If you’ve dismissed cooked carrots before, this grated baked carrots recipe tossed with olive oil, lemon, and garlic might change your mind. Bright, savory, and naturally sweet from grating, these carrots are an easy four-ingredient side that complements many meals. They bake hands-off and are often a hit with kids and adults alike.
✩ What readers are saying…
“I made this & love carrots more than ever now. I’m a big fan of lemons so this recipe tasted amazing. Thanks for sharing!” -Chris W.
You might think grated baked carrots sound ordinary, but they’re surprisingly irresistible. Grating concentrates the carrots’ natural sweetness, and a simple dressing of garlic and lemon lifts the flavor into something fresh and savory. I often forget how much I love them until I make them again after summer’s abundance fades.
These carrots win over even people who avoid cooked vegetables. I haven’t met anyone who didn’t like them — including my children, who used to refuse cooked carrots. My picky daughter now requests them for special dinners.
They’re kid-friendly, inexpensive, and quick to prepare. With minimal prep and a short bake time, they make a great weekday or holiday side.
Ingredients & Notes
Simple ingredients are a big part of why this recipe works so well:
- Carrots: peeled and grated
- Olive oil and/or butter: I like half oil and half butter for added flavor. Use all oil to keep it dairy free; avocado oil is a good alternative.
- Lemon: fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled juice will do in a pinch.
- Garlic: fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper: season to taste.
Make Grated Baked Carrots
This recipe is very straightforward and quick to assemble.
Step 1: Grate the carrots. A food processor makes this very fast.
Step 2: Combine the grated carrots with oil or butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in the baking dish, stir to coat, and bake.
That’s all it takes. This dish comes together in minutes and bakes while you finish the rest of the meal.
No Food Processor?
- Grate the carrots by hand with a box grater; it only adds a few minutes.
- Alternatively, use pre-shredded carrots from the store for the quickest prep.
These carrots are especially welcome in fall and winter when other fresh vegetables may be less available. They’re so flavorful that leftovers are often the best part.
Make Ahead Tips & Storage
To prepare ahead for a gathering:
- Assemble the dish in the pan and refrigerate unbaked for 1–2 days; bake just before serving.
- Or bake fully 2–3 days ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat 10–15 minutes before serving, stirring once while reheating.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4–5 days and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
What to Serve with Baked Carrots
These grated carrots pair well with a simple family meal. A popular menu includes:
- Roasted or slow-cooked chicken
- Rice or a flavorful pilaf
- A green salad with vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing
Highlights of this dish:
- Very affordable to make.
- Less than 10 minutes of active prep.
- Bakes hands-off while you finish other dishes.
Reader Raves
“I just made this again and was so glad! This one will be in the recipe box for my future daughter in law.” -Adrienne
“Oh my goodness! These carrots are so delicious! I made them and rice tonight to accompany frozen meatballs. So yummy!” -Judie
I hope you give these a try — they’re simple, healthy, and unexpectedly delicious. If you make them, consider leaving a review so others know how you liked them.
Grated Baked Carrots with Lemon & Garlic
10
30
40
Equipment
- Food Processor or hand-held grater
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and grated carrots about 5–8 medium to large carrots
- 1 tablespoon melted butter* plus more for baking pan (or use oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil* (can use all oil to keep dish dairy free)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice about 1/2 a medium lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley, optional
Instructions
-
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or oil a 1½ to 2-quart baking dish well.
-
Grate carrots and add them directly to the prepared baking dish.
-
Add the oil and butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until carrots are tender and flavors are melded.
Notes
Make Ahead & Storage
- Option 1: Assemble in the pan and refrigerate unbaked 1–2 days; bake before serving.
- Option 2: Bake completely 2–3 days ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat 10–15 minutes before serving, stirring once while heating.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4–5 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
| Calories: 127kcal
| Carbohydrates: 16.7g
| Protein: 1.7g
More Easy Side Dishes
- Amazing Garlic Green Beans (skillet or grill options)
- Easy Baked Potato Fans
- Parmesan Rice Cakes (great use of leftover rice)
- Spicy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
This recipe was originally published in 2009 and has been updated over the years to keep it fresh and easy to follow.