Imagine transforming ordinary carrots into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Carrots with Rosemary are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that combines the sweet warmth of apple cider, the earthy richness of fresh rosemary, and the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted carrots. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with a recipe that's both simple to prepare and absolutely mouthwatering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into uniform sticks approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful glaze.
- Place the carrot sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows each carrot to caramelize and roast evenly.
- Pour the apple cider glaze over the carrots, using a spatula or your hands to coat each carrot thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through cooking to promote even browning and caramelization.
- The carrots are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have golden-brown edges with a glossy, caramelized appearance.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh chopped rosemary if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the sweet and herbaceous glaze to complement the roasted carrots' natural flavors.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your carrots into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your carrots breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that delicious caramelization.
- Glaze Magic: For maximum flavor, make sure each carrot is thoroughly coated with the apple cider glaze. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure complete coverage.
- Oven Positioning: Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven for the most consistent heat distribution.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh rosemary if possible – the difference in flavor is remarkable compared to dried herbs.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a few additional fresh rosemary sprigs just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. Pro Tip: Let the carrots rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
