Simple Roasted Carrots (4 ingredients!)
Wow, are these roasted carrots a game changer! The recipe that got my entire family to love carrots. This simple roasted carrot recipe requires just four ingredients and can be made with either honey or maple syrup!
Here’s another simple vegetable recipe for you! After posting my broccoli with garlic a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to create more simple side dishes for everyday cooking, and these roasted carrots are it!
These roasted carrots are fancy enough to be served at Easter dinner or other gatherings, but easy enough to quickly throw together for weeknight meals.
If you’re looking for the perfect carrot recipe, these roasted carrots are it! See below for step-by-step photo directions along with substitution notes and tips for success, or scroll down for the full recipe card.
Ingredient Notes
These roasted carrots are so incredibly easy that you almost don’t need a recipe! To make these, you’ll just need a few things: carrots, maple syrup or honey, butter of choice, and salt.
You can make these either as maple-roasted carrots or honey-roasted carrots. Both are delicious.
I find that a scant half teaspoon of salt is best. When I used 1/4 teaspoon, I wanted just a little more salt, but a full 1/2 teaspoon was too much.
If you are using salted butter, and most non-dairy kinds of butter are salted, then you’ll want only to use 1/4 teaspoon. You can also add freshly ground black pepper to the salt.
I don’t recommend reducing the amount of butter or maple syrup, as you want to coat the carrots completely so they don’t burn when roasting.
For a vegan version
To keep these vegan, you’ll want to use dairy-free butter along with maple syrup. I tried these with olive oil, and I found the flavor was much richer using butter, and I prefer doing that.
How to Make Roasted Carrots
Peel and slice carrots
Peel carrots, then slice into 1/2 inch thick slices, cut on the diagonal
Toss together
Place the sliced carrots into a bowl and toss with melted butter, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Toss until well combined.
Roast until tender
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until just fork tender. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
You want to make sure that the carrots are well coated in the butter and honey or maple syrup mixture before roasting. The moisture prevents the carrots from drying out and burning, and the syrup caramelizes in the oven, creating a sweeter, more tender carrot.
You’ll also want to make sure that the carrots are in a single layer when roasting. This helps to create perfectly roasted carrots that are tender on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, you can use baby carrots in this recipe. You’ll want to slice them still uniformly or slice them in half. Depending on size, you may need to decrease the time for roasting.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, this technique can work for other vegetables, like sweet potatoes, acorn squash, brussels sprouts or even asparagus!
Can I add spices?
Yes, you can add other spices to this recipe, making it even more versatile! For a spicier option, add in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder. For a sweeter taste, add in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a more savory version, add in cumin, thyme or garlic powder. Or, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like fresh parsley or parmesan cheese over the roasted carrots when done.
More Simple Vegetable Recipes:
- Healthy Creamed Spinach
- Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Steamed Asparagus
- Slow Cooker Potatoes
If you try this roasted carrot recipe, make sure to come back to leave a rating and a comment. Your feedback helps other readers, and seeing you make my recipes makes my day!
Simple Roasted Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick on the diagonal
- 2 tablespoons melted butter of choice*
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup**
- Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt*
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable baking liner, like a silpat.
- Toss together the carrots, butter, syrup, salt and red pepper flakes, if using. Ensure all the carrots are well-coated and place in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until fork tender. Remove and enjoy.