Looking for a side dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor? These Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots are about to become your new favorite! The carrots are perfectly caramelized with brown sugar, making them tender, sweet, and savory all at once. Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, these roasted carrots are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

Sweet & Savory: The combination of brown sugar and roasted carrots creates a mouthwatering balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is effortless and quick, perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
Versatile: These roasted carrots pair well with so many main dishes—whether it’s a juicy roast, grilled chicken, or a comforting casserole, these carrots will complement it all.
Healthy & Delicious: Carrots are packed with nutrients, and roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, making this dish a healthy yet indulgent option.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to make the best roasted carrots you’ve ever had:

Carrots: The star of the show! You’ll want fresh, tender carrots for this recipe, either baby carrots or larger carrots sliced into sticks.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots as they roast. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your flavor preference.
Olive Oil: This helps the carrots roast evenly and adds a slight richness to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and bringing all the flavors together.
Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder enhances the savory notes of the dish.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley (optional): Fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and color, perfect for garnishing.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to get these carrots roasted to perfection!

Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure the carrots get that nice caramelized exterior.
Prep the Carrots:
If you’re using large carrots, peel and slice them into sticks. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Toss in Olive Oil & Seasonings:
In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the carrots are well coated.
Roast the Carrots:
Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
Garnish & Serve:
Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve warm as a side dish to any meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 130 kcal (estimate)

(Note: Nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

These carrots are versatile and can be paired with many different meals. Here are some ideas for serving them:

With Roasted Meats: They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. The sweet and savory flavor balances out rich, hearty meats.
As a Side to Steaks: These roasted carrots are a great accompaniment to grilled steaks or pork chops.
With Holiday Dishes: Serve them during holiday dinners alongside stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. They’re a perfect addition to any feast.
As Part of a Veggie Plate: Combine them with other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a hearty veggie platter.

Additional Tips

For Extra Caramelization: If you like your carrots extra caramelized, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Substitute Honey: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the caramelized texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prep the carrots and toss them in the oil and seasonings ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to roast. This will save you time on the day you’re serving them.

Q2: Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
A2: Fresh carrots will give the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen carrots. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A3: Absolutely! Roasting other vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or onions alongside the carrots will work beautifully. Just make sure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

Q4: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A4: The recipe is already vegan as it uses olive oil, but be sure to check the brown sugar you’re using. Some brands use bone char in the refining process, so you can look for vegan-certified sugar if that’s important to you.

Q5: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
A5: Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. These alternatives will add a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still give the carrots a sweet, caramelized finish.

Q6: How do I get the carrots to cook evenly?
A6: Make sure to cut the carrots into uniform sizes and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can cause uneven cooking.

Q7: Can I use baby carrots?
A7: Yes! Baby carrots work great in this recipe. Simply toss them in the seasoning and roast as you would the larger carrots.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q9: Can I freeze these roasted carrots?
A9: While you can freeze them, the texture may change once thawed. They’ll still taste great, but they might be a little softer.

Q10: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A10: Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 5 minutes of roasting would add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible. They’re quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these carrots will always steal the show!