Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots With Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese Recipe

Crispy roasted carrots dance with candied pecans and creamy goat cheese in a vibrant side dish that defies ordinary vegetable expectations.

Caramelized edges bring unexpected sweetness to these humble root vegetables.

Nutty pecan crunch complements the tender carrots’ earthy flavor profile.

Tangy goat cheese adds a luxurious contrast that makes every bite memorable.

Mediterranean herbs scattered across the plate spark visual and gustatory excitement.

Simple ingredients combine to create a stunning accompaniment that screams gourmet without complicated techniques.

Let this recipe become your new favorite way to transform mundane carrots into a show-stopping sensation.

Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans Ingredients

• Carrots: Fresh, sweet vegetables perfect for roasting.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness to the carrots.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts for candied topping.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese for garnishing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice complementing roasted carrots.
• Flaked Sea Salt: Finishing touch for candied pecans.

• Butter, Maple Syrup: Create rich, sweet glaze for pecans.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb for garnishing and flavor accent.

Roasting Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Season the Carrots

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cinnamon

Step 3: Roast the Carrots

Place the seasoned carrots in the preheated oven. Roast for 50-60 minutes, rotating the carrots 3-4 times during cooking. The carrots are ready when they turn tender and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Create Candied Pecans

• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Whole pecans

Stir continuously for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the pecans evenly.

Step 5: Finish the Candied Pecans

Remove the pecan mixture from heat. Sprinkle flaked sea salt over the nuts and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

• Crumbled goat cheese
• Candied pecans
• Fresh thyme leaves

Serve the carrots warm and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.

Carrot Roast Tips with Pecans and Goat Cheese

• Roast Evenly for Perfect Caramelization: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Boost Flavor with Seasoning Layers: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin alongside cinnamon to introduce deeper, more complex flavor profiles that complement the sweetness.
• Control Sugar Caramelization: Watch carrots closely during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting to prevent burning, as brown sugar can quickly turn from golden to burnt.
• Swap Ingredients for Dietary Needs: Replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version, and use plant-based cheese alternatives if avoiding dairy while maintaining the dish's rich, creamy texture.
• Toast Pecans for Enhanced Nuttiness: Lightly toast pecans before candying to intensify their natural flavor and create a more robust, aromatic result in the final dish.

Storing Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese for Leftovers

• Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the pecans and goat cheese separate to maintain their texture.
• Warm carrots on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
• Reheat carrots in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent burning.
• Sprinkle fresh pecans and goat cheese after reheating to restore crunchiness and ensure the best flavor profile.

Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese Companions

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling to complement the roasted carrots' caramelized sweetness and balance the rich goat cheese.
• Craft Beer Connection: Choose a Belgian-style wheat beer or a smooth amber ale that matches the nutty pecan flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the dish's richness.
• Cocktail Companion: Mix a bourbon-based old fashioned with orange bitters, which echoes the warm cinnamon notes and enhances the maple syrup's depth while cutting through the creamy goat cheese.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Brew a sparkling apple cider with hints of ginger, creating a vibrant drink that mirrors the carrots' sweetness and offers a light, effervescent counterpoint to the rich ingredients.

Roasted Carrot with Goat Cheese Styles

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace goat cheese with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if needed. Double-check maple syrup is pure and uncontaminated.
• Herb Garden Remix: Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage. Add chopped parsley or chives for extra fresh herb flavor. Experiment with different herb combinations to customize the dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace carrots with roasted butternut squash or parsnips. Reduce maple syrup quantity and use monk fruit sweetener for fewer carbohydrates. Increase nuts for added crunch and healthy fats.

FAQs

• Why brown sugar and butter for roasting carrots?

Brown sugar caramelizes the carrots, creating a deep, rich sweetness and helping them develop a beautiful golden-brown color. The butter adds richness and helps the sugar stick to the carrots.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. They’ll create a similar crunchy texture and can be candied using the same maple syrup method.

• How do I know when the carrots are perfectly roasted?

Look for a deep golden-brown color and slightly caramelized edges. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. They’ll have a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior.

• Is goat cheese necessary for this recipe?

While goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy element, you can skip it or substitute with feta cheese if you prefer. The cheese provides a nice contrast to the sweet roasted carrots and candied pecans.

Roasted Carrots with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Fall Flavors

• Elevate Simple Vegetables: Transform ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish with minimal effort, creating a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps deliver a delicious, impressive dish that looks and tastes much more complicated than it is.
• Sweet and Savory Harmony: Combine the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with caramelized brown sugar, buttery candied pecans, and tangy goat cheese for a complex flavor profile that delights the palate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, this recipe appeals to both vegetable lovers and those who typically avoid vegetables.

Roasted Carrots With Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet side dish with Mediterranean flair. Crisp pecans, creamy goat cheese, and caramelized carrots create a harmonious blend you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese, crumbled

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Sugars and Fats:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pats
• 2 tablespoons butter (for candied pecans)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for candied pecans)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with protective covering to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Distribute carrots evenly across the baking surface, ensuring each piece receives direct heat exposure. Generously coat with brown sugar, butter, aromatic seasonings like salt, pepper, and cinnamon to enhance natural sweetness and flavor profile.
3. Roast the carrots for approximately one hour, periodically rotating them to ensure uniform caramelization and tender texture. Monitor closely to achieve golden-brown edges without burning.
4. Simultaneously craft candied pecans using a low-heat technique in a small saucepan. Gently combine butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar, allowing ingredients to meld and create a rich, glossy coating for the nuts.
5. Stir the pecan mixture continuously for roughly two minutes until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious glaze that clings perfectly to each nut fragment.
6. Remove the pecan mixture from heat, sprinkle with flaked sea salt to introduce a sophisticated flavor contrast, then set aside to cool and crystallize slightly.
7. After carrots complete roasting, transfer to an elegant serving dish, creating an inviting presentation that showcases their caramelized exterior.
8. Finish the dish by generously scattering crumbled goat cheese for creamy richness, distributing candied pecans for textural crunch, and garnishing with fresh thyme leaves to introduce a herbaceous note.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity for different flavor intensities.
• Ensure even roasting by cutting carrots into similar-sized pieces to promote uniform caramelization.
• Swap pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts for dietary preferences or allergies.
• Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a plant-based version of this dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 298
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg