Description
This elegant side dish features tender roasted carrots coated with brown sugar and warm spices, topped with sweet and salty candied pecans, creamy goat cheese, and fresh thyme for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for holiday dinners or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Candied Pecans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup roughly chopped pecan halves
- 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Garnish
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the carrots evenly.
- Prepare Carrots: Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the peeled carrots in a single layer. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the carrots and place pats of unsalted butter across them. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 50 to 60 minutes until the carrots are fork tender. Turn the carrots three to four times during roasting to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
- Make Candied Pecans: While the carrots roast, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the pecans.
- Finish Pecans: Remove the pecans from the heat and stir in the flaked sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble and Garnish: Once carrots are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle evenly with the candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese. Finish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant and colorful presentation.
Notes
- Turning the carrots multiple times during roasting ensures even caramelization and tenderness.
- Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before candying.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian centerpiece.
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the best aromatic impact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted carrots, candied pecans, goat cheese, maple syrup, side dish, vegetarian, holiday recipes, easy vegetable recipe
