Roasted Carrots with Feta

Close-up overhead view of vibrant Roasted Carrots with Feta, garnished with fresh dill on a rustic plate.

Welcome to your new favorite vibrant side dish! These Roasted Carrots with Feta offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. We combine tender, caramelized carrots with creamy feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a truly irresistible taste. This easy, colorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for any holiday table. Get ready to make a side dish everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love These Roasted Carrots with Feta

  • Quick & Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of naturally sweet carrots, savory olive oil, tangy feta, and fresh herbs creates a truly delightful taste experience.
  • Versatile Side: These roasted carrots with feta beautifully complement a wide range of main dishes, from simple weeknight meals to festive holiday spreads.
  • Family Favorite: Even those who usually shy away from vegetables often find themselves reaching for seconds of these flavorful carrots.
  • Nutrient-Packed: Carrots are loaded with beneficial vitamins and fiber, making this dish a wholesome and healthy addition to your meal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to create your delicious batch of Roasted Carrots with Feta. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s incredible flavor profile, from the earthy sweetness of the carrots to the salty bite of the feta.

  • 1½ lbs carrots (about 8 large carrots)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure honey
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions

  • Carrots: Feel free to use rainbow carrots for extra visual appeal, baby carrots for less chopping, or large carrots cut as directed.
  • Honey: Maple syrup is an excellent plant-based alternative if you prefer.
  • Garlic: If you do not have fresh garlic, a ½ teaspoon of garlic powder works well.
  • Dill: Fresh parsley, chives, or mint can offer a different but equally lovely herbaceous note.
  • Feta: Crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata can provide a similar tangy creaminess.
  • Olive Oil: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the roasted vegetables.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will help you create perfect Roasted Carrots with Feta.

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl and whisk
  • Vegetable peeler (optional, but recommended for larger carrots)

Instructions

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to prepare your delicious batch of Roasted Carrots with Feta. This simple method ensures perfectly tender and caramelized results every time.

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the carrots caramelize beautifully.
  2. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and thoroughly peel your carrots. For larger carrots, cut them lengthwise into halves or quarters so they are roughly uniform in size. This ensures even cooking.
  3. Line Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Spread the prepared carrots out in a single layer on the sheet.
  4. Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, pure honey, water, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Coat the Carrots: Pour the honey-garlic glaze mixture evenly over the carrots on the baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to toss them gently, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  6. Begin Roasting: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the carrots for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Stir and Continue: Halfway through the roasting time, open the oven and carefully stir or flip the carrots. This helps them cook evenly and develop that lovely caramelization on all sides. Continue baking until the carrots are tender-crisp and have slightly browned edges.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove the Roasted Carrots with Feta from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped dill over the hot carrots. The warmth will slightly soften the feta, enhancing its creaminess. Serve these delectable carrots hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Achieve Even Caramelization: Cut your carrots into uniform sizes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and develop consistent browning.
  • Prevent Steaming: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the carrots enough space so they roast instead of steam, leading to crispier results.
  • Deepen Flavor: For an extra bright and fresh finish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
  • Avoid Burnt Garlic: If you are sensitive to burnt garlic flavor, you can add the minced garlic during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
  • For Crispier Carrots: If you prefer your carrots with a bit more crunch, roast them for an additional 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  • Test for Doneness: Carrots are perfectly roasted when they are fork-tender but still hold their shape and have a slight bite.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

These versatile Roasted Carrots with Feta are a fantastic addition to many meals. Here’s how to best enjoy, store, and even customize them.

Serving Suggestions

  • Main Dish Pairing: They are excellent alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or grilled steak.
  • Hearty Sides: Serve them with lamb chops or a flavorful pork tenderloin.
  • Healthy Bowls: Add them to grain bowls with quinoa or farro for a nutrient-dense meal.
  • Appetizer Option: Offer them as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread.

Storage

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Place any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container.
  • Shelf Life: They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

  • Oven: Gently warm them on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Reheat briefly until just warm, but avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

Variations

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
  • Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or mint instead of dill.
  • Sweet & Tangy: Drizzle with a good quality balsamic glaze after roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Nutty: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish for added texture and richness.
  • Different Cheese: Try crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a different cheesy touch.

Nutrition Information

These Roasted Carrots with Feta are not only delicious but also offer a good source of essential nutrients. Each serving provides healthy fats, beneficial fiber, and an excellent amount of Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune health. According to the USDA FoodData Central, carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining healthy vision and supporting immune function.

NutrientAmount
Calories214 kcal
Carbohydrates26 g
Protein4 g
Fat11 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Cholesterol17 mg
Sodium327 mg
Potassium556 mg
Fiber5 g
Sugar17 g
Vitamin A28511 IU
Vitamin C10 mg
Calcium149 mg
Iron1 mg

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use baby carrots for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Baby carrots work wonderfully; just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook a bit faster.
  • Do I have to peel carrots? While optional for very young, thin-skinned carrots, it is generally recommended to peel larger carrots for the best texture and appearance.
  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh from the oven, but you can wash and cut the carrots a day in advance to save prep time.
  • What main dishes pair well with roasted carrots with feta? They are fantastic with roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled lamb chops, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf.
  • Can I omit the honey? Yes, you can omit the honey for a more savory version, or use less if you prefer. The carrots’ natural sweetness will still shine through.
  • How do I get extra crispy roasted carrots? Ensure your oven is fully preheated, spread the carrots in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, and consider roasting them for a few extra minutes.
  • Test for Doneness: Carrots are perfectly roasted when they are fork-tender but still hold their shape and have a slight bite.

Conclusion

These Roasted Carrots with Feta prove that simple ingredients can create truly extraordinary flavors. The delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, coupled with the vibrant colors, makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy carrots. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your beautiful creations, so feel free to share your feedback and photos!

Close-up overhead view of vibrant Roasted Carrots with Feta, garnished with fresh dill on a rustic plate.

Roasted Carrots with Feta

A simple and delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots caramelized with honey and garlic, then topped with crumbled feta and fresh dill.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 servings
Calories 214 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small Bowl
  • whisk
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • lbs carrots about 8 large carrots
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pure honey
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare carrots by washing, peeling, and cutting them in half lengthwise if they are large.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the prepared carrots evenly across it.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the carrots on the baking sheet.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes, making sure to stir the carrots halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
  • Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and immediately top them with crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. The sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the savory feta.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating