Sweet caramelized carrot sticks (Printable)
Tender caramelized carrot sticks, roasted to sweet perfection with smoky and savory hints.
# What's Needed:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
→ Oils & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine carrot sticks with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the coated carrot sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until carrots develop a golden color and tender texture with crisp edges.
05 - Transfer roasted carrot sticks to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The carrots transform into candy-like sweetness without any added sugar, just the oven doing the heavy lifting.
- You can have this ready in under 40 minutes with minimal hands-on time, perfect for nights when cooking feels like a chore.
- It works as a side dish, a snack, or even chopped into salads the next day, making it endlessly flexible.
02 -
- Don't crowd the pan—if your carrots are packed in, they'll steam instead of roast, and you'll miss out on those crispy edges that make them special.
- Turning them halfway through isn't optional; it's what ensures even caramelization and prevents one side from burning while the other stays pale.
03 -
- Cut your carrots as evenly as possible so they roast at the same rate and finish together—uniform pieces are underrated in home cooking.
- Don't use non-stick spray; parchment paper handles the job cleanly and gives the carrots better contact with the hot pan for crisping.