These balsamic roasted carrots are crispy and seriously addictive– a perfect side for Thanksgiving or any day
Can you believe there are only three days until Thanksgiving?! Hopefully it’s not too late to add these balsamic roasted carrots to your menu. They’re crispy and garlicky with just a hint of balsamic flavor and they’re so simple to make. The prep work only takes about 10 minutes, which means they’re a quick side for Thanksgiving. Not that these are limited to Thanksgiving– they’re a delicious side dish any day. And I think the whole carrots make a really pretty presentation.
First, wash the carrots well. No need to peel! Halve any extra-thick carrots lengthwise and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up. Season carrots with a bit of cooking oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and salt and then bake at 375 for 335 to 40 minutes.
I’m not a fan of some traditional Thanksgiving foods like stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie, but I always love the spread our family puts together. This year, we’re making:
-Turkey
-Gravy & dressing
-These balsamic roasted carrots
–Homemade mac ‘n’ cheese
-Fresh green beans
-A healthier sweet potato casserole adapted from this recipe
-Mashed potatoes
–Healthy apple crisp
I’m excited to eat a little bit of everything! And I’m even more excited to see all of our family members who are coming in town on Tuesday afternoon. My aunt, uncle, & cousins are driving here from Georgia and my grandparents are flying here from Arkansas. I love when our whole family’s together since it happens just once or twice a year.
From last year’s annual Thanksgiving kickball game
Oh! And Gilmore Girls is coming back on Friday. So many things to look forward to. I have two more days of classes, but I’m counting down the hours until I drive home Tuesday afternoon…and sleep in my own bed..and snuggle with my dog…and see all of my family…and eat all of the delicious food. Ahhhh, I can’t wait!
If you try out these balsamic roasted carrots, feel free to let me know in a comment or take a picture and tag me @livbane on Instagram. Hope you enjoy!
Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole carrots
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil safe for high heat (I use avocado or grapeseed oil )
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash carrots thoroughly and cut off tops– no need to peel them. Dry with a paper towel or clean dish towel. For even cooking, halve or even quarter the thicker carrots so each carrot is roughly the same thickness.
- Place in single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle on garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes, depending on thickness, until tender and starting to slightly crisp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately.
Questions for you:
Will you be watching Gilmore Girls?!
Yes!
What’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year?
What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods?
We always make mac and cheese, which is one of my favorite all-time foods, plus I love any kind of roasted veggies.
Pin for later:
Sooo, we have a running joke at thanksgiving that I need to be seated as far away from the carrots as possible or else I will eat them ALL – and I would totally eat all of these as they look so good 😛
Haha! Too funny that your family has a running joke about you eating all of the carrots. Sounds like something I’d do 🙂
Mmmmm these look so delicious! I cannot wait until school gets out Tuesday afternoon and to finally be on break… I’ve been ready for it for weeeeeks! Also, great minds think alike — I have a roasted carrot recipe coming out tomorrow 🙂
I feel like I’ve been waiting for Thanksgiving break to get here for weeks, too. So excited!
GIRL you and I are one in the same. I can’t stand traditional Turkey Day food. I eat a tad bit of turkey only because its the only protein source at the table lol but I could live wihtout it. But I love, love, love this recipe! Totally making these carrots soon – Im such a sucker for a good roasted carrot!
I agree! I’m fine with turkey but I really just love the non-traditional Thanksgiving foods we make like mac and cheese and ice cream pie or apple crisp. So yummy!!
These look so delicious! Pinning these for later – may make an appearance on our Thanksgiving table 🙂
Thanks for pinning, Sarah!
love roasted carrots! The balsamic on top sounds so good!
Li these look incredible…I am totally making them asap when I get home!!! I must admit though, I was seriousl shaking my head when you said that you didn’t like pumpkin pie OR stuffing, those being my two top Thanksgiving foods. I’ll get you to like them one day…you haven’t had my family’s stuffing yet:) Love you, happy turkey day!!
That’s right, I remember now that stuffing’s your favorite! Happy Thanksgiving, Ri!
Can’t wait to try them.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
Balsamic always goes so well on roasted veggies, and I love your non-traditional Thanksgiving day foods. Mac n’ cheese would be something my family would love! I’m going to try a few new things this year, so I’m hoping we can add a few new things. 🙂
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Emily, and got to add a new non-traditional things this year, too 🙂
Anything with balsamic vinegar, I am all for it. 🙂 Super yum
I love to roast! Even when it’s hot outside. These look terrific.
These are gorgeous, and I just so happened to have picked up a bunch of carrots at the farmer’s market last weekend!
Ah perfect timing!
omg i love roasted carrots! <3 for thanksgiving this year i made: creamy veggie pasta (was supposed to be a vegan mac, but wasnt quiiiite there yet.), stuffed squash, and wild rice, and my step dad made brussels and my mom made green beans and bean salad, then we went to the family house where they had all of the other traditional food (which i've never really liked either, except for potatoes and turkey!). it was so fun though <3
happy thanksgiving, liv!!
Yum, sounds like your family cooked up some really, really delicious food! Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving!