Looking for a simple yet delicious dish? Try my Roasted Carrots and Asparagus recipe! It combines the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots, the vibrant freshness of asparagus, and the creamy tang of goat cheese to create the perfect side dish.
It's a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a holiday feast like Easter or Thanksgiving dinner or for a romantic dinner. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering, this roasted vegetable recipe is the perfect addition to your menu. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious foodies. Give this simple and flavorful dish a try today and elevate your next meal!
Don’t forget to check out my family’s favorite side dishes too! Try Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower, Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts, or for a healthy twist, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Roasted Carrots and Asparagus Recipe
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus are Best Served With
- How to Get Your Kids to Love Roasted Vegetables
- Ingredients
- How to make Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Goat Cheese
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Storing and Reheating Your Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
- Top Tips on Preparing Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Carrots and Asparagus Recipe
- Delicious and Nutritious:Roasted asparagus and carrots are delicious and highly nutritious – a winning culinary combination and an easy vegetable side dish that goes with most main courses.
- Sweet Caramelization: Why roast? Oven-roasted vegetables have a sweet caramelization and crispness that is difficult to achieve with any other cooking method.
- Customizable Flavors: Elevate that intense flavor with your favorite seasoning, such as paprika or garlic powder.
- Nutrient Retention: In addition, not cooking your vegetables in the usual way – boiled in water – helps keep them more nutritious and preserves their important antioxidants.
- Year-Round Ingredients: Carrots are available in various colors throughout the year, so have a bit of artistic fun.
- Perfect for Holidays: Asparagus is a spring vegetable, which is when they are at their best. This asparagus carrot recipe is your Easter meal ideas side dish. What a great way to surprise friends and family.
We strongly encourage you to start roasting other vegetables.
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus are Best Served With
The best part of a carrot and asparagus side dish is that it can be served with most roasted entrees ! Perfect alongside roasted entrees like salmon, chicken, beef, and pork.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: The zesty lemon flavor complements the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken: The savory teriyaki glaze pairs well with the earthy flavors of roasted carrots and asparagus.
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken: The smoky barbecue notes enhance the roasted vegetables' taste.
- Ground Chicken Spaghetti: This hearty pasta dish is balanced by the lightness of the roasted veggies.
- Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine: The garlicky shrimp and pasta are elevated when served alongside roasted carrots and asparagus.
- Salmon Kale Quinoa Salad: This fresh and nutritious salad pairs well with the roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Pair with a baked potato to turn this side dish into a complete vegetarian meal.
- Withs Sauces: For adventurous foodies, try drizzling the roasted carrots and asparagus with a hollandaise sauce, which is a rich and delectable pairing for the asparagus. Or try a honey mustard sauce, which pairs well with both.
- Crumbled Bacon: Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for an indulgent finishing touch.
How to Get Your Kids to Love Roasted Vegetables
Kids can be naturally fussy about vegetables, including roasted carrots and asparagus, before they have tasted them. You can help your kids overcome this innate inclination by allowing them to become more involved. Have them pick their own asparagus spears at the market. Let them arrange the carrots and asparagus on the baking sheet. Counting while they do so can improve their math. Make vegetables fun.
Topping them with a bit of Goat Cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist that makes these veggies irresistible. Incorporating dishes like this into your family meals is a great way to introduce kids to healthy side dish recipes while ensuring they get the essential nutrients they need. With vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and nutritious benefits, this recipe is a win for the whole family!
Ingredients
- Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the dish. Cutting them into sticks ensures even cooking and better caramelization.
- Asparagus: Asparagus provides a tender, slightly nutty flavor that balances well with the sweetness of carrots. Trimming removes the tough, woody ends for a pleasant bite.
- Olive oil: Oil helps coat the vegetables, ensuring even roasting and enhancing their flavor.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a mild, savory depth to the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and balancing the overall flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness, complementing the roasted vegetables.
- Paprika: Paprika enhances the dish with a warm and smoky flavor.
- Goat cheese: The creamy, tangy goat cheese provides a luxurious contrast to the roasted veggies' texture and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty acidity, balancing the richness of the goat cheese.
