Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese


These Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese are a delicious and flavorful side dish for the fall and holiday season.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese:

A couple weeks ago, I went to a fantastic event called Outstanding in the Field. In case you haven’t heard of it, it’s a culinary experience that travels around the country throughout the year, teaming up with local farmers and chefs to create a dinner in a field / on a farm. One long table is set up and a 100+ people are fed farm-to-table dishes inspired by the farm and chef.

Outstanding in the Field | Inspired by Charm
Outstanding in the Field | Inspired by Charm

At the dinner I attended, carrots were among the starter dishes. When I first saw the plate, I assumed it was a delicious medley of roasted carrots, sweet pecans, and goat cheese. Although I thoroughly enjoyed what the chef had prepared, I had something sweeter in mind. I couldn’t get my version out of my head so I thought I’d make it myself.

Looking for more fall and holiday sides? Try these:

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Not only am I posting my recipe for these tasty Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese, but 12 of my blogger friends are joining me to share their favorite Thanksgiving sides.

So grab your loose-fitting pants and get ready for a feast. The Tastes of the Season series continues today on IBC.

Ingredients:

Where’s what you’ll need:

You’ll also need these to make the candied pecans:

  • butter
  • maple syrup
  • brown sugar
  • pecan halves
  • flaked sea salt

Let’s put this dish together.

How to Make Roasted Carrots:

I’ll walk you through the recipe here, but you can find the full details and ingredient list in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

I began by oven roasting carrots with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and pepper.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

While the carrots roasted, in another pan I sautéd pecans with a bit more butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (for that great fall flavor) and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes
Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Once the carrots were fork tender, they came out of the oven. I plated them and sprinkled them with goat cheese crumbles and the candied pecans I had just made. For more color and flavor, I finished things off with fresh thyme leaves.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Perfection.

My Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese were exactly what I had in my mind when I saw that plate of carrots at the dinner. I’m thrilled I was able to recreate what I had imagined.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes
Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

The tangy goat cheese compliments the sweetness of the pecans wonderfully. The sprinkle of thyme is the perfect finishing touch and a compliment to the season.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

As you have probably noticed, something sweet can be a nice complement to a savory meal. This is why people often serve something like candied yams or sweet butternut squash at Thanksgiving.

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

If you’re looking for a dish that’s a bit different, give these carrots a try. They are simple to make, and the flavor combination is on point.

Happy cooking!

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese Recipe:

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candied, carrots, goat cheese, holiday, roasted carrots
Servings: 6 people
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
These Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese are a delicious and flavorful side dish for the fall and holiday season.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds carrots - peeled
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - cut into pats
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 ounces goat cheese - crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves to garnish
Candied Pecans:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup roughly chopped pecan halves
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Then line a baking sheet with foil. Place the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and evenly distribute the pats of butter. Also, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the carrots are just fork tender. During baking, turn the carrots 3 or 4 times.
  • While the carrots are roasting, prepare the candied pecans by melting the butter in a small pan on low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans. Stir about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove the candied pecans from the heat and stir in the flaked sea salt. Set aside.
  • Once the carrots are cooked, put them in a serving dish. Sprinkle them evenly with the candied pecans and goat cheese. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Video


Nutrition Facts

Calories: 434kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 613mgFiber: 6gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 25930IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 2mg
Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you’re cooking in the kitchen!
Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - fall Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Now, before you head off to enjoy your day, be sure to check out the entire collection of Tastes of the Season Thanksgiving side dishes below. I’m certain you’ll want to try a recipe or two or three…

Seasons of Home Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

Apple Walnut Cranberry Sauce by Ella Claire | Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole by Nesting with Grace | Herb and Garlic Roasted Carrots by Craftberry Bush | Bacon Green Beans by anderson + grant | Pumpkin & Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes by My Sweet Savannah

Sweet Potato Pie by City Farmhouse | Sweet Cornbread by Nina Hendrick Design Co. | Sally Lunn Bread by House 214 | Cranberry & Brie Bites by Finding Home Farms | Avocado Bacon Butternut Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette by Nest of Posies

Cranberry Pretzel Salad by Zevy Joy | Sweet & Savory Cornbread by Julie Blanner | Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans & Goat Cheese by Inspired by Charm

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Comments

  • Alicia at

    I bought the petite carrots from Trader Joe’s. Do you recommend for me to cut off the tops and slice them in half before baking? Or should I just leave them as is? I love your recipe! It sounds perfect!!
    Thanks in advance!

