These Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage will be the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table!

Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage: An Irresistible Thanksgiving Side

As the aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air and the days grow shorter, our thoughts naturally turn to the warmth and traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on gratitude, and, of course, indulging in a feast that celebrates the bounty of the season. While the magnificent turkey often holds court, we all know that the true magic of the holiday meal often lies in its supporting cast: the side dishes. This year, allow us to present a recipe that promises to be a standout, blending simplicity with sophisticated flavors: our **Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage**.

Elevate Your Thanksgiving Table with Flavorful Roasted Carrots

Say goodbye to dull, overcooked carrots. This recipe transforms the humble root vegetable into a vibrant, unforgettable side dish that’s both incredibly delicious and refreshingly easy to prepare. It’s the ideal choice for any holiday cook, offering quick preparation and a relatively hands-off cooking process, which means more precious time for you to spend with family and friends or to juggle other important Thanksgiving preparations. The irresistible allure of these **holiday carrots** stems from a harmonious blend of three key flavors: the profound, nutty notes of brown butter, the bright zestiness of fresh orange, and the aromatic, earthy undertones of fresh sage.

The Culinary Alchemy of Brown Butter

If you’ve yet to experience the transformative power of brown butter, prepare for a revelation. Also known by its French name, *beurre noisette*, brown butter is created by gently melting unsalted butter and allowing it to cook until its milk solids caramelize into a beautiful golden brown. This process releases an intoxicatingly rich, nutty aroma and imparts a deep, complex flavor that far surpasses ordinary melted butter. In this particular recipe, brown butter forms the luxurious base of a glaze that generously coats each roasted carrot, infusing them with an unparalleled richness and depth. It’s a simple technique that yields profoundly delicious results, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself seeking opportunities to incorporate brown butter into countless dishes, from savory pastas to sweet desserts.

The Perfect Pairing: Bright Orange and Aromatic Sage

To perfectly complement the robust richness of the brown butter, fresh orange juice is introduced, bringing a delightful brightness and a subtle touch of natural sweetness to the dish. The vibrant citrus beautifully cuts through the butter’s richness, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Coupled with fragrant fresh sage leaves, an herb traditionally associated with autumn and holiday cooking, these carrots gain an aromatic, slightly peppery dimension that is quintessentially Thanksgiving. This exquisite combination of sweet and savory, rich and fresh, elevates these **Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots** beyond a mere side dish; they become a memorable culinary experience, destined to be a beloved part of your holiday tradition.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Carrots

The foundation of any great dish lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this recipe, we highly recommend selecting young, fresh carrots. Look for those with vibrant color, firm texture, and smooth skins. While larger carrots can certainly be used, young carrots tend to be naturally sweeter and cook more uniformly. Leaving a small portion of their verdant green tops attached not only adds to their rustic appeal but also serves as a visual indicator of their freshness. Before cooking, ensure your carrots are meticulously rinsed and scrubbed to remove any dirt. A critical step often overlooked is thoroughly patting them dry with a paper towel; excess moisture on the surface can steam the carrots rather than allowing them to achieve that desirable caramelized exterior and tender interior.

Roasting is, without a doubt, one of the finest methods for cooking carrots. The high heat of the oven masterfully coaxes out their inherent sugars, resulting in a wonderfully tender texture and a beautifully caramelized, deeply flavorful finish. Prior to roasting, a light drizzle of olive oil, along with a generous seasoning of salt and pepper, creates an excellent foundational layer of flavor and assists in achieving that coveted roasted perfection. For another delightful side dish, you might also consider trying our horseradish cauliflower au gratin for a creamy, savory counterpoint.

Making Thanksgiving Easier with Simple, Elegant Sides

The endeavor of preparing Thanksgiving dinner can sometimes feel like a culinary marathon, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Strategically incorporating simple yet impressively flavorful side dishes, such as these **roasted carrots with sage**, can significantly reduce holiday cooking stress. Much of the prep work for this recipe can be completed in advance: carrots can be cleaned and trimmed, butter measured, and oranges squeezed. The actual cooking time is relatively brief, making this dish perfectly suited to fit into a busy oven schedule alongside other holiday staples. Imagine the inviting aromas filling your kitchen as these perfectly tender carrots emerge from the oven, ready for that magnificent brown butter glaze. It’s a delightful addition to your menu that demands minimal fuss but delivers maximum impact and flavor.

The Recipe: Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage

Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Yields: 4 servings

These Orange Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Sage will be the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

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Ingredients

• 1 bunch young carrots
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 Tbsp. (half stick) unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 1 large orange, halved and freshly squeezed (approx. 2-3 Tbsp. juice)
• 4-5 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped or left whole for infusing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set it aside.
3. Prepare the carrots: Carefully cut off the green tops of the carrots, leaving about 1 inch of the stem attached for a more elegant presentation. Rinse the carrots thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Ensuring they are dry is crucial for proper caramelization during roasting.
4. Place the prepared carrots on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle them generously and evenly with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to your taste.
5. Toss the carrots gently with your hands to ensure each one is fully coated with the oil and seasonings. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them, which would lead to steaming instead of roasting.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and have begun to caramelize slightly at the edges. The exact baking time may vary based on the thickness of your carrots.
7. While the carrots are roasting, prepare the exquisite brown butter glaze: In a small, light-colored pot (to better observe the color change), melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
8. Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pot occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. The butter will first foam, then the milk solids will begin to separate and settle at the bottom, turning a beautiful golden brown color. At this stage, a distinct, rich, nutty aroma will emerge.
9. It is essential to watch the butter carefully during this step, as it can quickly transition from perfectly browned to burnt. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as it reaches a rich amber hue and smells wonderfully nutty.
10. Stir the light brown sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and sage leaves directly into the warm brown butter.
11. Return the pot to very low heat and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly into a luscious, glossy glaze.
12. Once the roasted carrots are tender and ready, remove them from the oven. Carefully transfer the hot carrots to your desired serving platter.
13. Generously drizzle the warm orange brown butter and sage glaze over the roasted carrots. The glaze will beautifully coat them, adding incredible depth of flavor and a stunning glossy finish.
14. Serve immediately as a spectacular side dish for your Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 269 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 97mg
• Potassium: 73mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 443 IU
• Vitamin C: 17mg
• Calcium: 23mg
• Iron: 0.2mg

Keywords: brown butter, roasted carrots, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday carrots, sage, orange, easy holiday recipe, sweet and savory carrots, fall side dish, perfect Thanksgiving sides

Cuisine: American

Course: Side Dish

Adapted from Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen