Parmesan Roasted Carrots make an impressive side dish!
Just toss 2 pounds of carrots with melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
The secret to amazing caramelization? Cut carrots diagonally for more surface area.
These golden, cheesy veggies will steal the spotlight at any holiday table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Recommended Tools
Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing these Parmesan Roasted Carrots much easier and more enjoyable. The perfect roasted carrots require just a few basic items that help you prep, season and bake them to perfection without any fuss or extra cleanup.
- Baking Sheet:
A sturdy rimmed sheet is essential for roasting the carrots evenly without any veggies sliding off during cooking.
- Vegetable Peeler:
Makes quick work of prepping carrots before cutting them into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Chef’s Knife:
Perfect for cutting carrots into uniform 3-inch pieces that will cook at the same rate.
- Small Saucepan:
Ideal for melting butter and mixing in the garlic and seasonings for the perfect flavor base.
- Mixing Bowl:
Makes tossing the carrots in the butter mixture and Parmesan much easier and less messy.
- Parchment Paper:
Lines your baking sheet for easier cleanup and helps prevent the cheesy carrots from sticking.
Instructions for Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Let’s turn those ordinary carrots into something magical! First, crank up your oven to 425°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup – trust me, your future self will thank you!
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a microwave or small pot until it’s all liquidy and wonderful. Now comes the flavor explosion – whisk in 4 cloves of minced garlic (oh that smell!), 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until everything’s happily combined.
Toss your 2 pounds of carrots in this buttery mixture, making sure every piece gets a generous coating. It’s like giving your carrots a spa treatment! Then sprinkle ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over them and mix again. Don’t worry if some falls to the bottom – that’ll create crispy cheese bits later!
Spread your carrots out on the baking sheet in a single layer. No carrots should be piling on top of each other – they need their personal space to roast properly!
Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, but don’t forget to give them a gentle stir halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fork-tender and starting to get those gorgeous caramelized edges.
Before serving, shower them with ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Give them a quick taste test and add more salt or pepper if needed – the flavors really come alive after roasting!
Now dig in and watch everyone’s eyes light up at your veggie masterpiece!
Pro Tips
For an even caramelization and to save time on prep, cut carrots on a diagonal to increase their surface area against the hot pan, which creates more of those delicious browned edges while ensuring the interior cooks perfectly tender.
Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe is delicious on its own, experimenting with variations can transform this humble side dish into something new and exciting.
- Spicy Honey Glaze: Reduce Parmesan by half and add 2 tablespoons honey mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a sweet heat finish.
- Mediterranean Style: Substitute feta cheese for Parmesan, add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and replace parsley with fresh dill.
- Maple Thyme Version: Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon fresh thyme and drizzle with 2 tablespoons maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Rainbow Carrots: Use multicolored carrots instead of orange ones for a visually stunning presentation without changing the flavor profile.
- Balsamic Twist: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze after roasting and swap half the Parmesan for goat cheese crumbles.
- Herb Garden Mix: Replace Italian seasoning with a mixture of fresh rosemary, thyme and sage finely chopped.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Properly storing your leftover Parmesan Roasted Carrots ensures you’ll enjoy their delicious flavor for days after making them!
I recommend refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Want to reheat? Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore that perfect crispness.
Don’t microwave them unless you’re in a rush—they’ll lose that wonderful texture!
Serve With Holiday Meals
Parmesan Roasted Carrots with Garlic Butter Drizzle
Tender carrots roasted with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with garlic butter for a perfect side dish.
- 2 lbs carrots, washed, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
- Melt butter; whisk in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss carrots in butter mixture, then add Parmesan and mix.
- Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
