Roasted carrots are a delightful and simple side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of this humble root vegetable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform ordinary carrots into a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs well with almost any main course. The combination of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and thyme creates a perfect balance of savory and herbal notes, making these roasted carrots a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't regularly use dried thyme, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Dried thyme is a versatile herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor to dishes, and it's worth having on hand for various recipes. Make sure to check the spice aisle for this aromatic herb.

Ingredients For Roasted Carrots Recipe
Carrots: These are the main ingredient, providing a sweet and earthy base for the dish.
Olive oil: Used to coat the carrots, helping them roast evenly and adding a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, aromatic note that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your carrots, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey before roasting. This will add a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. Additionally, ensure that the carrots are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and caramelization.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness when roasted, making them a great alternative to carrots.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, which works well for roasting vegetables.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral flavor but serves the same purpose in seasoning.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder and less visually apparent.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary offers a robust, earthy flavor that complements roasted vegetables similarly to thyme.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the roasted carrots to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Transfer the cooled carrots to an airtight container. If you have a lot, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooling and reheating.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The carrots will maintain their flavor and texture during this time.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Lay the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This initial freeze prevents them from sticking together.
Once the carrots are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen roasted carrots can be stored for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the carrots directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c), spread the carrots on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the roasted carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the pan. Toss in the roasted carrots and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated evenly.
For a quick option, place the roasted carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are hot.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the roasted carrots in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a steaming method, place the roasted carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through and tender.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the carrots at a consistent temperature, ensuring they become tender and slightly caramelized.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading the carrots in a single layer, allowing for even roasting.
Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent the carrots from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Measuring spoons: Helps measure the precise amounts of olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme for consistent flavor.
Knife: Used to peel and cut the carrots into sticks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely peeling and cutting the carrots.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep in advance: Peel and cut the carrots the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use pre-cut veggies: Purchase pre-cut carrot sticks from the store to skip the chopping step.
Batch seasoning: Mix a large batch of olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme in advance to use for multiple recipes.
Quick clean-up: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to minimize washing time.
Roast with other veggies: Add other quick-cooking vegetables to the baking sheet to make a complete side dish in one go.

Roasted Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Carrots peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Thyme dried
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spread the carrots out on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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