Roasted Sweet Carrots (Printable)

Caramelized carrots roasted with herbs and spices for a vibrant, healthy side dish.

# Ingredient List:

01 - 1 lb peeled carrots, cut into sticks or rounds

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)

06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Place carrots in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then add salt, pepper, thyme, and optional garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.

03 - Spread carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

04 - Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until carrots are golden, caramelized, and tender.

05 - Transfer carrots to a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley and lemon zest if using, and serve warm.

01 -

Carrots transform into something naturally sweet and deeply satisfying with barely any effort.
It's the kind of side dish that steals the show, even when surrounded by fancier main courses.
You can throw it together while prepping other things, then forget about it until golden perfection arrives.

02 -

Turning the carrots halfway isn't optional—this is how you get that golden crust all over instead of pale spots.
Don't crowd the pan; if your carrots overlap too much, they'll steam instead of roast, and you'll miss the caramelization magic.
Your oven temperature matters more than the exact time; 20 to 25 minutes is a guess until you see that golden color starting to appear.

03 -

If your carrots are thick, cut them lengthwise so they roast faster and more evenly without drying out the insides.
A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything and makes people wonder what your secret is.