I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe because it turns a humble vegetable into something truly irresistible. When I first tried roasting Chantenay carrots this way, the garlic butter melting over the tender, slightly caramelized carrots immediately won me over—and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. This recipe works beautifully as a simple side dish for weeknight dinners or even for special occasions when you want a little something extra on the plate.
You’ll find that the combination of fresh garlic, rich butter, and fresh parsley enhances the natural sweetness of these petite carrots, making every bite flavorful and comforting. What I really appreciate is how straightforward it is—you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, yet the results feel restaurant-worthy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase Chantenay carrots, which roast perfectly thanks to their small size and tender texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: The garlic butter really elevates the natural sweetness of Chantenay carrots without any fuss.
- Versatile side dish: Perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive holiday meals.
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Family favorite: My loved ones always ask for seconds whenever I make this dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like a dream. The sweetness of the Chantenay carrots paired with the richness of butter and the punch of garlic is a match made in heaven. Fresh parsley adds just the right pop of herbaceous freshness.
- Chantenay Carrots: Their petite, stout shape means they roast evenly and have a tender, sweet bite.
- Olive Oil: Adds a light coating to help with roasting and enhances flavors without overpowering.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the natural sweetness.
- Butter: Diced into small cubes so it melts beautifully over the hot carrots.
- Garlic: Very finely diced, garlic infuses the butter with its aromatic flavor without becoming overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely diced to sprinkle over and add a fresh, green lift.
- Flaky Sea Salt: To finish, adding a bit of crunch and an extra punch of seasoning.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe to keep it fresh and suited to whatever mood I’m in. Feel free to play around with herbs and spices to make it your own. It’s your kitchen, so why not try some twists?
- Herb Swap: I sometimes swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary, which adds a woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with the roasted carrots.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes right before roasting gave the dish a subtle heat that my family absolutely loved.
- Vegan Friendly: Replace the butter with a high-quality plant-based margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free version that still feels indulgent.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup before roasting adds another layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory garlic butter.
How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Carrots Carefully
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). I like to use the side of a potato peeler or even a teaspoon to gently pluck out the little root end from each carrot—this keeps them looking neat and helps with roasting. Then, slice each carrot in half lengthways so they roast evenly and get that lovely flat side caramelized. Don’t skip this prep; it really makes a difference!
Step 2: Toss and Roast
Place the carrots in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly. Toss them so every carrot is well coated, then arrange them flat-side-down and spaced apart. This ensures maximum caramelization and roasting without steaming them. Roast in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until they’re fork tender—golden edges are the goal here, not burnt!
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter and Parsley
As soon as you pull the carrots from the oven, sprinkle the finely diced garlic, cubes of butter, and fresh parsley over them. Toss quickly so the hot carrots melt the butter and lightly cook the garlic without burning it. This step gives you that irresistible garlicky richness that defines the recipe. Pro tip: do this immediately after roasting for the best flavor and silky coating.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once everything’s nicely coated and glossy, drizzle any leftover buttery juices from the bottom of the dish over the top—don’t waste that liquid gold! Finish off with a few generous pinches of flaky sea salt for texture and a flavor boost. Grab a fork, and dig in while it’s warm. Your taste buds will thank you.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving each carrot space lets the hot air circulate for better roasting and caramelization.
- Cut garlic finely: Finely diced garlic melts gently in the butter without burning or becoming bitter.
- Use flaky salt at the end: It adds a nice crunch and intensifies the garlic butter flavor just before serving.
- Serve immediately: Garlic butter coats the carrots best when hot, so don’t let them sit too long before plating.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
I typically stick with fresh parsley to keep things simple, but sometimes I sprinkle a little finely grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty twist that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter. A few fresh herbs like thyme or chives also work wonders if you want to get a bit fancy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs incredibly well with roasted meats like chicken or pork and is a lovely partner to a creamy mashed potato or a fresh green salad. I’ve also served it alongside seared salmon for an easy weeknight meal that feels special.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to serve these carrots at dinner parties is on a rustic wooden board, arranged in a fan shape with a few sprigs of herbs scattered around. It makes the simple veggie look like a centerpiece! You can also wrap the roasted carrots in parchment for a “garlic butter carrot parcel” that’s fun to open at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The carrots do lose a bit of their crispness but still taste fantastic thanks to the buttery garlic coating.
Freezing
I don’t often freeze roasted carrots since the texture changes a bit once thawed, but if you want to, I recommend freezing them flat on a tray first and then transferring to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer a quick blast in a hot oven (around 180°C/350°F) for 8-10 minutes to revive a bit of crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible — it tends to make the butter separate and the carrots soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Chantenay carrots are ideal because of their size and tenderness, you can use regular or baby carrots too. Just adjust the roasting time slightly—larger carrots may take a bit longer to get tender.
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Is this Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe suitable for vegans?
You can easily make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative or extra olive oil. The flavor will still be rich and delicious!
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning in this recipe?
Add the garlic only after the carrots finish roasting, when you toss it with cold butter and hot carrots. This gentle heat softens the garlic without burning it.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can roast the carrots ahead and refrigerate them, then add the garlic butter and parsley right before serving to keep flavors bright.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe is a true gem in my kitchen rotation. It’s simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough to serve guests without stress. I hope you give it a go—you might just find yourself reaching for these garlicky, buttery carrots again and again. Trust me, once you taste how tender and flavorful these roast carrots are, they’ll quickly become a favorite side dish in your home too.
PrintGarlic Butter Roasted Chantenay Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This Garlic Butter Chantenay Carrots recipe features tender, caramelized Chantenay carrots roasted to perfection and then tossed in a flavorful mixture of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley. It’s an easy and delicious side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of the carrots enhanced by savory butter and aromatic garlic, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect bite.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 500g / 1lb Chantenay Carrots
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Butter and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp / 30g Butter, diced into small cubes
- 2 cloves Garlic, very finely diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, very finely diced
Finishing
- Flaky Sea Salt, to finish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and carrots: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Using the side of a potato peeler or a teaspoon, carefully pluck out the root from each Chantenay carrot and then slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even roasting.
- Toss carrots with oil and seasoning: Place the halved carrots in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly then space them out in the dish, making sure each carrot half lies flat-side down for optimal caramelization.
- Roast until tender: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 35 minutes, or until the carrots are fork tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
- Add garlic, butter, and parsley: As soon as the carrots come out of the oven, add the finely diced garlic, butter cubes, and chopped fresh parsley to the baking dish. Toss the carrots gently so the butter melts and coats them while the garlic cooks lightly, releasing its aroma.
- Finish and serve: Once the carrots are fully coated in garlic butter and fragrant, drizzle any remaining melted butter from the dish over the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory flavors with the natural sweetness of the roasted carrots.
Notes
- This recipe highlights how roasting Chantenay carrots lets their natural sweetness shine while adding a savory buttery garlic touch.
- If Chantenay carrots are unavailable, other tender carrots can be substituted but adjust cooking time accordingly for size.
- Using flaky sea salt at the end provides a pleasant crunchy texture and flavor contrast to the tender carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5.95 g
- Sodium: 278 mg
- Fat: 11.15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.399 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.235 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.65 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Protein: 1.36 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg