Go Back
- 1 lb baby carrots - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons light brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley When making brown sugar cinnamon roasted carrots, the ingredients are simple yet powerful. Baby carrots shine in this dish. Their natural sweetness pairs well with brown sugar and cinnamon. I often use unsalted butter for a smooth finish. Light brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor. Ground cinnamon gives warmth, while paprika adds a bit of spice. A sprinkle of salt and pepper helps balance all the flavors. For garnish, I love adding fresh parsley. It brings a bright color and fresh taste to the dish. This easy-to-make recipe allows the carrots to shine. You will enjoy the sweet and savory blend. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the carrots caramelize and get sweet. In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will coat the carrots and give them a sweet, spicy flavor. Now, take 1 pound of baby carrots and add them to the bowl. Toss the carrots gently in the brown sugar mixture. Make sure every carrot is well coated. This step is key for a tasty result. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. Spread the coated carrots in one even layer on the sheet. Leave some space between them. This allows for even roasting. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, stir the carrots. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely caramelized look. Once they are roasted, take the carrots out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a serving platter. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley on top. This adds color and flavor to your dish. For this dish, baby carrots work best. They are sweet and tender. If you can't find baby carrots, use regular carrots. Cut them into sticks about the same size as baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. Choose firm carrots with a bright color. Avoid limp or darkened carrots for the best taste. Stirring the carrots halfway through cooking is key. It helps them cook evenly. This step ensures that all sides get a nice caramelized color. If you skip this, some carrots may brown too much while others stay raw. Set a timer for halfway through to remind you to stir. You can boost the spice and sweetness to your liking. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For extra sweetness, try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also mix in nutmeg or ginger for different flavor profiles. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each change can make this dish unique. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for vibrant, firm baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. Freshness makes a significant difference in the final dish. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference. You can reduce it for a less sweet side dish or increase it for a more decadent flavor. Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices like ginger or nutmeg to customize the flavor profile. A pinch of cayenne could also add an exciting kick! Perfect Caramelization: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even caramelization. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the overall taste. {{image_4}} You can change the spice mix to fit your taste. For a warm touch, add nutmeg. Its sweet and woody flavor pairs well with brown sugar. If you like heat, try a pinch of cayenne. It gives a nice kick to the dish. Mix and match spices to create your perfect blend. Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness. If you want to swap it, use honey or maple syrup. Both add unique flavors and sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar for a caramel-like taste. Just remember to adjust the amount, as these sweeteners have different strengths. Feel free to add other veggies for more color and flavor. Sweet potatoes work great with carrots. They roast well and have a natural sweetness. You can also try parsnips or beets. Mix them in for a fun, colorful dish that everyone will love. To keep your roasted carrots fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps to keep them moist and tasty. They can stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cool them first before sealing. This avoids extra moisture inside the container. You can freeze roasted carrots if you want to save them for later. Let them cool completely before freezing. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, aim to keep the flavor and texture. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may change the texture. If you do, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Roasted carrots take about 20 to 25 minutes to cook. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Stir them halfway through for even cooking. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces. Aim for about two to three inches long. This helps them cook evenly and match the baby carrots' tenderness. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Serve them with grilled chicken or roasted pork. They also go great with quinoa or a fresh salad. The sweet and spicy flavor adds a nice touch to any meal. Look for a rich golden-brown color. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork. The caramelization gives them a sweet and rich taste. If they look glossy and slightly wrinkled, they are perfect! This blog post covered how to make delicious brown sugar cinnamon roasted carrots. We went through the main ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you. I shared tips for choosing the best carrots and how to ensure even cooking. There were also ideas for variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Remember, roasting carrots adds a sweet, tasty twist to any meal. Experiment with spices and enjoy your cooking!

Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Carrots

A delightful side dish featuring baby carrots roasted with a sweet and spicy brown sugar cinnamon glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, beautifully peeled and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted to perfection
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for a warm flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika, for a hint of spice
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect environment for roasting.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar and spices are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
  • Carefully add the baby carrots to the bowl, and gently toss them in the sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture until each carrot is generously coated.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated carrots in an even, single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they have space for roasting.
  • Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and beautifully caramelized. Remember to stir the carrots halfway through the roasting time for even cooking and a consistent caramelization.
  • Once finished, remove the carrots from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
  • Transfer the luscious roasted carrots to a serving platter. For a splash of freshness, garnish with finely chopped parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Notes

For best results, ensure carrots are evenly coated and spaced on the baking sheet.
Keyword carrots, roasted, side dish, spicy, sweet