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Garlic Roasted Carrots with Parmesan

Garlic Roasted Carrots with Parmesan

Garlic Roasted Carrots with Parmesan is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender, caramelized carrots roasted with fresh garlic and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. This recipe offers a balanced combination of sweetness and umami, making it a versatile, healthy, and comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise into halves or thirds
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (for spicy variation)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (for brightness)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • Vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast (for vegan version)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Carrots: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and wash the carrots, then slice them evenly into halves or thirds lengthwise so they cook evenly and get that perfect roast.
  2. Toss with Garlic and Oil: In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each carrot piece in the flavorful mixture.
  3. Arrange and Roast: Spread the carrots out in a single even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure caramelization on all sides.
  4. Add Parmesan: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a light, golden crust.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Choose uniform carrots to ensure even roasting.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space between carrots to improve caramelization and avoid steaming.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Toss garlic evenly with olive oil and carrots to prevent burning.
  • Position oven rack in the middle for even heat distribution.
  • Adjust roasting time if using baby carrots.
  • To make vegan, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
  • For reheating, use a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture and flavor; avoid microwave reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic roasted carrots, parmesan carrots, roasted vegetable side dish, easy vegetable recipe, healthy side, gluten free side, vegetarian side dish