Name: Buffalo Carrots
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 8 carrots; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 0.25 cup hot sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.25 cup blue cheese crumbles

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that brings a punch of flavor to the table, and that’s exactly what Buffalo Carrots does. I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I had a craving for something spicy yet comforting. I took a bunch of fresh, vibrant carrots and decided to give them a fiery twist. The result? A deliciously addictive side that had everyone coming back for more. Whether I’m serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying it on a quiet night in, Buffalo Carrots always hits the spot.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
50 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6g g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet, Oven

The Best Thing About This Buffalo Carrots

Unique Flavor Profile

One of the things I adore about Buffalo Carrots is its unique flavor combination. The sweetness of the roasted carrots beautifully balances the heat from the hot sauce, creating a tantalizing taste experience that’s hard to resist.

Easy Preparation

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary carrots into a spectacular side. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Versatile Side Dish

Buffalo Carrots can accompany a wide range of main courses. They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making them an excellent choice for any meal. You can also serve them as a party snack or appetizer.

Healthier Alternative

Unlike traditional buffalo wings, this recipe offers a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste. Roasting carrots enhances their natural sweetness while providing a nutritious addition to your diet.

Customizable Heat Level

One of the best parts about making Buffalo Carrots is that you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste. Whether you like it mild or prefer a fiery kick, you can easily modify the amount of hot sauce to your liking.

What to Gather for Buffalo Carrots

When it comes to the ingredients for Buffalo Carrots, simplicity is key. The beauty of this dish lies in how a handful of basic ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a significant role in elevating the dish—especially the hot sauce, which adds that signature kick.

8 carrots: Fresh carrots are the star of this dish. Their natural sweetness shines through when roasted.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to crisp the carrots while roasting, adding a lovely flavor.
¼ cup hot sauce: The essential ingredient that gives this dish its signature heat. Choose your favorite brand.

2 tablespoons honey: This adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the heat from the sauce.
½ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle flavor enhancer that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a warm, savory taste.

½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a depth of flavor and a slight smokiness.
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles: This creamy topping complements the spicy carrots beautifully.

Cooking Method for Buffalo Carrots

Cooking Buffalo Carrots is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Each step builds anticipation as the carrots transform in the oven. Follow along to create a dish that’s bound to impress!

Preheat your oven to 430ºF/220°C. This high temperature is essential for roasting the carrots to perfection, allowing them to get beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy.
Prepare the carrots by cutting them into chunks about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. If you have any thicker pieces, slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
Place the prepared carrots on a heavy-duty roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. I find that using my hands works best for this!

Spread the carrots out evenly on the tray. This helps them roast properly without steaming. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 35 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through for even cooking.
While the carrots are roasting, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix together the hot sauce, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well blended. The sauce should be thick and aromatic.
After 35 minutes, check the carrots. They should be tender and starting to brown. Carefully remove them from the oven.

Pour the sauce over the roasted carrots. Stir gently to coat them evenly. Be careful not to break the carrots as you mix.
Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn; it should caramelize beautifully.
Once done, remove the tray from the oven. Transfer the Buffalo Carrots to a serving dish. Finally, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles for a creamy finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Even Cooking: Ensure all carrots are cut to the same size for uniform roasting.
Hot Sauce Variety: Experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.
Roasting Tray: Use a heavy-duty roasting tray to avoid warping during cooking.

Checking Doneness: Use a fork to test if the carrots are tender before adding the sauce.

Substitutions and Tips

Every cook loves a good tip, and I’ve gathered some of my favorites for making Buffalo Carrots. Check them out!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing: You can freeze the roasted carrots, but they may lose some texture upon thawing.
Variations: Mix in other vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli for a colorful medley.
Serving Size: Adjust the recipe based on your gathering size; it’s easy to double!

Hot Sauce Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.

Serving This Buffalo Carrots

Serving Buffalo Carrots is a delightful experience, and they’re perfect for various occasions. Here’s how to complement this dish:

Side Dishes: These carrots pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making them ideal for a hearty dinner.
Appetizers: Serve them at your next gathering or party as a spicy snack that’s sure to impress guests.
Occasions: They’re great for casual family dinners or festive occasions like game nights.

Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy Buffalo Carrots any time of the year; they’re especially great in the cooler months when comfort food is a must.
Storage Tips: To keep the leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container and consume within three days for the best flavor.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the carrots and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply roast the carrots and add the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for the best results.

You can use any hot sauce that you enjoy! I personally recommend Frank’s RedHot for its perfect balance of heat and flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite brands to find the one that suits your taste best.

Yes, Buffalo Carrots are a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. They are low in calories and packed with nutrients from the carrots. Plus, you can control the amount of hot sauce and blue cheese to tailor it to your dietary needs.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be consumed within three days for the best flavor and texture. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving again.

Conclusion

What makes Buffalo Carrots so special is their unique blend of flavors that transforms a simple vegetable into an exciting dish. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a festive gathering. You won’t be disappointed!

Buffalo Carrots

The ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Carrots bring a spicy twist to a classic vegetable. Roasted to perfection, they're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try these flavorful carrots tonight!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

8 carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons honey
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.25 cup blue cheese crumbles

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 430ºF/220°C. This high temperature is essential for roasting the carrots to perfection, allowing them to get beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy.
Prepare the carrots by cutting them into chunks about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. If you have any thicker pieces, slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
Place the prepared carrots on a heavy-duty roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. I find that using my hands works best for this!

Spread the carrots out evenly on the tray. This helps them roast properly without steaming. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and roast for 35 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through for even cooking.
While the carrots are roasting, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix together the hot sauce, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well blended. The sauce should be thick and aromatic.
After 35 minutes, check the carrots. They should be tender and starting to brown. Carefully remove them from the oven.

Pour the sauce over the roasted carrots. Stir gently to coat them evenly. Be careful not to break the carrots as you mix.
Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn; it should caramelize beautifully.
Once done, remove the tray from the oven. Transfer the Buffalo Carrots to a serving dish. Finally, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles for a creamy finish.