Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

These Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese are a delicious and flavorful side dish for the fall and holiday season.

Ingredients

  • carrots

    peeled

    2 lb
  • brown sugar
    ½ c
  • unsalted butter

    cut into pats

    4 tbsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • pepper
    ½ tsp
  • cinnamon
    ½ tsp
  • goat cheese

    crumbled

    4 oz
  • fresh thyme leaves to garnish
    1 tbsp
  • butter
    2 tbsp
  • maple syrup
    3 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    1 tbsp
  • roughly chopped pecan halves
    1 c
  • flaked sea salt
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. 2

    Then line a baking sheet with foil. Place the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and evenly distribute the pats of butter. Also, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.

  3. 3

    Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the carrots are just fork tender. During baking, turn the carrots 3 or 4 times.

  4. 4

    While the carrots are roasting, prepare the candied pecans by melting the butter in a small pan on low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans. Stir about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

  5. 5

    Remove the candied pecans from the heat and stir in the flaked sea salt. Set aside.

  6. 6

    Once the carrots are cooked, put them in a serving dish. Sprinkle them evenly with the candied pecans and goat cheese. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

434 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping side dish to complete your fall feast or holiday table? These Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will impress your guests and elevate any meal.

The magic of this recipe lies in the masterful combination of textures and tastes. Tender, naturally sweet carrots are enhanced by roasting with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon. This creates a rich foundation that beautifully complements the irresistible crunch of homemade candied pecans, which offer a sticky-sweet, salty counterpoint. Finally, the creamy, tangy goat cheese provides a bright, piquant finish, making every bite a complex and satisfying experience.

Expect a side dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. The carrots will be incredibly tender, with a caramelized sweetness that deepens during roasting. Each bite will be punctuated by the delightful snap of the candied pecans, their sweetness balanced by a hint of sea salt. The goat cheese melts slightly from the residual warmth, creating pockets of creamy tanginess that cut through the richness, while fresh thyme leaves add an aromatic flourish. This dish feels special, yet it’s approachable enough for any home cook looking to add a touch of gourmet flair to their spread. With 434 calories per serving, it’s a rich and indulgent addition to your meal.

While this dish is perfect as written, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. If you're not a fan of goat cheese, consider swapping it for crumbled feta for a similar salty tang, or a milder, creamy ricotta salata. For a different aromatic note, consider garnishing with fresh rosemary or parsley instead of thyme.

This vibrant side dish is tailor-made for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or any festive autumn occasion where you want to add a memorable and flavorful vegetable course.

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Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese Recipe | Only Recipes