Go Back
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 3 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients shine in this dish. Baby carrots bring a natural sweetness. They cook evenly and become tender when roasted. The melted butter helps the brown sugar and spices stick. You can switch out the brown sugar. Try honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Each gives a unique flavor. For spices, feel free to experiment. You can use nutmeg instead of cinnamon. This adds a warm, fragrant twist. You could also add more paprika for extra heat. Let your taste guide you! {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the carrots caramelize well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the carrots from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for balance. Mix well until everything blends together. You want the sugar and spices to coat the butter evenly. Add 1 pound of peeled and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl. Toss them well in the brown sugar mixture until each carrot gets coated. Spread the carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through to ensure even cooking. This step is key for a perfect roast. Enjoy the sweet and spicy aroma that fills your kitchen! To cook your carrots evenly, lay them out in a single layer. This helps the heat reach all sides. Avoid crowding the baking sheet. If the carrots touch, they may steam instead of roast. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking. This action turns them for even browning. Baking time is crucial for great flavor. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. Check them a few minutes early. You want them soft, but not mushy. Use a fork to test tenderness. If it goes in easily, they are ready. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also try chopped chives or cilantro. These herbs pair well with the sweetness. For main dishes, serve these carrots alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. The flavors complement each other perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh baby carrots will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant, firm carrots for optimal sweetness. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the amount of brown sugar. Alternatively, you can reduce it for a less sugary taste. Add a Kick: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Perfect Roasting: Make sure to spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and caramelize beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your roasted carrots easily. For a spicy kick, add cayenne or chili powder. Just a pinch can bring heat. If you love savory flavors, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These spices blend well and create a tasty twist. You can make these carrots in an air fryer for a quick option. Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even cooking. You can also cook them on the stovetop. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with some butter until they are tender. This method gives you a nice caramelization too. Pair your roasted carrots with delicious side dishes. They go well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a veggie stir-fry. For a fun presentation, you can serve the carrots in a bowl with fresh parsley on top. You could also arrange them in a line on a platter, drizzling with a bit of balsamic glaze for flair. To keep your brown sugar cinnamon roasted carrots fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture and odors from affecting the taste. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days. After that, the flavor and texture may decline. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but keep it short to avoid sogginess. Enjoy your sweet and spicy treat again! Yes, you can use regular carrots. The main pros are size and flavor. Regular carrots are larger, so you need to cut them into smaller pieces. This helps them cook evenly. The downside is cooking time. Larger pieces may need a bit longer to roast. You might also need to adjust the seasoning to taste. To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based option. You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a great substitute. Both options will keep the texture and flavor. Just be sure to melt it before mixing with the sugar and spices. These roasted carrots go well with many meals. Try them with roasted chicken, grilled pork, or baked salmon. They also complement a hearty grain dish, like quinoa or farro. The sweetness of the carrots balances nicely with savory main dishes. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad for a colorful plate. This blog post covered everything you need for brown sugar cinnamon roasted carrots. From a full ingredient list to steps for perfect roasting, you learned how to elevate a simple dish. I shared tips for even cooking, caramelization, and serving variations. Remember, you can always mix in spices to match your taste. Use our storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy making this dish that enhances any meal! Your journey in the kitchen just got a bit sweeter.

Sweet and Spicy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring baby carrots coated in a sweet and spicy brown sugar mixture.
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, peeled and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sugar and spices are evenly incorporated into the butter.
  • Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the brown sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
  • Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  • Remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  • Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

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