Ah, roasted carrots. They might seem like a simple side dish, but trust me when you roast them with garlic and parmesan, they become something truly special.

The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for a quick and healthy side for a weeknight dinner.  I had some leftover carrots in the fridge, and with a few pantry staples, I whipped this dish up in no time.  The aroma that filled the kitchen while they roasted was intoxicating – the carrots’ sweetness mingled with the garlicky goodness.  And let me tell you, the first bite was a revelation.  The carrots were crisp-tender on the outside, yielding and caramelized on the inside, and the parmesan cheese added a touch of salty richness that took them over the top.  It was a simple side dish, but it was bursting with flavor and surprisingly addictive.

This Roasted Carrots with Garlic-Parmesan recipe is so easy and versatile that it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a healthy holiday side dish. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get roasting!

Ingredients for Roasted Carrots with Garlic-Parmesan

• 2 lbs. small to medium carrots, peeled (about 15)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions for Roasted Carrots with Garlic-Parmesan

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
• Prep the carrots.  Wash and peel the carrots.  Cut them into similar-sized pieces –  thick julienne sticks, diagonal slices, or even baby carrots work well.  This ensures even cooking.
• Toss and coat.  In a large bowl, combine the carrots, olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, and pepper.  Toss to coat the carrots evenly.
• Roast to caramelized perfection.  Spread the carrots out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.  Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender-crisp and golden brown on the edges.
• Parmesan power!  Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with half of the grated parmesan cheese.  Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
• Fresh finish.  While the cheese is melting, whisk together the lemon juice and remaining parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
• Serve and savor!  Remove the pan from the oven and garnish the roasted carrots with the fresh parsley and lemon parmesan dressing.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings & Prep Time

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, depending on how much you like your veggies.  The prep time is minimal, about 10 minutes, and the roasting time is around 25 minutes.

 

Side Dish

Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various proteins. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled fish or salmon
• Baked tofu or tempeh
• Lentil soup
• Quinoa bowls

Conclusion

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you.  Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Carrots are a flavor bomb waiting to happen.  They’re easy to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious.  So, next time you’re looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing side dish, try this recipe.  I have a feeling it will become a staple in your kitchen, too!

FAQ

Can I use pre-chopped garlic?

Absolutely!  Pre-chopped garlic is a great time-saver.  Just be aware that it can be a bit stronger in flavor than fresh garlic, so you might want to adjust the amount to your taste.

Don’t have fresh parsley?

No problem!  You can substitute dried parsley in a pinch.  Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes!  While parmesan is classic, you could try this recipe with Romano cheese, Asiago cheese, or even a crumble of goat cheese.