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- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Quantity of Each Ingredient: For this dish, use 1 pound of baby carrots or regular carrots. The garlic should be 4 cloves, and you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and thyme. Hints of sweetness come from 1 teaspoon of honey, which is optional. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Notes on Ingredient Substitutions: If you can’t find baby carrots, regular carrots work just fine. Just peel and cut them into sticks. For herbs, feel free to swap rosemary and thyme with other fresh herbs like dill or basil. If you want a vegan option, skip the honey or use agave syrup instead. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Recommended Temperature: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps caramelize the carrots. - Importance of Preheating: Preheating makes sure the carrots roast evenly. It also enhances their flavor. - Instructions for Peeling and Cutting: If you use regular carrots, peel them first. Cut them into sticks about the same size as baby carrots. This ensures even cooking. - Mixing Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large bowl, mix the carrots, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, and thyme. If you want a touch of sweetness, add honey. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until the carrots are well-coated. - Spreading Carrots on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the carrots in a single layer. This helps them roast, not steam. - Cooking Time and Stirring Tips: Roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through to ensure even roasting. They should be tender and caramelized when done. Adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy the rich flavor! Adjusting Seasoning Start with salt and pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural carrot taste. After roasting, taste the carrots. If they need more flavor, add a sprinkle of salt or pepper. Don't be shy about adjusting! Recommended Herbs for Flavor Enhancement I love using fresh herbs. Rosemary and thyme work great here. They bring a warm, earthy flavor. You can also try dill or oregano for something different. Try mixing different herbs to find your favorite blend. Tips for Caramelization Caramelization gives carrots a sweet, rich flavor. To achieve this, roast them at 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps them brown nicely. Make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet. Crowding the carrots can cause steaming instead of roasting. Best Practices for Even Roasting Stir the carrots halfway through cooking. This ensures they roast evenly. It also helps to flip them for a lovely golden color. Use a large baking sheet for better air flow. This way, every carrot gets that perfect roast! Garnishing Ideas Finish your dish with fresh parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese for a creamy touch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors, too. Pairing with Other Dishes Garlic herb roasted carrots pair well with many meals. They go great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. Try them alongside a hearty grain salad for a full meal. The flavors mingle nicely, creating a delicious plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme elevate the flavor of the carrots significantly compared to dried herbs. Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your taste; more honey will give a sweeter caramelization. Even Roasting: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking and caramelization on all sides. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley at the end brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. {{image_2}} You can switch up the carrots in this dish. Try using parsnips, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. For seasonal options, think about using squash in fall or asparagus in spring. These choices keep your meals fresh and fun. To add more excitement, think about spices. A pinch of cumin or paprika can give your carrots a warm kick. If you love heat, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also swap out honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Each sweetener changes the taste just a bit. Experiment to find what you like best. If you want this dish vegan, skip the honey or use a vegan sweetener. It stays tasty without losing flavor. For allergy-friendly options, ensure you choose oils and herbs that fit your needs. Always check labels for hidden allergens. These small changes help everyone enjoy this dish. After enjoying your garlic herb roasted carrots, store leftovers properly. The best containers for storage are glass or plastic airtight containers. These keep the carrots fresh and tasty. You want to avoid using metal containers, as they can alter the flavor. Keep your cooked carrots in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. Just remember to place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy them later. To reheat your carrots, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the texture crisp and the flavor intact. If you use a microwave, place the carrots in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This method is quick but may soften the carrots more than the oven method. For both methods, add a little olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before reheating. This keeps the dish flavorful and fresh. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just remember that frozen carrots often have extra water. To keep them from becoming mushy, thaw the carrots first. Drain any excess water before mixing them with the olive oil and herbs. This way, you will get a nice roast. You can tell when the carrots are done by looking for a few signs. First, the carrots should be tender. You can check this by poking them with a fork. They should slide off easily. Second, look for a nice caramel color on the outside. This adds flavor and makes them look great. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. If you want to meal prep, roast the carrots and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave. Roasting carrots is simple and rewarding. We covered the best ingredients and measurements. I shared easy step-by-step instructions for roasting. You learned helpful tips for flavor and texture. The variations open up many fun ideas. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh and tasty. Try your favorite method to make these carrots shine. Enjoy delicious carrots that anyone can love.

Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and honey (if using).
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then toss well until the carrots are evenly coated with the oil and herbs.
  • Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
  • Once roasted, remove from the oven and taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt or pepper if necessary.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Honey is optional for added sweetness.
Keyword carrots, herbs, roasted, vegetarian