Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe

Whether for weeknight dinners or festive holiday meals, the Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds flavor and visual appeal to any table. Sweet, tender, and oven-roasted to perfection, this dish is always a hit at family gatherings and special occasions.

Carrots often get overlooked, but Ina Garten’s approach transforms them into a deliciously glazed treat. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and aromatic herbs creates a perfect sweet savory balance, making this one of the best roasted carrots recipes and a must-try roasted carrots recipe for any home cook.

Pair this starter with a savory main, such as roasted chicken or tender beef, and finish with a show-stopping dessert like the creamy Ina Garten New York Cheesecake Recipe or the classic Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe. This meal combination creates a balanced, memorable, and elegant dining experience for everyone at the table.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Roasted Carrots?

The Ina Garten roasted carrots recipe is a beautifully glazed carrot dish roasted to perfection. Each piece is tender on the inside, slightly caramelized on the outside, and infused with flavors of butter, brown sugar, and fragrant herbs.

The flavor profile is a perfect mix of sweet and savory. The brown sugar adds a gentle sweetness, while fresh rosemary and thyme contribute a subtle earthy aroma. A hint of cinnamon warms the dish, and a touch of garlic added near the end gives a savory punch without overpowering the carrots’ natural flavor.

These honey roasted carrots are slightly crisp around the edges and melt-in-your-mouth soft in the center. They’re bright, colorful, and irresistible, making them an ideal side for roast chicken, beef, or holiday dinners.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Roasted Carrots

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Peeler
2. Knife and cutting board
3. Small stainless steel pan
4. Mixing bowl
5. Cookie sheet or roasting pan
6. Non-stick cooking spray

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minute

Copycat Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Ina Garten Roasted Carrots in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by trimming the ends of 1 lb of carrots. Peel them for a bright, clean appearance and cut into roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to make the pieces similar in size so they roast evenly.

2. Make the Glaze: In a small pan over medium heat, melt ½ stick of unsalted butter until golden. Add ¼ cup light brown sugar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 sprig rosemary, 2 sprigs thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.

3. Combine Carrots and Glaze: Place the carrot pieces in a mixing bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the buttery, sweet mixture.

4. Prepare for Roasting: Lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Spread the coated carrots in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. This helps them roast evenly and caramelize nicely.

5. Roast the Carrots: Place the tray in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to enhance flavor without burning the garlic.

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the rosemary sprigs. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot as a side dish, or let them sit a few minutes to slightly caramelize further.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Roasted Carrots

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Ina Garten Roasted Carrots deliciously

1. We love serving these honey roasted carrots alongside a juicy roast chicken the flavors just complement each other perfectly.
2. They’re amazing with roast beef or steak; the sweet glaze balances the savory meat.
3. Try them with a holiday turkey dinner; they make the table so colorful and festive.
4. We sometimes toss them into a warm quinoa or rice salad for extra sweetness and texture.
5. Pair them with mashed potatoe the buttery, sweet carrots are a perfect match.
6. They taste fantastic alongside pork chops or pork tenderloin; the glaze adds a little holiday magic.
7. We even enjoy them cold in a roasted vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette.
8. For a fun twist, drizzle them with balsamic glaze just before serving, it’s a game-changer!
9. Serve them with grilled fish like salmon or cod; the sweetness brightens up the plate.
10. Lastly, we sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for crunch, it makes them feel extra fancy!

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe

I made this Ina Garten roasted carrots recipe last weekend, and wow! They came out sweet, soft, and a little crispy at the edges. My whole family loved them they even asked for seconds. I loved how easy it was to make, and the kitchen smelled amazing with rosemary and brown sugar. It felt fancy, but it really isn’t hard at all. I’ll definitely make these for holidays and even simple dinners.

1. Peel the carrots to make them bright and pretty.
2. Cut carrots into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
3. Melt the butter until golden for extra flavor.
4. Toss carrots well in the glaze to coat every piece.
5. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for perfect roasting.
6. Add garlic at the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t burn.
7. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving for color and freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover oven roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs on this Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten Roasted Carrots Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use frozen carrots?

We’ve tried it, and frozen carrots work, but they can be a bit watery. Fresh carrots give the best roasted flavor.

2. Do I have to peel the carrots?

Peeling makes them look bright and pretty, but if you like the rustic look, leaving the peel on is fine too.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Just swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter. It’s still sweet and delicious.

4. What if my carrots are different sizes?

We cut larger pieces in half so all the carrots roast evenly. It helps them caramelize perfectly.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! We’ve added parsnips or sweet potatoes they roast beautifully with the same glaze.

6. Do I have to use brown sugar?

Brown sugar gives that sweet caramel flavor, but maple syrup works in a pinch.

7. Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes! Toss the carrots in the glaze and store in the fridge for a few hours. Roast just before serving.

8. How do I prevent garlic from burning?

We add minced garlic only during the last 5 minutes of roasting it stays fragrant without burning.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for gluten-free diets.

10. How do I get them extra caramelized?

We sometimes leave them in the oven a few extra minutes or broil for 1–2 minutes for that perfect char.

The best roasted carrots recipe is just a few simple steps away. With this Ina Garten-inspired method, your carrots will be sweet, savory, and perfectly tender every time. Whether for holidays or a weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!

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