Learn how to make the perfect, simple side dish that people will want seconds of with this roasted carrots recipe. Originally published November 2019. Last updated November 2022.
What dish are you in charge of this Thanksgiving? Even if you're trying to bring something to the table but aren't a master chef, you can whip up a batch of these simple roasted carrots, sis. And you'll impress your family, bae's family--basically, whoever's family you're eating with. Start scrolling a side dish you can make for under $10.
Speaking of inexpensive Thanksgiving solutions, grab my guide the perfect Thanksgiving!
If you like easy Thanksgiving side dishes, check these out, too!
Growing up, my mom always fed us carrots "for beautiful eyes" so I'm a big fan of them and have shared a few different carrot recipes (peep my ginger curry carrots) over the years. Everyone needs a good basic recipe to start with, though, so here's yours. If you've ever wondered (or Googled) how to cook carrots, I've got you covered today. These carrots are cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned simply, then roasted to perfection. The result is on point both flavor and texture-wise so don't be surprised when everyone goes back for seconds.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
- Black Pepper
- Carrots
- Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Thyme
Can I use fresh thyme on roasted carrots? Absolutely. You can use either sprigs of fresh thyme, dried thyme, or ground thyme in this recipe at a ratio of 4:1:0.5. So in this recipe one tablespoon of fresh, one teaspoon of dried, or one half teaspoon of ground.
Tips & Tools for Roasting Carrots
- It is very important to cut your carrots into bite-sized pieces so that they roast evenly and are easy for people to eat. Here's a video of the roll cut method I use to cut these carrots.
- It's not necessary to peel your carrots, but if you want to go for bonus presentation points, peel them before cutting with an easy peeler.
- Be sure to spread out your carrots on a sheet pan with at least ½ inch of space between each piece. This will ensure the carrots have plenty of surface area exposed to the roasting heat of the oven. When crowded too closely, the steam released from the carrots cooks each other and the texture can become too soft.
- Can I roast carrots for meal prep? Yes! Cook per the recipe card below and store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to seven days.
What to Serve with Thyme Roast Carrots
Obviously, this is a fabulous classic Thanksgiving side recipe but it also works wonderfully for weeknight dinners. Pair them with juicy chicken breast and other sides likes baked macaroni & cheese, smoky brussels sprouts, or garlic mashed potatoes.
More Easy Roasted Veggie Recipes
Just in case carrots with thyme aren't your thing, try out one of these roasted vegetable recipes for your Thanksgiving side dish.
Sweet & Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Are carrots good for PCOS?
Absolutely! When I first sought to manage my PCOS symptoms with functional nutrition, carrots came up often in my research of what to eat during your luteal phase because they are rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, and other properties that support elimination and liver detox. I cook them in olive oil and pair with a protein and leafy green vegetable for a balance of fat, fiber, protein, and complex carbs to help keep my blood sugar steady.
I hope you'll make this simple veggie side idea part of your mealtime routine during the holidays and beyond. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin my easy carrot recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Sheet Pan Roasted Carrot Recipe
Simple Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a sheet pan with non-stick oil and set aside.
- Wash carrots and trim off the stem ends. Then cut carrots into bite-sized pieces using the roll cut method. (See recipe notes for video.)
- Spread carrots pieces onto prepared sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil then season with thyme, sea salt, black pepper. Toss until all pieces evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Arrange carrots on sheet pan with at least ½ inch between each piece. Transfer pan to oven and roast for 30-40 minutes or until carrots are fork tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- It is very important to cut your carrots into bite-sized pieces so that they roast evenly and are easy for people to eat. Here's a video of the roll cut method I use to cut these carrots.
- It's not necessary to peel your carrots, but if you want to go for bonus presentation points, peel them before cutting with an easy peeler.
- Be sure to spread out your carrots on a sheet pan with at least ½ inch of space between each piece. This will ensure the carrots have plenty of surface area exposed to the roasting heat of the oven. When crowded too closely, the steam released from the carrots cooks each other and the texture can become too soft.
- Can I roast carrots for meal prep? Yes! Cook per the recipe card and store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to seven days.
Aline says
Roasted carrots are a MUST on our holiday table! One can never have too many recipe ideas!
Kenya Rae says
I never really cook with thyme. I often forget about it. These look delicious!
SHANIKA says
These Roasted Carrots look so good and are perfect as a side dish for the Holidays! I love that they are so well seasoned.
Katrina Adams says
I have a new love for roasted vegetables so I definitely will be trying carrots!!! I am in charge of dessert and a side dish!
Eden says
These carrots are so simple to make and absolutely delicious!
Adri Ruff says
I love this! A good plant-based recipe to balance out all of the indulgences this season!
Calysta says
OMG!!! These photos are making me hungry! I often forget carrots as as healthy and simple holiday dish! Thank you for this simple recipe!
Aly Michell says
That looks absolutely divine! Looks like another side dish is going to make its way on this year's Thanksgiving dinner table. Thanks for sharing!
Tamara J. says
I love the simplicity of this dish. Carrots are already delicious, but your cooking method is even better. I’m definitely trying this out very soon.
Brittany Fiero says
This looks like the perfect side dish for all of the upcoming holiday dinners. This seems so simple to make and healthy too!
Marta says
Roasted carrots don't get the love they deserve! They're so tasty when caramelized and so easy to pull off. I love your version.