Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

$To make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots, you will need: - 1 pound baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using baby carrots gives this dish a sweet flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can cut regular carrots into sticks. Fresh garlic is key to achieving great taste. Use high-quality olive oil for the best results. Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor, so don't skip it! If you want to change things up, here are some easy swaps: - Olive oil can be replaced with melted butter for a richer taste. - You can use any hard cheese instead of Parmesan, like Pecorino Romano. - If you want a lighter option, try using less cheese or skip it entirely. - For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 pound baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for nice roasting. In a large bowl, mix the baby carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss them well. This helps each carrot get flavor. Spread the carrots out on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. The heat will make the carrots tender. After 20 minutes, take the baking sheet out. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots. It adds a creamy texture and great taste. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and turn golden brown. To get perfect roasted carrots, use fresh baby carrots. They cook faster and taste sweeter. Make sure they are cut to a similar size for even cooking. Toss the carrots well in the oil and seasonings. This ensures every bite is tasty. Keep an eye on them as they roast. You want them soft but not mushy. Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots! Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Start with fresh, firm carrots. Choose baby carrots for a tender bite. If using regular carrots, cut them into similar sizes. This ensures even cooking. Always coat them in oil for better flavor. Use a high heat, around 425°F (220°C), for perfect roasting. Give them space on the baking sheet. Crowded veggies steam instead of roast. Garlic and Parmesan are a great team. You can add more herbs for depth. Try rosemary or oregano to mix it up. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors too. Consider tossing the carrots with balsamic vinegar before roasting. This adds a sweet tang that complements the cheese. One mistake is not preheating the oven. This can lead to uneven cooking. Another pitfall is overcooking the carrots. Check for tenderness after 20 minutes. If you add the cheese too soon, it may burn. Always wait until the end of cooking to add it. Finally, don’t skip the garnish! Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give your roasted carrots a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the carrots out in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and develop a nice caramelization. Choose the Right Cheese: For an extra depth of flavor, try mixing different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano with the Parmesan. Add a Splash of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the cheese. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for different tastes. Try using feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese adds creaminess and a unique flavor. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar. Each cheese gives your carrots a new twist. Mixing in other veggies can make this dish even better. Consider adding bell peppers for sweetness. Zucchini brings a nice texture. Or, try red onions for a bit of bite. Just cut them into similar sizes to the carrots for even cooking. Changing spices can change the whole dish. For a kick, add red pepper flakes. A pinch of cumin adds warmth and depth. If you love herbs, try oregano or rosemary. You can create endless flavor profiles with just a few spice swaps. After enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots, let them cool down. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If they start to smell or look strange, it's best to toss them. To reheat your roasted carrots, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just put them in a bowl and cover with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm evenly. Freezing is an option, but it may change the texture. If you want to freeze them, let the carrots cool completely. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best taste. To make this dish vegan, you can swap the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also try vegan cheese shreds. Just make sure they melt well. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces. This helps them roast evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as larger pieces take longer to cook. These carrots go well with many dishes. Try them with grilled chicken or fish. They also pair great with pasta or a hearty grain salad. For a full meal, serve them alongside roasted meats. Check the carrots after 30-35 minutes total. They should be tender and golden brown. You can pierce them with a fork to test for tenderness. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy. You've learned how to make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots from start to finish. We covered ingredients, prep, and cooking steps. I shared tips for perfect roasting and fun variations. You also found out how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Roasting carrots can be a simple yet tasty dish. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to adapt it to your tastes. Happy cooking!$

A delicious side dish of roasted baby carrots tossed in garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots, peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the carrots.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Keyword carrots, garlic, Parmesan, roasted