Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots

Looking for a delicious side dish that will impress your guests and elevate your dinner table? These Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots are a game-changer! Sweet roasted carrots meet tangy balsamic glaze and creamy, pungent blue cheese for a flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy carrot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to elevate your vegetables.

Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots Ingredients:

Carrots:

• 1 1/2 pounds
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil

Topping:

• ½ cup blue cheese (adjust to taste—blue cheese lovers, rejoice!)
• 2 Tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Balsamic Glaze:

• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 ½ tsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp butter

Directions for Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots

Preheat & prep:

1.  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Spread 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil evenly on a half-sheet pan.

Roast the Carrots:

1. Slice the carrots in half lengthwise and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2.  Drizzle the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil over the carrots and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and dried basil.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the carrots are tender-crisp and slightly firm when pierced with a fork.

Make the Balsamic Glaze:

1. While the carrots are baking, prepare the balsamic glaze, or skip this step if using store-bought balsamic glaze.
2. In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and butter.
3. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened slightly. Set aside.

Add Blue Cheese and Melt:

1. Once the carrots are roasted, transfer them to an oven-proof serving dish. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the warm carrots.
2. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3 minutes or until the blue cheese begins to melt and soften.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove the carrots from the oven and sprinkle the toasted pepitas over the top.
2. Generously drizzle with the prepared balsamic glaze.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavor-packed side dish!

tips to perfect & personalize your dish:

• Carrot Size Matters: Using approximately the same size carrots ensures they cook evenly and quickly. If using larger carrots, cut them into smaller pieces or increase the roasting time.
• Don’t Overcook the Carrots: You want them to be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooked carrots will be mushy!
• Customize the Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, swap it for feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
• Swap out the Pepitas: You can substitute any nut here.  Toasted pistachios, walnuts, or pecans would be perfect alternative options.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the carrots before roasting for a touch of heat.
• Double it Up:  This dish would be Easter Magic on your table.  Just double up the recipe to feed a crowd.  From Sunday brunch to Easter dinner, these Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots will elevate your menu. Plus, this dish is versatile enough to please a variety of palates—making it an excellent choice for family and friend gatherings.

These Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrots will pair perfectly with:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey
• Grilled Steak or Pork Chops
• Baked Ham
• Lamb Dishes
• Holiday Feasts

Don’t underestimate the humble carrot! This Balsamic Blue Cheese Carrot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that will impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy is irresistible. Give this recipe a try – you might discover your new favorite way to enjoy carrots!