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Sweet-and-Sour Baby Carrots

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant vegan side dish brings a sophisticated edge to the humble root vegetable. These sweet-and-sour baby carrots are roasted until tender-crisp, then finished with a sharp red-wine vinegar and sugar glaze that caramelises beautifully in the oven. The contrast between the natural earthiness of the carrots and the punchy, agrodolce style dressing makes this a versatile accompaniment to a variety of seasonal main courses.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or a quick midweek meal, these carrots are as visually appealing as they are delicious, thanks to their elegant trimmed green tops. Because this recipe uses simple shop-bought staples, it is an effortless way to elevate your vegetable repertoire while keeping the preparation time to a minimum. Serve them warm as a colourful addition to any plant-based feast.

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Ingredients for Sweet-and-Sour Baby Carrots

  • 900g baby carrots, peeled and green tops trimmed to 1 1/2 inches

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 60ml red-wine vinegar

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

How to make Sweet-and-Sour Baby Carrots

Preheat the oven to 218°C.

Toss carrots with oil and salt and pepper to taste in a shallow (1-inch-deep) baking pan. Roast in middle of oven, stirring once, until barely tender, about 20 minutes. Leave oven on.

Stir together vinegar and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Drizzle over carrots, shaking pan to coat, then roast until carrots are tender and vinegar is evaporated, 5 to 8 minutes more.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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