Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese Recipe
Delightfully sweet and savory roasted carrots paired with crunchy candied pecans and creamy goat cheese, finished with fresh thyme for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in this elegant side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, to garnish
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Line a baking sheet with foil, then arrange the peeled carrots in a single layer. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and distribute the pats of butter across the carrots. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon to enhance flavor.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender. Turn the carrots 3 to 4 times during roasting to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Make Candied Pecans: While the carrots are roasting, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the pecans well.
- Finish Candied Pecans: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flaked sea salt to balance the sweetness. Set aside the candied pecans to cool slightly.
- Assemble Dish: Once the carrots are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle the candied pecans evenly on top, followed by crumbled goat cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves over the dish to add a fragrant and fresh herbal note. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Turning the carrots multiple times during roasting ensures even caramelization for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred for the candied nut topping.
- For a milder goat cheese flavor, gently warm the cheese before sprinkling on the roasted carrots.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian side for holiday meals.
