The Best Ina Garten Charred Carrots Recipe for Family Dinners

Charred carrots burst with unexpected flavor and transform an ordinary vegetable into a culinary revelation.

These vibrant orange beauties undergo a remarkable metamorphosis when exposed to intense heat.

The caramelization process unlocks deep, smoky undertones that dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

Roasting brings out incredible sweetness while creating delightful crispy edges that crunch with each bite.

A simple technique can turn basic root vegetables into something extraordinary and memorable.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots

• Unlock Vibrant Flavor Explosion: These charred carrots burst with intense, caramelized sweetness that transforms an ordinary vegetable into a gourmet side dish, creating a magical mix of smoky and bright orange notes.
• Master Quick Culinary Technique: The broiling method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes, making professional-level cooking accessible for home chefs with minimal cooking skills and maximum delicious outcomes.
• Celebrate Sensational Texture Contrast: Crispy charred edges combine with tender, melt-in-your-mouth carrot centers, delivering a spectacular mouthfeel that elevates this simple vegetable into an exciting culinary experience with minimal effort.
• Enjoy Elegant Minimal-Ingredient Magic: Using just a few premium ingredients like fresh thyme, orange zest, and syrupy balsamic vinegar, this recipe transforms basic carrots into a sophisticated side dish that looks and tastes impressively gourmet.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots

• Carrots: Sweet and colorful root vegetable that provides the main base for the dish, baby rainbow or large carrots work well.

• Thyme, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the natural flavor of the carrots and add depth to the dish.
• Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt: Finishing salt that provides a delicate, crunchy texture and bright seasoning at the end.

• Olive Oil: Helps carrots roast evenly and creates a nice golden char.
• Orange: Fresh citrus that adds bright, sweet-tangy notes to complement the roasted carrots.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Syrupy, rich vinegar that provides a sweet and complex finishing touch to the carrots.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a blazing 220°C / 425°F. Slide the oven rack close to the broiler and switch on the broiler for maximum heat.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Carrots

• For baby rainbow carrots, slice them in half lengthwise
• For larger carrots, chop into 4-inch lengths
• Cut lengthwise into halves or quarters, aiming for about ½ inch thickness

Step 3: Season With Flavor

• Drizzle with olive oil
• Sprinkle fresh thyme
• Add kosher salt
• Dust with black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the carrots with your hands, creating an even layer.

Step 4: Char To Perfection

Broil the carrots for 8-10 minutes, giving them an occasional toss. Watch for tender, lightly charred edges. Pro tip: Keep the oven door slightly ajar to prevent the broiler from shutting off.

Step 5: Citrus Explosion

• Orange zest
• Fresh orange juice

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Drizzling syrupy balsamic vinegar
• Sprinkling fleur de sel or sea salt

Serve warm or at room temperature, letting the flavors sing.

Tips for Perfectly Charred Carrots by Ina Garten

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to cut carrots uniformly, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and develops a beautiful char.
• Select Premium Olive Oil: Invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the natural sweetness and depth of the roasted carrots.
• Monitor Broiling Closely: Stay attentive during cooking, stirring carrots frequently to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Drizzle Balsamic Post-Cooking: Add balsamic vinegar after broiling to preserve its rich flavor and create a delightful sweet-tangy glaze.
• Adjust Seasoning Thoughtfully: Sample the carrots before serving, fine-tuning salt and pepper to bring out their natural, robust taste.

Best Storage Methods for Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots

• Revive Freshness: Transfer cooled charred carrots into glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain optimal moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerated foods. Ceramic storage dishes also work brilliantly for preserving texture and taste.
• Quick Reheat: Arrange carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent drying, and warm in a preheated oven at 175°C / 350°F for 7-9 minutes. Check midway to ensure even heating and prevent overcooking.
• Freezing Option: Wrap completely cooled carrots in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sturdy freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen charred carrots maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Flavor Variations for Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots

• Spicy Chili Carrot Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños before broiling for a fiery flavor profile that brings heat to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with a blend of rosemary, oregano, and za'atar spice mix for a Middle Eastern-inspired seasoning that transforms the carrots.
• Honey Maple Caramelized Version: Swap orange juice with a light drizzle of honey and maple syrup before broiling to create a sweet and rich caramelized coating on the carrots.
• Smoky Paprika Roasted Style: Sprinkle smoked paprika and a touch of cumin alongside the original seasonings to give the carrots a deep, complex smokiness that elevates the entire dish.

Final Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots

Ina Garten’s charred carrots elevate simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that sparks conversation at any gathering.

Mediterranean influences shine through each caramelized slice, bringing rustic elegance to kitchen tables.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe transforms humble carrots into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Orange zest and balsamic vinegar create complex flavor profiles that dance across palates with surprising depth.

Herbaceous thyme and delicate sea salt complement charred edges, creating harmonious bites that showcase fresh ingredients.

Passionate cooks and casual diners alike will discover pure pleasure in these Mediterranean-inspired carrots – so share this recipe, tag a friend who loves bold flavors, and spread culinary joy with one click.

Ina Garten Charred Carrots Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots bring Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with roasted orange and cumin-spiced roots. Crispy edges and tender centers create a simple yet sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal with California-inspired elegance.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) rainbow carrots, tops removed, unpeeled and scrubbed

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1.5 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon syrupy balsamic vinegar
• Good olive oil
• Zest of ½ orange
• Juice of ½ orange
• Fleur de sel or sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 220°C / 425°F, positioning the rack 4 inches beneath the broiler element and activate the broiler function.
2. Prepare the carrots by carefully trimming and cutting baby rainbow carrots in half lengthwise, or slice larger carrots into 4-inch uniform segments, ensuring each piece is approximately ½ inch thick for consistent roasting.
3. Transfer the prepared carrots onto a sheet pan, creating an even single layer for optimal exposure to heat.
4. Generously coat the carrots with 45 milliliters / of olive oil, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
5. Sprinkle fresh thyme, 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the carrots, using hands to gently toss and distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Place the sheet pan under the broiler and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, carefully tossing the carrots every few minutes to achieve even charring and tenderness.
7. Keep the oven door slightly ajar during broiling to prevent automatic shutoff of the broiler element.
8. Once carrots are perfectly caramelized and tender, remove from the oven and immediately zest and squeeze ½ an orange over the hot vegetables.
9. Elegantly drizzle of syrupy balsamic vinegar across the roasted carrots for an additional layer of complexity.
10. Finish by delicately sprinkling fleur de sel or sea salt to enhance the flavors, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Balsamic drizzle adds a luxurious sweetness that transforms simple roasted carrots into a gourmet side dish.
• Consistent carrot sizing ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• High-quality olive oil elevates the entire flavor profile, making a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• Frequent tossing during broiling prevents burning and helps create those delicious caramelized edges.
• Quick taste test at the end allows for final seasoning adjustments, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings (200g)
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 9.4g
• Sodium: 737.5mg
• Fat: 11.4g
• Saturated Fat: 1.6g
• Carbohydrates: 18.8g
• Fiber: 6.05g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg