Sweet caramelized carrot sticks (Printable)

Tender carrot sticks roasted with olive oil and spices for a sweet, healthy side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

→ Oils & Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

→ Garnish

07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

# Steps:

01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through, until they are golden and tender with crispy edges.
05 - Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The edges get crispy while the inside stays tender, creating a texture you can't stop eating.
  • Takes fifteen minutes of actual work and the oven does the rest—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Works as a side, a snack straight from the pan, or even cold the next day if any survive that long.
02 -
  • Uneven carrot sizes mean uneven cooking—cut them roughly the same thickness or the thin ones burn while thick ones stay hard.
  • Don't skip the halfway turn; it's the difference between perfectly caramelized and unevenly cooked.
  • The carrots taste better warm but honest truth, they're also incredible straight from the fridge the next morning.
03 -
  • If your oven runs cool, add a few minutes and trust your eyes over the timer—golden edges mean done.
  • Cut the carrots lengthwise instead of coins for better caramelization and a satisfying bite.

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