Roasted Cajun Butter Carrots

5 from 6 votes

Fresh carrots are roasted and tossed in a flavorful sauce of melted butter, garlic, Cajun spices, and brown sugar.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roasted carrots

Servings:

2.5 to 3 pounds carrots cut diagonally into 2 to 3-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic finely minced
2 teaspoons light brown sugar monk fruit brown sugar substitute or Swerve can also be used
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
thinly sliced green onions for garnish, optional
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Prep. Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
Season the carrots. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper and transfer them to a sheet pan or baking dish.
Roast. Transfer the dish to the oven and roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes, or until fork-tender, stirring halfway through cooking.
Make the Cajun butter. In the meantime, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds or until fragrant. Whisk in the brown sugar until combined. Whisk in dried oregano, paprika, Cajun seasoning blend, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Combine. Add the roasted carrots to the skillet and gently toss to combine with the butter sauce. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly.
Serve. Garnish with green onions and parsley and serve.

Prepare in Advance: Roasted veggies, especially carrots, can be prepared ahead, simplifying the final reheating step for a quick and tasty dish.
Opt for Baby Carrots: For a hassle-free version, use baby carrots. They're prepped and ready, requiring just a rinse, seasoning, and roast.
Watch the Clock: Roasting times can vary based on carrot size and thickness. Start checking around the 20-minute mark, and if they're not fork-tender, continue roasting in five-minute increments.
Even Sizing: When cutting your carrots, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid having some pieces undercooked while others might overcook.
Tossing Technique: Once your carrots are roasted, toss them in the butter sauce while they're still hot. This allows them to absorb the buttery goodness better, giving them a glossy and appetizing appearance.