- Parsley: Parsley adds a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Goat Cheese
Learn how to make oven roasted vegetables in a quick simple method. As always start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easier and prevents the vegetables from sticking, allowing them to roast evenly.
Next, focus on prepping your vegetables. Begin by trimming the tough, woody ends of the asparagus, as these can be too fibrous to enjoy. Set the trimmed asparagus aside. Then, wash the carrots thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Depending on your preference, you can peel the carrots or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Finally, slice the carrots into sticks roughly the same size as the asparagus to ensure they cook evenly. This simple prep work sets the stage for perfectly roasted vegetables!
The carrots and asparagus are cut into equal length and arranged on a baking sheet.
Seasonings added to the veggies and mixed well. Roast them in the oven for 15–18 minutes.
Once they are lightly browned and tender with a slight crisp, remove them from the oven. While the vegetables are still hot, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese generously over the top. The heat from the vegetables will soften the goat cheese slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful contrast.
For an added burst of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the roasted vegetables. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for any meal!
Hint: Be sure to stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetable Swaps: Replace carrots and asparagus with other vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips. Be sure to cut them into thin pieces, similar in size to asparagus, for even roasting. Even parsnips, green beans, or Brussels sprouts are great alternatives to carrots and asparagus.
- Cheese Alternative: If goat cheese isn’t available, feta cheese is an excellent substitute, providing a similar savory touch to the dish. Parmesan, or even cream cheese for a similar creamy and tangy flavor.
- Spices Swaps: Garlic powder can be replaced with fresh minced garlic for some bold flavors. Adding ½ teaspoon of curry powder would also enhance the total flavor of the dish. Experiment with spices like cumin, thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes for added flavor.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet to spread the vegetables evenly for optimal roasting.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: For easy cleanup and to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To trim and cut the carrots and asparagus into even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Tongs or Spatula: For tossing the vegetables during roasting to make sure even caramelization.
- Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure olive oil, salt, and seasonings.
Storing and Reheating Your Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
Refrigeration: Keep your roasted carrots and asparagus for five days in the refrigerator while placed in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze the vegetables in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating in the Microwave: Use the microwave for quick reheating, though it may not retain the crispiness.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: Use an air fryer to reheat for a crispier texture.
Reheating in the Oven: Place the vegetables on a sheet pan and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
Top Tips on Preparing Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
- Whether you are roasting carrots, asparagus, or adding other vegetables, make sure they are sliced the same size for even roasting. The asparagus is thin, so ensure that carrots or other veggies match in size.
- Place them on the baking sheet in a single layer – again, for even roasting.
- Thin asparagus stalks will be crispier than their fatter counterparts. In this case, size will matter.
- You should use fresh vegetables for this recipe. In an emergency, however, you can use frozen veggies, but they will not crisp up. Trust me, you want the crisp.
- Be sure to trim the asparagus before roasting. Use a sharp knife to remove the tough end parts.
- Experiment with toppings. Chopped almonds or other nuts can add a crunchy interest.
- Don’t forget the goat cheese, which complements the sweetness of roasted vegetables.
FAQ
Yes, but it's best to thaw and pat them dry first to remove excess moisture. This ensures better caramelization during roasting.
Make sure to dry the vegetables thoroughly before roasting, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam.
Yes! Roast the vegetables, store them in an airtight container, and reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness before serving.
Yes, the roasted vegetables store well in the fridge and can be reheated for quick meals throughout the week. It's the perfect dish to prepare on Sundays for hassle-free weekday dinners.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this oven roasted asparagus and carrots recipe:
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots remove the top part and cut into sticks
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed the bottom part
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup goat cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges to serve
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and set them aside. Wash the carrots and cut them into sticks similar in size to the asparagus (peeling is optional).
- Place the carrots and asparagus on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the hot vegetables, allowing it to soften slightly. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor, serve the vegetables right after roasting.
- Skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
- Use leftovers as a topping for salads, pasta, or grain bowls.
Nutrition
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