Sweet Roasted Carrot Sticks (Printable)
Caramelized carrot sticks roasted with olive oil and herbs for a sweet, healthy side dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
→ Garnish (optional)
06 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tsp lemon zest
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine carrot sticks with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and dried herbs if using.
03 - Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until carrots are tender and edges are lightly caramelized.
05 - Remove from oven, transfer to a serving plate, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The oven does almost all the work while you handle other dishes.
- Those caramelized edges taste like candy, but it's just the carrot's natural sugars coming alive.
- It looks like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
02 -
- Don't crowd the baking sheet; carrots need space to roast and brown, not huddle together and steam.
- The halfway turn is crucial—it's the difference between evenly caramelized sticks and some that are soft while others are still pale.
03 -
- Use a hotter oven and keep a closer eye on them if you like deeper caramelization; every oven runs a little differently, so trust your nose and eyes over the timer.
- A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon right as they come out of the oven adds a final dimension that feels almost restaurant-quality.