Balsamic Roasted Carrots

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Balsamic Roasted Carrots are an easy side dish to make with a handful of simple ingredients that creates a complex blend of flavors in every bite. They are slightly crisp on the outside while sweet and tender inside. So delicious and unbelievable satisfying! These baked carrots are the perfect side for any occasion, whether that's a quick weeknight dinner, a fancy dinner party, or a holiday meal.

This simple glazed carrot recipe is perfect because of two things: the flavors and the roasting process. The tangy, bold flavor of balsamic is the perfect balance to the earthy carrots, transforming a simple root veggie into something absolutely delicious. And roasting root vegetables is the very best way to prepare them. Roasting evaporates moisture, concentrating the rich, earthy flavor of carrots and highlighting their natural sweetness. As the vinegar bakes down, the flavor concentrates and coats each carrot with a sweet, tangy glaze that you just can't stop eating.

Why You'll Love This Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe

Easy to make. These tender balsamic glazed carrots are a classic side dish for a reason! This version uses whole carrots, so you don't even have to worry about peeling or slicing the fresh carrots into strips. They take minimal effort to prepare and can also roast at the same time with other vegetables, so you can make a bunch of roasted veggies at once!
Perfect fall or winter side dish. Carrots are extra sweet after the first frost, and roasting concentrates their earthy flavor even more. They're the perfect side dish for any roast dinner or social gathering, including your holiday meals and more. Serve these roast carrots with your Easter meal, Sunday dinner, or any special occasion for a vegan side dish you'll want to snack on all night!
Simple yet sophisticated. These caramelized carrots are simple fare, requiring minimal ingredients. However, the balsamic glaze adds so much flavor! They're always a stand-out hit at any meal, fancy or not.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Balsamic Roasted Carrots, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

baby carrots - rinse them well and trim down the tops.
olive oil - this will help develop that delicious crust on the outside.
Italian seasoning - For a fresh, herby flavor.
salt and pepper
balsamic vinegar - this will give your balsamic carrots incredible flavor. Balsamic vinegar comes in a broad range of quality, but use whatever you have on hand.

You will also need measuring spoons, a large baking sheet, a cutting board, and a knife.

How to Make the Best Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Season. Place carrots on a large half sheet baking pan and add olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. Toss to combine.
Bake. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the pan and bake in a 375F preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until tender. Note that you will need to increase the cook time if using larger carrots.

Recipe Variations

Add some sweetness. As the carrots roast in the oven, the natural sugars in the balsamic and carrots will become more concentrated in flavor. If you prefer a little extra sweetness, add some brown sugar, a little splash of maple syrup, or even some honey for honey balsamic roasted carrots.
Add some heat. Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra warmth.
Incorporate more veggies. This method works with essentially any root vegetables or hearty veggies, including Brussels sprouts, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and more. Feel free to slice some sprouts in half to roast both veggies at the same time!
Use whole carrots. If you don't have baby carrots, peel and trim your carrots into evenly-sized sticks.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Add some fresh thyme or fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.

How to Serve

This balsamic glazed carrots are best paired with some of my favorite entrees and sides including:

For more recipe inspiration, see our 50 Sunday Dinner Ideas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make an extra tray. Roasting vegetables takes a while, and they shrink down quite a bit in the oven! If you make an extra tray, you'll have plenty for leftovers. Roasted carrots also taste great on salads the next day! Try it on our Arugula and Roasted Carrot Salad. You can also throw them in any soup for extra flavor.
Use any color of carrots. Although regular orange carrots are standard, feel free to use white, yellow, or purple carrots instead.
Don't crowd the tray. Roasting is all about evaporating the moisture from the vegetables. If the carrots are too close together, they won't roast properly. Make sure there is space between each carrot!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

The easiest method is to microwave the carrots for 2-3 minutes, which will warm them up quickly. You can also bake them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, but they may soften from the high heat.

How to Freeze

Store the chilled carrots in a freezer-safe container for 3-6 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Why are my roasted carrots tough?

Roasting vegetables can be a little bit tricky sometimes. You need to roast at the right temperature, space the carrots in an even layer, and add enough oil on the outside to get the perfect texture. If any of these components are off, the carrots won't come out right.

Do you have to parboil baby carrots before roasting?

Not necessary! Parboiling requires quite a bit of extra work, and this balsamic glazed carrots recipe has a great texture even without that extra step.

Should you cover carrots before roasting?

No, and in fact, covering them can prevent them from getting the caramelized crust you love! It's best to keep the roasting pan uncovered for the best results.

More Carrots Recipes

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