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I really, really love the fresh, buttery, lightly sweet taste of carrots – especially loaded when with tons of herby garlic butter flavor. I make these garlic herb roasted carrots for almost every holiday as an easy side dish – one bite and you will crave them for every dinner, too!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of contents
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Herbs and Garlic
I love how pretty rainbow carrots are when you cook them – the purple, orange, and yellow hues get brighter and they take on a bit of char – they are beautiful, and incredibly delicious!
Carrots are so simple to take from plain and crunchy to soft, buttery, and totally addictive – and the garlic butter flavor takes them over the top. They work with lots of main dishes – especially prime rib, honey-baked ham, and steaks.
How to Make Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh Rainbow Carrots (1 pound): These colorful carrots add vibrancy to the dish and provide a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Rainbow carrots come in various colors, including orange, purple, and yellow, making your roasted carrots visually appealing.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil coats the carrots, helping them roast evenly and develop a crispy exterior. It also adds a mild, fruity flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Minced garlic infuses the carrots with a rich, savory aroma and flavor. It enhances the overall taste profile of the dish and adds depth to the roasted carrots.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped) or Dried Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Rosemary contributes a woody and aromatic quality to the carrots. It complements the sweetness of the carrots with its earthy, pine-like flavor.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 teaspoon) or Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Thyme brings a subtle, herbaceous essence to the dish. Its gentle, lemony flavor pairs well with the carrots and other herbs.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional, for garnish): Chopped fresh parsley can be used as a garnish to add a pop of green color and a mild, fresh flavor to the roasted carrots. It’s optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
- Salt and Black Pepper (To Taste): Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and helps to season them evenly. Black pepper adds a hint of warmth and a touch of spiciness, balancing the dish’s flavors.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this process:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. If the carrots are large, you can cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to create the herb-infused oil.
- Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle the herb-infused oil mixture over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the carrots to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and have developed a beautiful golden-brown color. Be sure to toss them once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted garlic herb carrots from the oven. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot as a delightful side dish.
Tips and Tricks to Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
Choose Fresh Carrots: Start with fresh, firm carrots. Look for carrots that are bright in color, without any signs of wilting or soft spots. If you can, opt for whole carrots rather than pre-cut ones for better flavor.
Uniform Size: Try to cut or trim the carrots into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking, so some carrots don’t end up overcooked while others are undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the carrots enough space on the baking sheet or in the roasting pan. Crowding them can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which may not achieve the desired caramelization.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are acceptable, using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. Fresh herbs release their oils during roasting, infusing the carrots with delicious herbal notes.
Minced Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly coats the carrots and doesn’t clump together. You can also use a garlic press for this purpose.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the carrots inside. This helps achieve even cooking and caramelization.
Toss During Roasting: About halfway through the roasting time, use a spatula or tongs to gently toss the carrots. This ensures that all sides get exposed to the heat and develop that beautiful golden color.
Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the carrots as they roast. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the carrots and the accuracy of your oven. You want them to be tender but not overly soft.
Season to Taste: Taste the carrots once they’re done and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Fresh Garnish: If you choose to garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, do it just before serving. The fresh herbs will add a burst of color and flavor.
FAQs
It’s best to use fresh, whole carrots for this recipe. Look for carrots that are firm, without any signs of wilting or soft spots. You can use regular orange carrots or colorful heirloom varieties for a visually appealing dish.
Peeling the carrots is optional. If the carrots are fresh and clean, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before roasting.
Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. However, fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by about one-third, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
If you notice that the garlic is browning too quickly or starting to burn, you can remove it from the oven earlier than the carrots. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keeping an eye on it is essential for achieving the best flavor.
Roasting times can vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrot pieces and the accuracy of your oven. Generally, it takes about 25-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium-sized carrot pieces to become tender and caramelized. Start checking them around the 20-minute mark and adjust as needed.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some options include adding a pinch of paprika, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
If your carrots are too soft or not caramelized to your liking, you can place them under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This will add some extra color and texture to the carrots.
To reheat leftover Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
What to Serve With Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
Roast Chicken: The earthy flavors of roasted carrots complement the classic roast chicken. It’s a comforting and well-balanced meal.
Grilled Steak: The sweetness of the carrots contrasts beautifully with the savory richness of a perfectly grilled steak. Add a simple salad for a complete meal.
Salmon: Whether it’s roasted, grilled, or pan-seared, salmon’s mild flavor pairs wonderfully with the herb and garlic notes in the carrots.
Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of roasted carrots pairs beautifully with the tender and juicy pork tenderloin. You can add a fruit-based sauce for extra flavor.
Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian meal, consider pairing herb garlic roasted carrots with a hearty grain-based salad, such as quinoa or farro salad, or a vegetarian curry.
Lamb: The aromatic herbs and garlic in the carrots complement the bold flavors of lamb, making it a delightful pairing. Try Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb or Garlic Butter Lamb Chops – or a lovely Perfect Easy Roasted Leg of Lamb.
Holiday Roasts: Serve these carrots alongside your holiday roast, whether it’s turkey, ham, or prime rib. They add color and flavor to your festive meal.
Grilled Seafood: If you’re a fan of seafood, consider serving the roasted carrots with grilled shrimp, scallops, or grilled lobster. The sweetness of the carrots complements the seafood’s natural flavors.
Vegetarian Protein: Pair the carrots with vegetarian protein sources like tofu or tempeh. The roasted carrots add a burst of flavor and color to plant-based meals.
Pasta Dishes: Add roasted carrots to pasta dishes like carbonara or pesto pasta for a pop of color and flavor contrast.
Soup and Sandwich: Enjoy the carrots as a side with a bowl of your favorite soup or as a topping for a gourmet sandwich or wrap.
Roasted Garlic Herb Carrots Recipe
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Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
Equipment
- Herb Cutter Scissors 5 Blade Scissors Kitchen Multipurpose Cutting Shear with 5 Stainless Steel Blades & Safety Cover & Cleaning Comb Cilantro Scissors Sharp Shredding Shears Christmas Gift (Green)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. If the carrots are large, you can cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to create the herb-infused oil.
- Place the prepared carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle the herb-infused oil mixture over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the carrots to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and have developed a beautiful golden-brown color. Be sure to toss them once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the roasted garlic herb carrots from the oven. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
