Amazing Grated Baked Carrots with Lemon & Garlic

If you’ve ever thought cooked carrots weren’t for you, this recipe for grated baked carrots made with with olive oil, lemon, and garlic may just change your mind! They have a bright, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with any meal and are quick and easy to make. With only four ingredients and easy hands-off baking, this grated carrots recipe is the delicious side dish your family will ask for again – really, even kids like this!

I can imagine you may be thinking “so what?” about a recipe for grated baked carrots, but let me just say, you will not believe how good these are. Actually, I usually forget how good these are until I put them back on the menu, usually after the glut of glorious summer vegetables are done.

I’m pretty sure it has to do with grating the carrots – it seems to bring all the natural sweetness out. And then adding the garlic and lemon juice, well, it’s just a wonderful combination. That in itself is another revelation – lemon and garlic with carrots? But just trust me on this – everyone loves these carrots.

I’m confident that the people you know who say they don’t like cooked carrots will like this recipe. I haven’t met anyone yet who didn’t  – and that includes my kids who definitely fall into the “no cooked carrot” camp. In fact, my daughter who grew up picky, asks for these for her birthday dinner often!

So, let’s see: kid-friendly, super easy to make and using minimal, inexpensive ingredients? You can see what I mean when I say they’re amazing!

Ingredients & Notes

Don’t you love recipes with a handful of ingredients?

• Carrots
• Olive oil and/or butter: I like to use half oil and half butter for a little more butter flavor (I grease the pan with butter, too). But you could easily use all oil to keep this dairy free. Avocado oil would also be a good option.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice will give you the brightest flavor, but this is still great with bottled juice if that’s all you have.
• Garlic: I’ve only used fresh garlic in this recipe, so I don’t know how powdered garlic would work, though you can try if you don’t have fresh.
• Salt and pepper: these spices are to taste, though I give you a starting point – adjust as you wish.

Make Grated Baked Carrots

This recipe could not be easier!

That’s it! Which means you can have this simple side dish on the menu for any day of the week.

Just do whatever you need to do to get these on your table!

In late fall and winter when other vegetables are harder to come by or more expensive, these carrots are a fabulous option. Believe it or not, I have a hard time not licking the bowl clean, and we do fight over the leftovers if there are any!

Make Ahead Tips & Storage

To make ahead for a holiday, potluck, or family gathering you can do one of two things:

1. Put the recipe together in the pan and refrigerate unbaked 1-2 days to bake right before the meal.
2. Bake it completely 2-3 days ahead, refrigerate, and then gently reheat 10-15 minutes before serving, stirring once while heating.

Store leftover carrots in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, reheating gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan.

What to Serve with Baked Carrots

Here’s a family favorite menu to serve these grated carrots – so easy and so good!

• Rotisserie Slow Cooked Chicken (or oven baked)
• Grandma’s Tasty Rice (cooks right with the carrots)
• A green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

There are few vegetables that are easier than carrots, but it’s nice to move beyond the basic baby-carrots-and-dip option. And let’s just go through the benefits of this dish again:

• The whole side dish costs around $1.
• It takes less than 10 minutes to put together.
• It bakes hands-off for 30 minutes while you prep the rest of the meal.

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 Grandma’s Tasty Rice tonight to accompany frozen meatballs. So yummy!” -Judie

I sure hope you go ahead and give them a try – prepare to be amazed! And leave a review and rating so I can know how you liked them.

More Easy Side Dishes

• Amazing Garlic Green Beans {with Skillet or Grill Options}
• Easy Baked Potato Fans
• Parmesan Rice Cakes (great use of leftover rice!)
• Spicy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

This recipe has been updated – it was originally published in 2009 and updated in 2015 and 2025.