Horseradish Carrots

Add a little pizazz to carrots by dressing them up with a peppery horseradish sauce and crunchy, buttery bread crumbs. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the vegetal sweetness of carrots with the spicy kick of horseradish, creating a delicious and versatile side dish that’s a perfect accompaniment to pork chops or roast beef. You can have these crispy and flavorful carrots on the table in less than 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients for Horseradish Carrots

• Carrots: Two julienned carrots are the star of this dish. The sweetness of the vegetable contrasts nicely with the heat of horseradish.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a favorite base for horseradish sauce to accompany ham or prime rib. It does the same job here to add richness and creamy texture.
• Onion: A little grated onion adds a sharp bite that complements the horseradish and balances the sweetness of the carrots. Feel free to substitute minced green onions instead.
• Horseradish: A jar of prepared horseradish is the pungent ingredient that provides the signature kick of this side dish, adding a sinus-clearing heat. Use store-bought or homemade horseradish.
• Butter-flavored crackers: Just a few crackers-worth of crumbs offer a delightful textural contrast to the soft carrots, a satisfying crunch and a hint of buttery flavor.
• Butter: A spoonful of melted butter moistens the cracker crumbs, helping them brown and become crispy when baked.
• Paprika: A finishing sprinkle of paprika adds a vibrant pop of color to the finished dish.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the carrots

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place 1 inch of water in a small saucepan and add the carrots. Bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer for seven to nine minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain the carrots and reserve 1 tablespoon of liquid. Place the carrots in a 2-cup baking dish.

Step 2: Make the horseradish sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onion, horseradish, salt, pepper and reserved liquid. Pour over the carrots. Toss together the cracker crumbs, butter and paprika; sprinkle over the top.

Step 3: Bake the carrots

Bake the carrots, uncovered, until heated through, for 10 to 12 minutes.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Add something sweet: Consider adding 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup to the horseradish sauce for a balanced sweetness.
• Give a spicier kick: Increase the amount of horseradish or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Experiment with different vegetables: Try swapping in parsnips, rutabagas or turnips for a different flavor profile. As long as they’re julienned, these other vegetables will need about the same amount of simmering time as the carrots to soften.

How to Store Horseradish Carrots

To store leftovers of this horseradish carrot recipe, simply transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. The carrots will stay fresh for a couple of days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can you freeze horseradish carrots?

Yes, you can freeze this horseradish carrot recipe. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or freezer bag and press out any excess air before sealing to freeze. Freeze the carrots for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can you make horseradish and carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this horseradish carrot recipe ahead of time. Prepare the carrots, horseradish sauce and topping as instructed. Then, refrigerate the carrots and sauce until you’re ready to bake the recipe. When ready to serve, finish assembling the dish and bake it as instructed. This will help ensure the cracker crumbs stay crispy.

Horseradish Carrot Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded or sliced carrots for convenience. You can also use baby carrots, although you’ll need to simmer them longer to help them soften all the way through.

Can I make this carrots and horseradish recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free crackers for the topping.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

With a couple of easy swaps, you can easily make this recipe vegan! Simply use a vegan mayonnaise and a vegan butter alternative. Make sure your crackers are vegan too.