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Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots are a comforting and flavorful side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots enhanced with a luscious caramelized brown sugar glaze. Easy to prepare with a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners and festive occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or chunks
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a nice caramelization. Peel the carrots and cut them evenly into sticks or small chunks for even cooking.
  2. Toss carrots with seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the carrots with melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or fresh herbs. Toss well to coat every carrot piece with the sweet and savory mixture.
  3. Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure they have space to roast rather than steam, which helps develop a perfect caramelized exterior.
  4. Roast to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking. The carrots should be tender on the inside with a glossy browned sugar coating on the outside.
  5. Serve warm: Once roasted, transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use uniform pieces: Cutting carrots to similar sizes ensures even roasting without some pieces burning or being undercooked.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give carrots enough room to brown rather than steam for a caramelized finish.
  • Use fresh brown sugar: Brown sugar that’s soft and fresh creates a better glaze and sweeter flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness: Start with less brown sugar and add more if you like it sweeter; roasting intensifies the sugar’s flavor.
  • Toss halfway: Stirring the carrots halfway through cooking promotes even coating and caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, brown sugar carrots, side dish, caramelized carrots, gluten free side