Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your vegetable game with something vibrant, flavorful, and downright irresistible, Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese is exactly what you need. This dish beautifully balances the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the crunch and caramel notes of candied pecans, all crowned with creamy, tangy goat cheese. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’s simple enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to impress guests. Trust me, once you make this, roasted carrots will never be the same again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish shine, you don’t need a long shopping list. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect sweet, savory, and slightly nutty flavor combination you’ll love.

• 2 pounds carrots (peeled): The star of the show, fresh carrots provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that enhances the roasting process.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pats): Helps the carrots roast beautifully and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Just a touch of warmth to keep things interesting.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle hint of spice that elevates the dish.
• 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled): Provides a creamy tanginess that contrasts brilliantly with the sweet carrots and pecans.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves to garnish: Fresh herbs add brightness and an earthy note.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used for making the candied pecans, for that luscious texture.
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Enhances the sweetness of the pecans with a natural depth.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Works with the maple syrup to create a sticky, candy-like coating on the pecans.
• 1 cup roughly chopped pecan halves: Adds irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt: Sprinkled on the pecans for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.

How to Make Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Carrots

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then arrange your peeled carrots in a single layer. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the carrots, and dot them with pats of unsalted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon to bring the flavors together as the carrots roast. Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 50-60 minutes, turning the carrots gently 3 or 4 times to ensure even caramelization. The goal is tender, glossy carrots with golden edges that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Make the Candied Pecans

While the carrots are roasting, focus on the decadent candied pecans. In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Stir in the maple syrup and brown sugar, allowing the mixture to thicken while adding the chopped pecans. Keep stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until the pecans are coated in a shiny, sticky glaze. Remove from heat and sprinkle with flaked sea salt to sharpen the sweetness with a hint of savory crunch.

Step 3: Assemble Your Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Once your carrots are perfectly tender from the oven, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle the warm carrots evenly with your homemade candied pecans followed by generous crumbles of creamy goat cheese. Finish the dish with a scattering of fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and an herbal lift. This final step brings together all the textures and flavors into one stunning, mouthwatering plate.

How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or even a few sprigs of rosemary add a fragrant, fresh note that complements the sweetness beautifully. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted seeds.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a simple quinoa salad. It can also shine as a star side at holiday dinners or brunches where sweet and savory dishes mingle.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve the roasted carrots on a rustic wooden board with goat cheese dollops and pecans artistically scattered. For something more elegant, arrange the carrots in neat rows on a white platter, topping each with precise goat cheese crumbles and a few pecans for each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the carrots to cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing their delicious layers of flavor and texture.

Freezing

While the roasted carrots with candied pecan and goat cheese taste best fresh, you can freeze the roasted carrots separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to add pecans and goat cheese fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300 degrees F) to warm through without drying out. Add the candied pecans and goat cheese after reheating to preserve their textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well too. Just chop them roughly and follow the same candying process for a different but equally delicious crunch.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

To veganize this recipe, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free goat cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The candied pecans and roasted carrots remain just as delicious!

How do I get the carrots perfectly tender but not mushy?

Roast at a moderate temperature of 350 degrees F and turn the carrots a few times during cooking. Checking for fork tenderness around the 50-minute mark helps you catch them at the ideal texture.

Can I make the candied pecans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the candied pecans a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crunch intact. Add them fresh when serving.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese is a dish that invites you to savor layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s simple, elegant, and full of personality—the perfect way to brighten up your dinner table any time of the year. Go ahead and give this recipe a try; once you experience the magic combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed carrots without it.

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