Go Back
- 1 pound (450g) baby carrots or regular carrots, cut into sticks - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Lemon wedges for serving For this recipe, I love using baby carrots. They are sweet and tender. If you can’t find them, regular carrots work too. Just cut them into sticks to match the size. The herb butter is what makes these carrots special. We mix unsalted butter with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme. Garlic adds a nice kick. Honey gives a touch of sweetness, balancing out the flavors. Don't forget the salt and pepper! They bring out all the tastes. Finally, the lemon zest adds brightness. It’s a simple but powerful addition. Gather these ingredients, and you'll be ready to make a delicious side dish that everyone will love. 1. Preheat your oven. Start by setting it to 425°F (220°C). This helps cook the carrots evenly. 2. Prepare the baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This keeps the carrots from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. Mix the herb butter ingredients. In a bowl, combine: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon Stir well until all the ingredients blend nicely. 4. Coat the carrots with herb butter. Add 1 pound of baby carrots to the bowl. Toss them in the herb butter mix until they are well-coated. 1. Spread carrots on the baking sheet. Place the coated carrots in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly. 2. Recommended roasting time and temperature. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. You want them tender and golden-brown. 3. Tips for half-time stirring. At the halfway mark, take the baking sheet out and stir the carrots. This helps them brown on all sides. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as they roast! - Achieving the perfect caramelization: Caramelization brings out the sweetness in carrots. To get this, roast them at a high heat of 425°F (220°C). The butter helps too, making the carrots golden brown. - Suggested oven temperature adjustments: If you want a softer carrot, you can lower the oven to 400°F (200°C). This takes a bit longer but keeps carrots tender without burning. - Ensuring even cooking of the carrots: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking. This way, all sides get nice and caramelized. - Additional herbs and spices to consider: You can add other herbs like rosemary or oregano. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice kick. Experiment with your favorite flavors for a twist. - Using alternative sweeteners instead of honey: If you prefer not to use honey, try maple syrup or agave. Both add sweetness and their own unique flavor. Adjust the amount to taste. {{image_2}} You can switch up the vegetables in this dish. Try using parsnips or sweet potatoes. Both add a great flavor. You can also use regular carrots cut into sticks. They will roast just as well. For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter. Coconut oil works, too. Both will give your carrots a lovely taste. Just make sure to mix the oil with the herbs like you would with butter. Adding different herbs can change the taste of your dish. Consider using rosemary or basil. These herbs can add a fresh twist. You might even like to mix a few herbs together for more depth. Spices like cayenne or paprika can give your carrots a kick. Just a pinch can add heat and warmth. If you prefer a milder taste, skip the spices. Enjoy the simple, fresh flavor of the herbs and honey. After making herb butter roasted carrots, let them cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the carrots. Use a freezer-safe bag for best results. They can last up to 3 months when frozen. To reheat the carrots, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps their flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Check if they are warm enough. If not, heat for a bit longer. Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen carrots. However, fresh baby carrots give the best taste. Frozen carrots may not roast as evenly. If you use frozen ones, thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them caramelize better in the oven. How do I know when the carrots are done roasting? Check the carrots after 20 minutes. They should be tender and golden-brown. You can poke them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are done. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking for even browning. What meals pair well with herb butter roasted carrots? These carrots go well with many dishes. They are great alongside roasted chicken or beef. They also complement grilled fish and vegetarian meals. Serve them with a fresh salad for a balanced plate. The bright flavors of the carrots enhance any meal. Roasting carrots with herb butter is simple and rewarding. We covered the key ingredients and the steps to make this dish shine. I shared tips for perfect caramelization and flavor enhancements, plus fun variations to try. Remember, adjusting cooking methods can help you achieve great results. Enjoy exploring different herbs and vegetables to keep your meals fresh. With practice, you’ll master this tasty side dish!

Herb Butter Roasted Carrots

Discover the perfect side dish with these delicious herb butter roasted carrots! This easy recipe features fresh ingredients like parsley, dill, and thyme, all blended into a luscious herb butter that elevates simple carrots into a stunning treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tender, caramelized carrots are sure to impress. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) baby carrots (or regular carrots, cut into sticks)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

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

    In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, chopped parsley, dill, thyme, minced garlic, honey, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the herb butter mixture.

      Add the baby carrots to the mixing bowl and toss them in the herb butter until they are well-coated.

        Spread the coated carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

          Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, giving them a beautiful golden-brown color. Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

            Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the herb butter roasted carrots on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a few lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch.