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20 Easy Carrot Recipes

March 26, 2025 by Lindsay Leave a Comment

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Looking for easy carrot recipes to use up that bag of carrots sitting in your fridge? Here are ideas for everything from dinner side dishes to baking recipes.

easy carrot recipes

Hi friend!

A few years ago I published a post full of Easy Vegetable Recipes and it continues to be quite popular. Everyone is always looking for quick and easy ways to eat more veggies right?

Since I’m on this journey right along with you, I’m going to dive a little deeper into a few of my favorite vegetables and give you even more ideas for ways to enjoy them.

We’re starting with carrots! Be sure to check out my most recent carrot recipe: Easy Maple Glazed Carrots.

Health Benefits of Carrots

What are the nutritional benefits of including carrots in my diet?

Carrots are packed with nutrients including:

  • They’re rich in beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A and is important for eye health.
  • They’re a good source of fiber and are low on the glycemic index so they won’t spike your blood sugar.
  • They’re a good source of Vitamin C and several antioxidants.

Types of Carrots

Carrots can be grown in home gardens or purchased. They’re available in a variety of forms including:

  • Orange carrots
  • Rainbow carrots- typically contain other colors like purple and yellow
  • Shredded carrots
  • Crinkle cut
  • Baby carrots

You can buy them fresh, frozen or canned and at the store you can typically find them in 1 to 3 pound packages as well as available in bulk.

What are baby carrots?

Baby carrots are not their own variety of carrots, nor are they actually baby carrots. They are simply regular, larger carrots that come pre-peeled, pre-washed and cut into a smaller size and shape. This makes them great for snacking because they require little preparation.

They originally started as a way for farmers to still get use out of carrots that didn’t necessarily look conventionally attractive for selling.


Easy Ways To Use Carrots

glazed carrots recipe

What are some simple healthy carrot recipes?

If you have a bunch of carrots that you’re looking to use up, here are some general ideas:

  • Shred them and add to muffins or quickbread.
  • Chop or dice and add them to soups, fried rice and other one pot dishes.
  • Put them on a plate or platter with other raw veggies and dip them in hummus, ranch or other vegetable dips.
  • Steam, boil or roast them and then puree with a little liquid and add to things like mac and cheese, spaghetti sauce, pancakes and more.
  • Spiralize them into noodles, season and saute and toss them in a flavorful peanut sauce.
  • Throw them on the grill!
  • Toss in a glaze and roast in the oven.
  • Slice into coins and saute them on the stovetop with your favorite seasonings.

Simple Healthy Carrot Recipes

If you’re the type of person who needs specific recipes not just general ideas, I’ve got you covered! Below you’ll find tons of carrot recipes for everything from side dishes to snacks to desserts and baking.


Quick Carrot Side Dishes For Weeknight Dinners

These easy carrot side dishes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but they can also pair perfectly with a fancy main course for a holiday gathering.

fluffly mashed sweet potatoes and carrots

Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Carrots

An easy, kid-friendly side dish that pairs well with any meal!

Grab the recipe!
orange spice carrots

Orange Spice Carrots

A blend of orange and cinnamon that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Grab the recipe!
creamy carrot mac and cheese

Creamy Carrot Mac and Cheese

A great way to add an extra serving of veggies to a favorite family meal.

Grab the recipe!
crispy parmesan carrots

Crispy Parmesan Carrots

Tossed in spices and then covered in a crispy cheese coating!

Grab the recipe!
golden potato and carrot gratin

Golden Potato and Carrot Gratin

Warm and cheesy and the perfect way to feed a crowd at the holidays.

Grab the recipe!

Carrot Appetizers and Snacks for Parties

If you’re looking for easy ways to introduce carrots and snack times, parties and daily eating, here are some recipes to try.

6

Roasted Carrot Hummus

If you love dipping carrots in hummus, why not try adding some to the actual hummus as well?!

Grab the recipe!
quick pickled carrots

Quick Pickled Carrots

If you love pickles, it’s time to branch out beyond cucumbers! These pickled carrots make a great snack.

Grab the recipe!
carrot fries

Carrot Fries

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these are a fun change from potato-based fries.

Grab the recipe!
10

Carrot Cheddar Bites

These make a great vegetarian party appetizer and pair well with a variety of dips!

Grab the recipe!
carrot fritters recipe

Carrot Fritters

Made with just 5 ingredients and oven-baked to perfection!

Grab the recipe!

Carrot Soups and Salads

Carrots can be diced and added to a variety of dishes, pureed with broth to help thicken soups, peeled into ribbons or spiralized to make noodles, tossed into salads and so much more!

creamy roasted carrot soup

Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup

Rich and creamy and full of flavor. Perfect for cold nights!

Grab the recipe!
12

Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup

An easy, five-ingredient vegan soup that’s made in the Instant Pot.

Grab the recipe!
13

Stir-Fried Carrot Noodles with Chicken

A fun twist on traditional noodles, this dish is packed with veggies and flavor!

Grab the recipe!
14

Carrot Noodles

Grab a veggie peeler and turn your carrots into noodles with a simple cream sauce.

Grab the recipe!
15

Carrot Coleslaw

Serve this as a crunchy side dish or us it to top burgers, tacos and more!

Grab the recipe!

Carrot Desserts and Baked Goods

They might be a vegetable but carrots are the perfect addition to baked goods- shred them up and put them in everything from cakes to cookies to energy bites!

gluten free carrot cake

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

This gluten-free carrot cake makes the perfect dessert. Made in an 8×8 pan, it’s perfectly moist and full of flavor. 

Grab the recipe!
no bake carrot cake bars

No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a fun twist on carrot cake, no oven required! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Grab the recipe!
carrot applesauce muffins

Carrot Applesauce Muffins

These Carrot Applesauce Muffins are lightly sweetened and kid-friendly. Made with pantry staples, they freeze well and are great for a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack!

Grab the recipe!
carrot oat bars

Carrot Oat Bars

These Carrot Oat Bars make the perfect healthy snack. They’re dense, chewy and easy to make in the blender. Plus they’re kid-friendly and also make a great addition to breakfasts and lunches.

Grab the recipe!
carrot cake energy bites

Carrot Cake Energy Bites

The perfect blend of carrots, oats, cashew butter and maple syrup for an easy snack.

Grab the recipe!

Easy Carrot Recipe FAQs

How can I make glazed carrots at home?

There are several different ways you can glaze carrots. You can toss then in oil, roast them in the oven and then toss in a flavorful glaze. You can add the glaze before roasting to allow for some caramelization. In addition, you can saute the carrots in a pan with a sauce that will reduce down as they cook.

How can I use carrots in breakfast dishes?

Some options for adding carrots to traditional breakfast dishes include adding them to a smoothie, shredding them and adding them to muffins or oatmeal, roasting them with potatoes as part of a hash and more! Try:

  • Carrot Cake Breakfast Bowl
  • 10 Min Apple Carrot Oatmeal
  • Carrot Cake Breakfast Pancakes
  • Roasted Carrot Hash with Ground Beef & Bacon

What are the best spices and herbs to pair with carrots?

The slightly sweet, earthy flavor of carrots pairs well with spices like cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika and cinnamon, along with rosemary and thyme and even fresh parsley.

How do I store and preserve fresh carrots for longer shelf life?

If your carrots come with green tops, remove them before storing as they pull moisture from the carrots. Do not wash before storing and store in a bag or airtight container. Storing them near fruits that release ethylene gas like apples and bananas can lead to carrots spoiling faster.

You can also dice and freeze carrots to use later!

How can I incorporate carrots into smoothies and juices?

Carrots are commonly used in juices, especially if you have a juicer. Or try them in a smoothie like this Healthy Carrot Smoothie or this Carrot Cake Smoothie. Here are some more Kid-Friendly Smoothies with Vegetables.


Easy Recipes For A Bag of Baby Carrots

Looking for easy carrot recipes to use up that bag of carrots sitting in your fridge? Here are ideas for everything from dinner side dishes to baking recipes.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Appetizer, Ingredient Round-Ups, Side Dish, Soup & Salad Tagged With: Carrot

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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Questions? Comments? Email me: [email protected]

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Learn how food affects your body.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

[email protected]