These spicy garlic roasted carrots are a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the bold flavours of garlic and chilli flakes, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

One of my favourite side dishes is these roasted carrots with spices. With the addition of maple syrup and chilli flakes, it’s a playful take on the traditional roasted carrots. The carrots pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze.

It’s pleasantly spicy without overpowering the other ingredients, and you can modify the degree of spiciness to your preference.

For some more healthy side dishes, check out this side dish.

spice goes well with carrots

Garlic (minced, powder or granules)
Onion powder or granules.
Black malabar pepper.
Cinnamon (Cassia for sweeter, Ceylon for sweetness with some more complex savory and vanilla flavors)
Nutmeg powder.
Cayenne pepper powder.
Ginger powder.
Aleppo chilli.

Do you need to boil carrots before roasting?

Nope, you don’t need to boil carrots before roasting. Roasting them raw helps bring out their natural sweetness and gives them a nice caramelised texture. Just toss them with oil and seasoning and pop them in the oven. If you prefer softer carrots or are short on roasting time, you can broil them briefly, but it’s not necessary

To enhance the flavour of carrots, try these tips:

Season Well: Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper as a base. Add spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder for extra depth.
Sweet Glaze: Carrots love a touch of sweetness. Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze before roasting or sautéing for a rich, caramelised flavour.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill after cooking to brighten up their taste.
Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest sprinkled on top pairs perfectly with their natural sweetness.
Roast Them: Roasting carrots at high heat (400°F/200°C) brings out their natural sugars and gives them a delicious caramelised edge.
Butter and Spices: Sauté carrots in butter with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cosy, warm flavour.
Add a Tangy Kick: Finish with a splash of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy contrast.

Ingredients

6 servings

3 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1½ teaspoon chili flakes
1½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cut carrot sticks with minced garlic, olive oil, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Toss the carrots well to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 4

Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelised, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6

Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute.

Step 7

Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Spicy Garlic Roasted Carrots