Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs bring out the natural sweetness of fresh carrots and turn a simple vegetable into something truly special. As they roast, the edges caramelize beautifully while the centers stay tender, soaking up the warm brown sugar glaze and fragrant herbs.
This dish feels right at home on a holiday table, but it is just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults, and it pairs effortlessly with everything from roasted chicken to hearty beef dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs
These carrots are easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Sunday supper. The brown sugar enhances their natural flavor without overpowering it, and the herbs add freshness that keeps the dish from tasting too sweet. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Can I Use Baby Carrots or Do I Need Whole Carrots?
You can use either baby carrots or whole carrots sliced into sticks. Whole carrots tend to have a deeper flavor and roast more evenly when cut into similar sized pieces. Baby carrots are convenient and work well when you are short on time. Just make sure they are spread out in a single layer so they caramelize instead of steam.
Ingredients for the Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh carrots to create a flavorful side dish. Each ingredient plays an important role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and herbaceous aroma.
- Carrots Fresh carrots are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a tender texture when roasted.
- Brown Sugar Adds a deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Olive Oil Helps the carrots roast evenly and prevents them from drying out.
- Butter Brings richness and helps create a glossy glaze.
- Garlic Adds a subtle savory depth that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Thyme Gives the dish a fragrant, earthy note.
- Fresh Parsley Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
- Salt Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Black Pepper Adds mild heat and complexity.

How To Make the Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs
This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. The oven does most of the work while you prepare the rest of your meal.
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and slice whole carrots into even sticks if using whole carrots. Place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper over the top. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the carrots out in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are fork tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 4: Finish with Herbs
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme and chopped parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Serving and Storing Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people as a side dish, depending on portion size. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or baked fish.
To store leftovers, place the cooled carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or use a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of the caramelized edges.
What to Serve With Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs?
Roast Chicken
Juicy roast chicken complements the sweet and savory flavor of the carrots perfectly.
Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
The rich, flaky salmon from https://miaplates.com/honey-garlic-butter-baked-salmon/ pairs wonderfully with the caramelized carrots for a balanced dinner.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Soft mashed potatoes create a comforting plate alongside these glazed carrots.
Grilled Steak
The sweetness of the carrots contrasts nicely with a well seasoned grilled steak.
Holiday Turkey
For festive gatherings, these carrots fit right in next to turkey and stuffing.
Rice Pilaf
Light and fluffy rice pilaf allows the flavor of the carrots to shine.
Want More Vegetable Side Dish Ideas?
If you enjoy these Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs, you might also love trying other flavorful sides from Mia Plates.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots is another easy oven baked favorite that brings out deep, savory flavors in simple vegetables. You can find it here https://miaplates.com/roasted-broccoli-and-carrots-recipe/.
For a hearty and comforting option, Loaded Scalloped Potatoes make an indulgent addition to any dinner table https://miaplates.com/loaded-scalloped-potatoes/.
Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes is perfect when you want something fresh yet satisfying https://miaplates.com/roasted-asparagus-and-potatoes-recipe/.
If you are planning a full comfort meal, Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is always a crowd favorite https://miaplates.com/classic-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/.
Save This Recipe For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a drizzle of honey or keep it classic with brown sugar? Did you try different herbs?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome and sharing tips helps everyone cook with more confidence.
Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and daily recipe inspiration on Mia Recipes on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/amarieg309/ and discover your new go to favorites.

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots with Herbs are tender, caramelized oven-roasted carrots glazed with brown sugar, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. This easy roasted carrots side dish is sweet and savory, perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, and pairs well with chicken, turkey, steak, or salmon.
Ingredients
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (or baby carrots)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the carrots to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter.
3. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated, then spread into a single layer.
4. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with thyme and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Roast the carrots in a single layer with a little space between pieces so they caramelize instead of steaming.
Cut whole carrots into similar-sized sticks so everything finishes roasting at the same time.
For a deeper glaze, roast 5 minutes longer and watch closely near the end to avoid burning the sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg


