Make Ahead Baked Carrots

Elevate your side dish game with Make Ahead Baked Carrots—a perfect recipe to save time and wow your guests! This easy, make-ahead option blends tender, blanched carrots with a rich glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and honey, creating a sweet and savory delight. Ideal for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, these carrots are prepped in advance and baked fresh, ensuring a stress-free kitchen experience. The dish bakes to perfection in under an hour, producing caramelized, fork-tender carrots with a hint of parsley for a fresh finish. Whether you're planning for a crowd or just a family meal, this versatile recipe is a flavorful, time-saving gem.

Nutriscore Rating: 23/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and slice the carrots into uniform rounds or sticks, about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and blanch them for 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if planning to bake immediately. If making ahead, skip this step.

Step 4

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5

Place the blanched carrots in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the carrots and toss to coat them evenly.

Step 6

If making ahead, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Step 7

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

Bake the carrots, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	160 grams (160.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	567

Total Fat 48.20g	62%
Saturated Fat 28.00g	140%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 124mg	41%
Sodium 2414mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 41.20g	15%
Dietary Fiber 1.90g	7%
Total Sugars 37.40g
Protein 1.20g	2%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 54mg	4%
Iron 1mg	4%
Potassium 248mg	5%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.9%

Protein: 0.8%

Carbs: 27.3%