  • Amara at

    I made this for my families Thanksgiving dinner and it was a huge hit! I bought the big/whole carrots from the farmers market and chopped them up into little sticks and it looked so pretty. A great pop of color on the thanksgiving table. Thanks!

  • Leigh Merryday Porch at

    Lord, have mercy, but this is an amazing dish. This is my third time making it since I found it a year ago. Some traditional folks might not put it on their plate and try it, but all those who do RAVE about it. It’s just packed with flavor. It’s now a staple. No holidays without it! Thank you!

  • Jillian at

    This looks so GOOD! WOW, I absolutely can not wait to try these.

  • Jenna at

    These look AMAZING!! I have been experimenting with different roasted veggies. I tend to only eat the veggies sometimes because they are sooo good. These are making my mouth water so I think I need to make them soon.

  • Kelsey at

    Can you sub the maple syrup for honey or do you think it wouldn’t turn as good?

  • S at

    What are your suggestions for making this in advance? Need to take with me to thanksgiving dinner, so would need be be ready at least a couple hours ahead or day before and reheated if possible.

    TYIA!
    S

    • Maureen at

      I don’t see any responses to your question. Did you make this recipe ahead? If so, how did it turn out?

      • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

        I wouldn’t recommend making this dish in advance.

        xo Michael

  • Kim at

    Do you use light or dark brown sugar???

    • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

      Light. 🙂

      xo Michael

  • Ml at

    How many people does this recipe serve?

    • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

      About 6-8.

      xo Michael

  • Sandy McDaniel at

    Hi Michael,

    I wanted to thank you for helping me gather my 2019 Thanksgiving recipes. I enjoy your blog.

  • Cindy at

    Absolutely delicious!! I made these as a side for Christmas dinner yesterday, and they were a hit!

  • Holly at

    Can you make these ahead?

    • Eleanor at

      I would like to make ahead also. Is it doable?

  • Donna at

    This ticks all the boxes! Carrots, candied pecans and goat cheese! Pinned it for later…

  • Ali at

    When do we add the cinnamon?

    • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

      With the salt and pepper before roasting the carrots. 🙂

      xo Michael

  • Debbie at

    Just made this and it was yummy.

    • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

      Yay! Thanks for reporting back!

      xo Michael

  • Julie Fisher at

    It looks like you may have used those small gourmet carrots with the tops on? Please advise. I think these would be perfect with my Wild Roce and Chicken casserole im serving at a baby shower. Thanks!

    • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

      I picked up a bunch of carrots at the local farmers markets. They came with the tops on so I decided it leave about 2 inches of the greens on before roasting. However, I found they dried out more than I would have liked while roasting, so I wish I would have cut all the stems off. Hope that helps!

      xo Michael

      • Lisa at

        Planning to try this for Thanksgiving. I feel like a “bunch” is rather ambiguous. A guess in pounds?

      • Michael Wurm, Jr. at

        Oops! You’re right. That should be 2 lbs! I’ll adjust!

        Thanks!
        xo Michael

  • Casey at

    These look incredible! I’m always searching for an easy side dish for Thanksgiving dinner – will definitely add these to the menu this year. Thank you!

  • Julie Blanner at

    These sound absolutely delicious! And of course your photographs are gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing, friend!

  • vanessa at

    I can’t tell you how much I love goat cheese; I have to try this! PS: My cousin, who lives in Phoenix just attended one of these dinner events in the desert!! Can you imagine that? Cheers!

  • Brooke Christen at

    what a fun event! And those carrots look amazing and really pretty too!

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