Brown Butter Sage Roasted Carrots Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Roasted carrots are a classic side dish, but when combined with the richness of brown butter and the aromatic flavor of crispy sage, they become something extraordinary. The brown butter brings a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots. The sage adds an extra layer of depth and texture, making every bite more delicious. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to elevate any meal, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 lbs heirloom carrots (about 2 bags of medium-sized carrots)

• 2 tablespoon butter

• 0.25 teaspoon olive oil (light spray)

• 1 package sage leaves

• A pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Peel the carrots and place them in a baking pan that has been lightly sprayed with olive oil.

3. Lightly spray the tops of the carrots with more olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Roast the carrots in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly caramelized.

5. While the carrots are roasting, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium to medium-high heat. Let the butter simmer until it stops foaming and turns a light brown color.

6. Add the sage leaves to the brown butter and let them fry until they become crispy, which should take around 30 seconds.

7. Once the carrots are done roasting, drizzle the brown butter and crispy sage mixture over the carrots.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 7 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Maple Brown Butter Sage Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of maple syrup into the brown butter just before adding the sage.

• Spicy Roasted Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a mild kick of heat.

• Herb Variations: If you don’t have sage, try rosemary or thyme for a different herbaceous flavor.

• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover brown butter sage roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the carrots in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, depending on the amount.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular carrots instead of heirloom carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots, but heirloom carrots tend to have a sweeter and more robust flavor.

2. How do I know when the carrots are done roasting?

The carrots are done when they are fork-tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. If the carrots are soft and you can easily pierce them with a fork, they’re ready.

3. Can I make the brown butter ahead of time?

While it's best to make the brown butter fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before drizzling over the carrots.

4. Can I use dried sage instead of fresh sage?

Fresh sage is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if you only have dried sage, you can sprinkle it over the carrots before roasting for a more subtle flavor.

5. How do I avoid burning the butter?

To avoid burning the butter, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. Once the butter stops foaming and starts to turn brown, it’s time to add the sage.

6. Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

While the carrots are best served fresh, you can prepare the roasted carrots in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the brown butter and sage just before serving.

7. How do I prevent the carrots from drying out while roasting?

To prevent the carrots from drying out, make sure to lightly coat them with olive oil and cover the pan loosely with foil during the first 15 minutes of roasting. This helps retain moisture.

8. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough baking sheet, and consider roasting the carrots in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

9. Can I use this recipe with other vegetables?

Absolutely! This brown butter sage recipe works well with other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.

10. Can I make the roasted carrots spicy?

Yes! You can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat and spice.

Conclusion

These brown butter sage roasted carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that will quickly become a favorite at your table. The rich brown butter sauce and crispy sage elevate the sweet, tender carrots, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy!

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Brown Butter Sage Roasted Carrots Recipe

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These roasted carrots with brown butter and crispy sage are a perfect side dish, blending the sweetness of the carrots with the richness of brown butter and the savory crunch of crispy sage.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 lbs heirloom carrots (about 2 bags of medium-sized carrots)

2 tbsp butter

0.25 tsp olive oil (light spray)

1 package sage leaves

A pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the carrots and place them in a baking pan that has been lightly sprayed with olive oil.
3. Lightly spray the tops of the carrots with more olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Roast the carrots in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
5. While the carrots are roasting, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium to medium-high heat. Let the butter simmer until it stops foaming and turns a light brown color.
6. Add the sage leaves to the brown butter and let them fry until they become crispy, which should take around 30 seconds.
7. Once the carrots are done roasting, drizzle the brown butter and crispy sage mixture over the carrots.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Maple Brown Butter Sage Carrots: Add maple syrup for a sweet twist.
• Spicy Roasted Carrots: Add cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter or olive oil for a vegan-friendly option.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg