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Roasted Carrots with Fennel-Brown Butter

This elegant side dish of roasted carrots with fennel-brown butter brings a sophisticated depth of flavour to any meal. By roasting the carrots at a high temperature, their natural sweetness intensifies, providing a beautiful contrast to the earthy, aromatic fennel seeds. The addition of brown butter—or beurre noisette—adds a rich, toasted note that elevates this humble root vegetable into something truly special for a dinner party or a family roast.

As a low-sugar recipe, this dish relies on quality ingredients and simple techniques rather than heavy glazes. Using the carrot tops as a garnish adds a fresh, peppery finish and ensures nothing goes to waste in your kitchen. These carrots are best served warm alongside roast chicken, pan-fried fish, or as part of a seasonal vegetarian spread.

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Ingredients for Roasted Carrots with Fennel-Brown Butter

  • 675g medium carrots, with green tops, if available

  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

How to make Roasted Carrots with Fennel-Brown Butter

Preheat oven to 218°C. Trim carrot tops and coarsely chop. Measure out 2 tablespoons carrot tops and set aside; reserve any remaining carrot tops for another use. Peel carrots, slice in half lengthwise, then cut into 2" pieces.

Toss carrots with oil, sugar, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer and roast carrots, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized, 25–35 minutes.

Meanwhile, lightly crush fennel seeds using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then stir in crushed seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until foam subsides and butter becomes fragrant, nutty, and golden brown, 3–5 minutes. Transfer butter mixture to a medium bowl.

Once carrots are roasted, add them to butter mixture and toss to coat. Add lemon juice and toss to coat. Serve carrots topped with reserved carrot tops.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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