may need slightly different times to become tender.
