Butter Roasted Carrots

Butter Roasted Carrots are a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with a rich honey garlic butter sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe elevates any meal, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby carrots
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter

1. Melt Butter: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the honey until fully incorporated, then add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Coat the Carrots

3. Add Carrots: Toss the baby carrots in the honey garlic butter, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while coating them.
4. Season: Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Roast the Carrots

5. Prepare for Roasting: Transfer the coated carrots to a lightly greased baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Roast: Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Finish with Broiling

7. Crisp the Edges: Optional—broil the carrots on high for 2-3 minutes to char and crisp the edges.

Garnish and Serve

8. Add Parsley: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Information

This recipe serves about 4 people, with a prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, totaling 35 minutes.

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Maple Variation: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
   Yes, just cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prep the carrots and the honey garlic butter in advance, then combine and roast them when ready to serve.
3. What can I serve with Butter Roasted Carrots?
   They pair well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetable platter.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
   Yes, root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes would also work well.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free.
6. How do I know when the carrots are done?
   They should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
   Yes, garlic powder is a good substitute if fresh garlic is not available.
8. How can I make these carrots sweeter?
   Increase the amount of honey for a sweeter taste.
9. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
   Yes, for a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    Oven reheating helps retain the texture; microwave can make them soggy.

Conclusion

Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple yet impressive side dish that showcases the sweetness of carrots enhanced by a rich honey garlic sauce. Perfect for any meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!

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