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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
Keywords: garlic roasted carrots, parmesan carrots, roasted vegetable side dish, easy vegetable recipe, healthy side, gluten free side, vegetarian side dish