Go Back

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Roasted carrots with candied pecans and goat cheese are caramelized at high heat until tender and browned, then finished with a honey drizzle and creamy, tangy crumbles. Crunchy pecans get glossy in a quick butter-brown sugar toss for a sweet-salty contrast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Carrots
  • 2 lb carrots
Seasoning and finish
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 oz goat cheese crumble for topping
Candied pecans
  • 0.5 cup pecans
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 skillet

Method
 

Roast the carrots
  1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a sheet pan. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on the sheet pan until evenly coated (carrots should look glossy).
  2. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and caramelized. The edges should darken slightly and the carrots should be easily pierced.
Candied pecans and assembly
  1. Melt butter with brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat, then add pecans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until glossy and toasted, stirring so pecans are coated.
  2. Transfer pecans to parchment and cool briefly, then roughly chop. The coating should look set and shiny, not wet.
  3. Drizzle roasted carrots with honey. Top with goat cheese, candied pecans, and fresh thyme leaves so every bite includes cheese and crunch.

Notes

For best caramelization, spread the carrots in a single layer with cut sides facing down when possible, so they brown instead of steam. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days; rewarm in a 425F oven for 5-8 minutes (add toppings after reheating if you want extra crunch). Freezing isn’t recommended because goat cheese texture changes. For a dairy-light option, use an equal amount of crumbled feta or a plant-based cheese that melts similarly.