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Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

Roasted carrots with candied pecans are tender and browned at the edges, then topped with crisp, cinnamon-sugar pecans and crumbled goat cheese. Roast the carrots on a sheet pan while the pecans cook in a skillet for an easy side dish with contrasting textures.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
Cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 238
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the carrots
  • 2 lb carrots peeled and cut on a diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
For the candied pecans
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup pecans halves
For the topping
  • 3 oz goat cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • 1 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet
  • 1 10-inch skillet

Method
 

Roast the carrots
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss the carrots in a large bowl with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and the black pepper.
  3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and browned at the edges.
Candy the pecans
  1. In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, stirring until the mixture bubbles.
  2. Stir in the pecans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until coated and the syrup thickens.
  3. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined plate and cool until crisp, about 10 minutes.
Finish the dish
  1. Transfer the warm carrots to a serving platter.
  2. Scatter the candied pecans over the top.
  3. Scatter the goat cheese over the top.

Notes

For crisp pecans, let them cool until fully crisp before adding them to the carrots. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-free option, omit the goat cheese.