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Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

A delightful side dish that combines the sweet flavor of roasted carrots with brown sugar and spices, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brown Sugar Carrots, comfort food, easy recipe, Roasted Carrots, Vegetable Side Dish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 140kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs baby carrots The smaller, sweeter, and more tender, the better
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For a rich, creamy texture
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar The key to that delicious caramel-like sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional, for a hint of warm spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To balance the sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For a touch of heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional, for an earthy aroma
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional, for an extra layer of flavor

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • In a large bowl, toss the baby carrots with melted butter until well coated.
  • Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper, paprika, and vanilla extract (if using). Toss gently.

Roasting

  • Spread the coated carrots evenly on the baking sheet.
  • Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Once done, drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the carrots and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

Best results with bright, firm carrots. Scrub them clean and feel free to experiment with spices. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to steaming instead of roasting.