Let’s let you in on a tasty secret – oven-roasted carrots are not the typical mushy boiled carrots you’re probably used to. These carrots are roasted until they achieve a caramelized and tender-crisp quality in a high-temperature oven, bringing out their inherent sweetness and intensifying their flavor.
Cooking carrots in the oven is a simple technique, and it’s the finest way to keep nutrients packed in carrots while also giving them a deliciously bronzed hue. If you’re not sure what to do, follow the tips and guidelines we’ve outlined in this article, and you can be assured of great results.
Carrots Nutrition Facts
Tips for Cooking Carrots in Oven
The following tips have been compiled to ensure that you get nothing but the best from your recipes when cooking carrots in the oven
There’s no need to peel the carrots – Carrots don’t need to be peeled (except, of course, if you would prefer to). Instead, scrape the carrots with a veggie scrubber and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Make sure to use a hot oven – Ideally, you should keep your oven temperature between 400 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Carrots get soft in the middle and properly caramelized around the edges when cooked at this temperature.
Season appropriately – Ideally, you should use one tablespoon of oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt per pound of carrots being cooked. You can always add extra flavor, but keep in mind that oil and salt are the most necessary ingredients for the carrots to taste wonderful.
Timing tips – Depending on how thick your carrots are, roasting carrots generally tend to take approximately 20 to 35 minutes (that is, if using a 400F to 425F oven). It is advised that you check on thinly sliced carrots (if that’s what you’re working with) after 10 minutes of roasting to see how they’re doing and to ensure they don’t overcook.
If using baby carrots – You can opt for baby carrots in your recipe; it all depends on your preference. However, when using them, you’ll need to follow the recipe’s instructions and check on them regularly to ensure they are cooking properly. Take them out of the oven early if they appear to be done roasting before the stated periods in the recipe you’re following.
Cooking Carrots in the Oven
Carrots are similar to other vegetables when roasting in the oven. It is a relatively quick and easy process and fulfilling because of the depth of flavors in the results.
There are three different ways to roast carrots in the oven, so pick up a few tips from the instructions for each method.
Simple Roasted Carrots
Carrots’ finest features are typically brought out when they are roasted. With this method:
- Toss your carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper to prepare them.
- Bake the prepared carrots until they turn golden brown on the rims and become soft all the way through.
- Serve these straightforward roasted carrots alongside classic or hearty main courses.
Spicy Roasted Carrots
If spicy sweet potatoes are a recipe you enjoy, then we think you’ll adore spiced roasted carrots. You can essentially make them the same way you’d make conventional roasted carrots, but instead of olive oil and salt, add a generous amount of chili powder and crushed cinnamon. Those two spices may seem odd together, but they go so well with the sweet and savory carrots.
You may also customize the spice level by using a range of chili powder. Spicy roasted carrots would go well with substantial Mexican foods like enchiladas.
View this post on Instagram
Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
If you’re not yet convinced about roasted carrots, honey butter carrots will be the turning point. They’re buttery, sweet, and salty all at the same time.
To cook them
- Toss simple roasted carrots in a honey-butter sauce that’s incredibly easy to make.
- With one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of honey, you can make the sauce in about 5 minutes on the burner.
- Allow the butter to brown for a minute before removing it from the heat and whisking in the honey for optimum flavor.
These carrots are especially wonderful for a special brunch or family meal like Thanksgiving; they’d go great with mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time for Carrots in Oven
The cooking time for carrots in the oven depends on many factors, such as your preferred roasting temperature, as well as the size of carrots you’re working with. However, you may follow these general guidelines for optimal results with your recipes
Cooking Procedure
Cooking Time
Roasting carrots at 400 F
20 to 25 minutes
To achieve caramelized carrots
Roast for an extra 5 to 10 minutes
Print
Quick and Easy Roasted Carrots (6 Servings)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, scrubbed clean or peeled
- Two tablespoons of olive oil, you could also use a neutral oil like avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground
For Maple Cumin Carrots (Optional)
- One tablespoon of pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon of finely ground cumin
Instructions
- Adjust your oven’s temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it heat up. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line a large baking sheet.
- Trim the ends off each piece of carrot before slicing them into 1 inch thick slices diagonally. The carrots will shrink as they roast.
- Combine the carrot slices with oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. You should also add maple syrup and cumin if you decide to adapt your recipe to the maple cumin version. Toss the carrots in the bowl with the oil and seasoning until they become fully coated.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet that has already been prepared.
- Roast the carrot slices for 15 minutes, toss them, and then allow them to continue roasting for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the carrots become soft and develop a caramelized quality around the edges. (Roast for a further 5 to 10 minutes if you want them to get even more caramelized.)
These oven-roasted carrots are delicious, as well as quick and easy to prepare. It should take you an entire duration of about 30 minutes, including a prep time of 5 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes until you get your results.
Feel free to check out this video recipe if you’d like more ideas on how to cook carrots in the oven.