My easy roasted carrots are my go-to recipe for roast Sunday dinners. Roasting carrots in the oven is so easy to do and you don’t need to make them super fancy to make them delicious. In this post, I go through how to cook carrots in the oven to get beautifully cooked vegetables every time.
Need a delicious side dish in a pinch? Look no further than these easy-roasted carrots! With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or fancy dinner parties. It’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Top Questions
Are carrots better baked or boiled?
What is the healthiest way to cook carrots?
How long do baked carrots last?
Can you cut carrots ahead of time for roasting?
How long to roast carrots at 180ºC?
Why you’ll love this easy roasted carrots recipe
Roast carrots are a versatile side that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also a healthy addition to any meal.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a satisfying crunch. They are one of my favourite ways to enjoy a carrot.
With the added bonus of being able to customise the seasoning to your liking, easy roast carrots are a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Carrots
Carrots are of course the most important in this recipe for carrots in the oven. They are easily found in the supermarket all year round and really do go with everything.
I have used roast carrots as the base of a soup, on a pizza or as the perfect elegant side dish to my roast beef on a Sunday.
How to make easy roasted carrots – step by step
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Start by peeling and chopping you carrots into your desired shape, personally, I like to leave mine a little large so they stay crunchy whilst delivering that sweet roasted flavour.
If you have peeled your carrots you do not need to wash them. However, if you have decided to leave the peel on, I do recommend giving your roast carrots a good wash.
Place your carrot chunks in an oven-safe dish and drizzle over olive oil. Season your carrots with salt and pepper. If you wish to add more herbs and spices this is the time to do it.
Roast your carrots for about 30 minutes (depending on the size of your roast carrot chunks), tossing them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Top Tips
Make sure to cut your carrots evenly to ensure even cooking. This will prevent some pieces from getting burnt while others remain raw.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavour to your carrots. From cumin to thyme to rosemary, the options are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving suggestions, these easy roasted carrots can be served warm as an easy side dish for almost anything, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.
For a simple yet delicious side dish, serve roasted carrots with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
If you want to add some extra tang, try tossing them in a sweet honey or tangy mustard dressing.
You can also serve them with a side of hummus or tzatziki sauce for a healthy snack. The cool and creamy dips will contrast nicely with the warm and crispy carrots.
Equipment
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Substitutions and variations for easy roasted carrots
Roasted carrots with brown sugar
Adding brown sugar to carrots in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelised flavour. To make this variation, start by preheating your oven to about 200 degrees Celsius. Toss your carrots in olive oil, spread them out on a baking sheet, and sprinkle them with a tablespoon of brown sugar. Roast them for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown.
Roasted carrots with honey
Roast carrots with honey are a great side dish for any meal, from simple weeknight dinners to special occasions. They’re easy to make and packed with flavour, and you can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey as desired. Plus, they’re a healthy option, as carrots are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Different carrot types
Another option is to mix up the type of carrots you use. While traditional orange carrots are a classic choice, you can also try roasting purple, white, or even yellow carrots for a pop of colour and a slightly different taste.
There are also carrot varieties including baby carrots, Nantes carrots, Chantenay carrots and many more you can try.
Herbs and spices
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different seasonings and spices. Such as cumin, paprika, or even chilli powder/chilli flakes. These additions can give your roasted carrots a bold and complex flavour.
Cheesy garlic roasted carrots
Try adding some Parmesan cheese and chopped garlic to the mix before tossing the carrots in the oven. This will give them a savoury and cheesy flavour that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of carrots.
Storing easy roasted carrots / Making easy roasted carrots ahead of time options
Roast in advance
If you’re planning to serve easy roast carrots at your next meal but don’t have time to prepare them on the spot, fear not! Making ahead roasted carrots is an easy and convenient option. Simply roast them as you normally would, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them quickly in the oven or microwave. This is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy and flavorful side dish without all the fuss.
Par boil the carrots in advance
To help speed up the cooking time you can partially boil the carrots for 5 minutes to help them soften. Allow them to cool and place them in the fridge until you are ready to roast them.
Peel, slice and season the carrots before baking
The best way to get ahead when roasting carrots is to peel and chop them in advance. Once they are ready put them in a container in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them. They will last a few days like this.
Air fryer carrots FAQS
Are carrots better baked or boiled?
Both bake and boiled carrots are delicious and have their places in dinners.
Both methods have their benefits and it ultimately depends on personal preference and what you plan to do with the carrots after they’re cooked.
Boiling carrots is a quick and easy method that allows them to retain more of their nutrients. However, this method can also result in carrots that are softer and less flavourful than their baked counterparts. Baking or roasting carrots, on the other hand, bring out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelised exterior that is crispy and delicious.
If I’m putting the oven on for a roast dinner I will always pick roast carrots. They look beautiful and I think taste so much better.
What is the healthiest way to cook carrots?
One study found that baking carrots increased their antioxidant activity, making them even more beneficial for our health. Additionally, baking carrots in the oven requires little to no added oil or fat, making it a low-calorie and heart-healthy cooking option.
How long do baked carrots last?
You’ll be happy to hear that roasted carrots can last up to a week when properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This means you can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy them as a convenient side dish throughout the week. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating, such as a slimy texture or off smell.
Can you cut carrots ahead of time for roasting?
Prepping your carrots in advance can save you valuable time and make the cooking process smoother. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cut carrots will dry out faster than whole ones, so they should be stored properly. Once you’ve cut them, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to roast, simply toss them in your preferred marinade or seasoning and proceed with the roasting process.
How long to roast carrots at 180ºC?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the size and thickness of the carrots, as well as your personal preference for how roasted you like them.
A good rule of thumb is to roast them for 20-30 minutes, checking on them occasionally and stirring them around to ensure even cooking. If you like your carrots more well-done, you can leave them in for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook them to the point of becoming mushy.
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Recipe
Easy Roast Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (2) carrots
- 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) olive oil
- pinch (pinch) salt and pepper
- fresh thyme (to decorate)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200ºC / 180ºC fan / 392ºF. (Or 220ºC / 200ºC Fan / 428ºF with a 20 minute cook time)
- Peel and chop the carrots. I like to keep them chunky.
- On a large baking tray, toss carrots with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast until tender and lightly caramelised for 25-30 minutes. (If they are thinly cut they will cook quicker.)
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.
Notes
- As a rule, I tend to do 1 medium carrot per person.
- The carrots can be peels and chopped in advance and kept in the fridge until they are needed. They will last about 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
my daughter loves carrot so I had to make this…and I must say that this carrot recipe tasted outstanding. Came out so well and we all loved it so much.
That is lovely to hear.
This was amazing and such a treat! Thank you! Everyone in my family loved it.
I’m glad. I love how easy they are.
I will admit cooked carrots are not my favorite, but I made these for the kids and tried one and they were actually really good! Roasting them makes them so much better.
I also like to keep my carrots chunky because that ensures they don’t get mushy. I added thyme and really loved the flavor combo.
I made this for dinner the other night and told the kiddos it was “carrot candy” and they LOVED it. Thank you!
Aww that is so lovely to hear.