I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe elevates a humble vegetable into something downright magical. The sweet, tender carrots roasted just right and then tossed with rich, garlicky butter and fresh parsley always get rave reviews at my dinner table. It’s a simple side, but it feels special enough for a weeknight dinner or even a holiday feast.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how those little touches—like diced garlic melting into the warm butter and a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt—make all the difference. This recipe works wonders with Chantenay carrots, which have such a lovely texture and natural sweetness you’ll notice right away. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe, it’s going to be your go-to veggie side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple But Flavorful: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of Chantenay carrots enhanced by buttery garlic goodness.
- Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and fuss-free steps make this recipe accessible for any skill level.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted meats, fish, or even as a plant-based option on its own.
- Beautiful Presentation: The final touch of flaky sea salt and fresh parsley adds an irresistible finish that impresses guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe comes from using fresh, quality ingredients that play so well together. Choosing the right carrots is key, and the olive oil and butter combo ensures a rich flavor and perfect roast.
- Chantenay Carrots: These carrots are shorter and thicker with a tender skin and naturally sweet flavor—perfect for roasting without peeling.
- Olive Oil: Adds a mild, fruity base that helps roast the carrots evenly and promotes caramelization.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the carrot’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Butter (diced into small cubes): Adds richness and creamy texture, especially when combined with garlic at the finish.
- Garlic (very finely diced): Gives that wonderful aromatic hit that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Fresh Parsley (very finely diced): A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
- Flaky Sea Salt: The final sprinkle for added crunch and bursts of salty flavor to finish the dish.
Variations
I love to make this recipe my own by tweaking herbs or adding a little spice depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. You’ll find that it’s a highly adaptable dish that suits lots of tastes.
- Herb Swap: I sometimes replace parsley with fresh thyme or rosemary for a more earthy flavor — just as delicious and aromatic.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes gives a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots.
- Vegan Version: Swap out butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, and you still get that lovely rich coating.
- Nutty Finish: Toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds sprinkled on top add a wonderful crunch and extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prep the carrots with care
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Take your Chantenay carrots and pluck out the roots using a potato peeler or the edge of a teaspoon — this little trick helps keep everything looking tidy without peeling away the delicious skin. Slice each carrot in half lengthways to help them cook evenly and get that perfect roast texture.
Step 2: Toss and roast to perfection
Lay the carrots cut-side down in a large baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat them evenly, then sprinkle salt and pepper. Make sure to space them out so all the cut sides have direct contact with the dish. Roast for about 35 minutes until they’re fork-tender and just starting to caramelize around the edges—that’s where the deep, sweet flavor develops.
Step 3: Add the garlic butter magic
Once out of the oven, immediately add the finely diced garlic, cubed butter, and fresh parsley to the hot carrots. Toss everything gently so the butter melts evenly and the garlic softens slightly without burning. This quick step turns these roasted carrots into the soul-warming side I can’t get enough of—trust me, the aroma alone is irresistible!
Step 4: Finish with flaky sea salt and serve
Before serving, drizzle any extra melted butter from the dish over the carrots, then finish with a few pinches of flaky sea salt to add pops of flavor and texture. Serve immediately for the best experience—these carrots are at their peak silky, buttery, and just the right amount of tender crisp.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
- Carrot Size Matters: Choose similar-sized Chantenay carrots to ensure even roasting and consistent cooking times.
- Don’t Skip Spacing: Give each carrot enough room in the baking dish to roast instead of steam for that perfect caramelized edge.
- Add Garlic at the Right Time: Toss garlic in only after roasting, or it can burn and turn bitter during cooking.
- Use Flaky Sea Salt: It adds texture and bursts of saltiness that bring this simple side up a notch—regular salt just won’t do.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish here, adding a pop of green and fresh brightness that balances the buttery richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for a zingy lift that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
I often pair these roasted carrots with a simple roast chicken or a juicy steak—it’s the perfect veggie companion. They also work amazingly well alongside quinoa or rice bowls for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to arrange these carrots on a beautiful platter lined with fresh herbs and a few lemon wedges. Drizzling any leftover garlic butter from the baking dish over the top right before serving makes it look so indulgent and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I do, I usually store the garlic butter separately if there’s any left to keep the carrots from getting soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but I’ve found the texture changes a bit once thawed—carrots can get mushy. If you want to freeze, spread them out on a tray first to freeze individually, then transfer to a bag to prevent clumping.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a warm oven (around 150°C/300°F) to bring back the roasted texture without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep some of that crisp edge.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Chantenay carrots are ideal for their sweetness and size, you can use any fresh carrots. Just adjust roasting time depending on the size and thickness—thinner carrots may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Great question! Add the finely diced garlic only after the carrots finish roasting while the dish is still hot so the garlic gently cooks in the melted butter without burning or becoming bitter.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, and you’ll still get that rich, buttery coating on your roasted carrots.
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What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
If you don’t have flaky sea salt, a pinch of regular coarse salt can work, but flaky salt gives that beautiful texture contrast and bursts of flavor that really finish the dish nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy carrots because it’s effortless, flavorful, and impressive without needing lots of fancy ingredients. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how the sweet, tender roasted carrots paired with garlic butter melt in your mouth and delight your family or guests. Give it a try next time you want a side that’s simple yet feels special—I’m pretty sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it did in mine!
PrintGarlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tender roasted Chantenay carrots coated in garlic butter, enhanced with fresh parsley and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots through roasting, complemented by the richness of butter and aromatic garlic.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g / 1lb Chantenay Carrots (see notes)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp / 30g Butter, diced into small cubes
- 2 cloves Garlic, very finely diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, very finely diced
- Flaky Sea Salt, to finish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for roasting the carrots evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Carrots: Use the side of a potato peeler or a teaspoon to pluck out the root from each carrot to clean them. Slice each carrot in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and faster roasting.
- Toss Carrots with Oil and Seasoning: Place the prepared carrots into a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat all carrots evenly. Arrange them spaced out in a single layer, making sure the flat sides are facing down for optimal browning.
- Roast Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until they become fork tender and develop a caramelized exterior.
- Add Garlic, Butter, and Parsley: As soon as the carrots come out of the oven, add the finely diced garlic, butter cubes, and fresh parsley to the baking dish. Toss immediately to allow the butter to melt, the garlic to lightly cook, and the parsley to infuse its fresh flavor throughout the carrots.
- Serve and Finish: Transfer the butter-coated carrots to a serving dish, drizzle any remaining melted butter from the pan over the top, and finish with a few pinches of flaky sea salt for texture and an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Here I’ll show you the easiest and most delicious way to prepare the mighty carrot! Using Chantenay carrots, known for their sweet flavor and tender texture, makes this dish especially delightful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5.95 g
- Sodium: 278 mg
- Fat: 11.15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.399 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.235 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.65 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 1.36 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg