Description
Heavenly Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese is a delightful side dish featuring perfectly caramelized carrots roasted to golden perfection, topped with sweet and crunchy candied pecans and creamy goat cheese. This harmonious blend of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 2 lb carrots (peeled and cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (helps achieve that perfect golden-brown roast)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances flavors)
- 1/2 tsp pepper (adds warmth to balance sweetness)
Candied Pecans
- 1 cup pecans (chopped, to be candied)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (adds natural sweetness to complement the carrots and pecans)
Topping
- 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F for optimal caramelization to ensure the carrots roast evenly and develop a nice golden-brown color.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into sticks approximately 1 inch thick to allow even cooking throughout.
- Toss Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well coated, ensuring flavor penetration and proper roasting.
- Roast Carrots: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for even browning and tender texture.
- Candy Pecans: While the carrots roast, heat pecans and maple syrup together in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently until pecans become fragrant and caramelized, creating a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Combine Ingredients: Once carrots are roasted, toss them gently with the candied pecans to blend flavors and textures.
- Add Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the carrot and pecan mixture to add creamy tanginess that complements the sweetness.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, optionally drizzling with extra maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta for a similar tangy flavor.
- Use raw pecan halves instead of chopped if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- For a vegan option, omit goat cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Carrots can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated to save time on serving day.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity if you prefer a less sweet or more intensely sweet topping.