Hey y'all! If you're looking for a show-stopping veggie side that steals the spotlight, Melting Carrots with Garlic Butter is about to become your new favorite. Imagine sweet, tender carrots that melt in your mouth, all draped in a rich blanket of savory garlic butter. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want to wow your guests (or just spoil yourself!). Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super Tender Texture: The carrots come out buttery-soft and practically melt in your mouth.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 40 minutes without any fancy techniques.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic butter infuses each carrot with irresistible savory goodness.
- Versatile Side: Pairs with everything from roast chicken to grilled steak.
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters can't resist these sweet, garlicky carrots!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Directions
Prep Your Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Peel carrots and cut them into uniform 1-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.
Season the Carrots
- In a large bowl, toss carrots with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the vegetable broth evenly over carrots.
Bake Until Meltingly Tender
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Gently flip carrots and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until they’re golden and fork-tender.
Finish & Serve
- Transfer carrots to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of garlic butter from the pan.
- Serve piping hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Notes & Tips
- Uniform Sizing: Cut your carrots into similar sizes for even melting.
- Low Sodium Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control seasoning.
- Butter Swap: For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter.
Variations
- Honey Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting.
- Lemon Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy finish.
Required Equipment
- Large baking dish or sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Storage Instructions
Let leftover Melting Carrots with Garlic Butter cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Delicious alongside roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or baked salmon.
- Serve over cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Try pairing with fresh, crusty bread to soak up the savory garlic butter.
Pro Tips for Melting Carrots with Garlic Butter
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—spread carrots in a single layer for even caramelization.
- Add garlic towards the end if you prefer a less intense flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt before serving to brighten the finished dish.
FAQ
1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots work great—just adjust the roasting time down by 5-10 minutes, as they tend to cook faster.
2. Can I make Melting Carrots with Garlic Butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the carrots and reheat before serving. For the best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish contains no gluten or wheat ingredients, making it a safe pick for gluten-free diets as long as your broth is certified gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
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2In a large bowl, toss the sliced carrots with olive oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, and thyme until evenly coated.
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3Spread the carrots in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
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4Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the carrots are tender and beginning to caramelize.
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5Remove from the oven. Add minced garlic and gently toss the hot carrots so the garlic melts into the butter sauce.
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6Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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