Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped The key to this dish lies in its fresh, simple ingredients. Baby carrots are sweet and tender, which makes them perfect for roasting. The olive oil helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Garlic adds a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots. For seasoning, dried thyme brings an earthy note, while sea salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. The Parmesan cheese adds richness and a savory touch that elevates these carrots to a new level. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of brightness to the dish. When you put all these ingredients together, you create a vibrant and tasty side dish. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a great addition to any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, take 1 pound of baby carrots. Peel and trim them. In a large mixing bowl, add the carrots. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well. You want the carrots to be evenly coated with the oil and spices. Now, spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure the carrots are in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through for even roasting. Keep an eye on them. They should be tender and slightly caramelized when done. When the carrots are ready, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot carrots. Let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. For extra flavor, return the baking sheet to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and lightly golden. Finally, remove the baking sheet and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic Parmesan roasted carrots! To make your roasted carrots perfect, focus on even cooking. Cut the carrots into similar sizes. This helps them roast at the same time. Spread them out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or they will steam instead of roast. For seasoning, always coat the carrots well in olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the spices stick. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mixing in thyme brings a nice herb flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Taste the mix before roasting. You can always add more later. Want to switch things up? Try different herbs and spices! Rosemary or oregano can add a new twist. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika gives a warm flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you have at home. Using different cheeses can also change the game. Feta cheese adds a tangy bite. Cheddar provides a rich, creamy taste. Just sprinkle the cheese on top during the last few minutes of roasting. This lets it melt perfectly over the carrots. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for vibrant, firm baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. Freshness enhances the sweetness of the dish. Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the sea salt and black pepper to your taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Perfecting Roasting: Stirring the carrots halfway through roasting ensures even cooking and caramelization, enhancing the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit your needs. For a vegan alternative, skip the Parmesan cheese. Instead, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You will love the taste and texture. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. All the ingredients are gluten-free. Just check the labels on your seasonings to be sure. Adding citrus flavors can brighten this dish. Try squeezing fresh lemon juice over the carrots before serving. The tartness balances the savory taste. You can also zest a lemon for extra zing. Incorporating other vegetables is fun too. Mix in bell peppers or zucchini for more color. Just chop them to the same size as the carrots. This way, all the veggies cook evenly. You can prep these garlic Parmesan roasted carrots in advance. Start by washing and peeling the baby carrots. Trim the ends to keep them neat. Toss the carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can place this mixture in a bowl or a sealed bag. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just spread them out on a baking sheet and roast. This saves time and gets you a tasty side dish fast. If you have any leftovers, you can store them easily. Let the roasted carrots cool down before putting them away. Use an airtight container for the best results. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven for a few minutes. This will help them stay crisp. If you want to freeze them, it is best to do this before adding cheese. Spread the cooled carrots on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To use, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then roast as needed. How long to roast carrots? Roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes. This time gives them a nice, tender bite. Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. You want them soft but not mushy! Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots? Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces. Aim for 1-inch chunks for even cooking. This way, you’ll still enjoy that great flavor and texture! How to adjust for larger servings? To serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use 2 pounds of carrots and adjust the other ingredients accordingly. Make sure to spread them out on two baking sheets for even roasting. Substituting ingredients? You can swap olive oil for another oil, like avocado oil. If you don’t have Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Fresh herbs can replace dried thyme. Use what you have! This article covered how to make delicious roasted baby carrots. We explored main ingredients, like olive oil and garlic, and went through a simple roasting process. I shared tips for even cooking and added flavor suggestions with different herbs and cheeses. You can adapt this recipe for dietary needs and learn how to store leftovers properly. Remember, roasted carrots are versatile and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to suit your taste!$

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring tender roasted carrots tossed in garlic and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
Spread the dressed carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot carrots. Allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
Once the cheese is melted, return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh baby carrots.

Keyword carrots, garlic, Parmesan, roasted