Sweet Mashed Carrots With Cinnamon

When Thanksgiving and Christmas whip around the calendar year, I like to butter up my carrots and turn them into a creamy mash! If you're tired of the usual mashed potatoes, carrot mash is a delicious, budget-friendly alternative that brings color and sweetness to the table.

It’s a cozy plant-based side that feels festive without breaking the bank. It's perfect for anyone following a cheap plant-based diet. With just eight simple ingredients and about 40 minutes of cook time, you'll have a comforting dish that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Roasting the carrots before mashing them is what truly elevates this dish. It draws out their natural sugars, deepens the flavor, and fills your kitchen with warm, aromatic notes that scream holiday cheer.

Whether you're planning your vegan Thanksgiving sides or need new plant-based dinner recipes to freshen up your winter menu, carrot mash is a nourishing and flavorful option. It’s an easy way to bring variety to your holiday meals while sticking to a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe 
• Health Benefits of Carrots 
• Ingredients & Substitutions 
• Step-by-Step: How to Make Mashed Carrots 
• Toppings To Add To Mashed Carrots
• Tips for the Best Mashed Carrots 
• What to Serve with Mashed Carrots 
• How Store & Freeze
• FAQs About Mashed Carrots
• How can I mash carrots without a blender?
• Do I need to peel the carrots?
• Are mashed carrots a good side dish for kids?
• What vegetarian dishes can be served alongside mashed carrots?
• More Recipes with Carrots
• Mashed Carrots With Cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

• It’s an easy recipe that’s hard to mess up. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, it’s great for beginners and busy cooks alike. Roasting the carrots helps bring out their natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized flavor
• It’s smooth, creamy, savory, and sweet. This mash strikes the perfect balance, making it a cozy and comforting option for any occasion. It works beautifully as a plant-based side or even as a light dessert, depending on how you serve it.
• It’s vegan and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. You won’t need anything fancy or expensive to pull this off. It’s a delicious choice for anyone sticking to a plant-based lifestyle or following a cheap plant-based diet.

Health Benefits of Carrots 

Carrots bring more than just color and sweetness to your plate, they’re loaded with nutrients that make them a solid addition to any plant-based diet.

According to Healthline, carrots especially known for being packed with vitamin A, which is key for keeping your vision sharp, especially in low light.

They’re also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene that help protect your body from free radicals and lower the risk of chronic illness. And thanks to their fiber content, carrots support healthy digestion and keep things moving.

Ingredients & Substitutions 

• Carrots: Carrots bring natural sweetness and that gorgeous orange color we love. If you're out, sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well here, too, just keep an eye on the texture when blending.
• Olive oil: We’re using olive oil to roast the carrots until they’re golden and tender. Avocado oil or melted vegan butter are great swaps if that’s what you have on hand.
• Salt: A little salt goes a long way in boosting flavor and balancing the sweetness. Use whatever you’ve got—sea salt, table salt, or kosher salt all get the job done.
• Vegan butter: This adds creamy, buttery goodness without the dairy. You can use coconut oil or even a splash more olive oil if needed, just enough to bring it all together.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds just the right amount of warmth and sweetness. Don’t have any? Try maple syrup or coconut sugar for a similar vibe.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings cozy, nutty notes to the mash. You can skip it or use a little allspice or ground cloves if that’s what you’ve got.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon plays up the sweetness and adds that comforting, familiar flavor. Pumpkin pie spice is a good backup if you're out.
• Full-fat coconut milk: This is what makes the mash extra creamy and rich. You can swap in another unsweetened plant milk like oat or cashew, just make sure it's full-bodied for the best texture.
• Parsley: Totally optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. Feel free to skip it or sub with chopped green onion or chives if you want something extra.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Mashed Carrots 

1. Roast the carrots: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Slice the carrots in half lengthwise, then toss with olive oil and salt. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Blend it up: Transfer the roasted carrots to a blender or food processor. Add vegan butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and full-fat coconut milk. Stir everything together, then blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve and garnish: Spoon the mashed carrots into a serving dish. Top with fresh parsley and an extra pat of vegan butter, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm.

Parsley: Totally optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. Feel free to skip it or sub with chopped green onion or chives if you want something extra.

Toppings To Add To Mashed Carrots

Sweet mashed carrots are rich, creamy, and naturally full of flavor. Adding the right toppings can enhance their sweetness or bring in a little contrast to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday meal or a cozy plant-based dinner, there are plenty of ways to make them shine even brighter. Here are some ideas to take your mashed carrots to another level: 

• More cinnamon
• Roasted walnuts
• A drizzle of maple syrup
• Roasted pecans
• Raisins 
• Vegan brown butter or olive oil 
• Shredded coconut 
• Pinch of sea salt 
• Chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, etc) 
• A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream

For more seasonal carrot recipes, check out our Beefless “Beef” Stew and Roasted Carrot Lentil Soup. 

Tips for the Best Mashed Carrots 

1. Clean & Prep: Thoroughly clean and scrub your carrots. Feel free to peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients.
2. Right Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk from a can. Thai coconut milk works best for a creamier, richer mash.
3. Uniform Cuts: Choose carrots of similar width or cut them uniformly. Even cuts ensure consistent roasting and cooking times.
4. Season as You Go: Taste your mash as you blend and adjust the salt or spices if needed, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
5. Roasting Perfection: Lay the carrots out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to promote even roasting and avoid steaming.
6. Extra Flare: Consider a final drizzle of extra coconut milk or a sprinkling of fresh herbs to brighten the flavors just before serving.

What to Serve with Mashed Carrots 

Mashed carrots make a cozy, flavorful side dish and they pair beautifully with a variety of plant-based mains and sides. For something hearty and comforting, try them with Puerto Rican chickpea stew or butter chickpea curry with coconut milk.

If you’re craving something baked and satisfying, serve them alongside vegan zucchini stuffing casserole or vegan mac and cheese. For a mix of textures, pair with herbed air fryer sweet potato cubes or top with a little mushroom bacon for a savory finish.

Want to add protein? Make it a full meal with tofu that tastes like chicken—a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and comforting.

How Store & Freeze

Store mashed carrots in an air-tight container or reusable silicone bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or, in the freezer with a freezer-grade container for up to 3-4 months.

FAQs About Mashed Carrots

How can I mash carrots without a blender?

If you're unable to mash up your roasted carrots with a blender, a food processor is a great option, along with using the back of a fork, a potato masher, or stick/immersion blender.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

There's no requirement to peel the carrots; just make sure to scrub and clean them thoroughly. However, if you prefer peeled carrots, you can choose to do so.

Are mashed carrots a good side dish for kids?

Mashed carrots can be a great side dish for kids because they are sweet and easy to eat. You can also mix them with mashed potatoes or other vegetables to make them more appealing to children.

What vegetarian dishes can be served alongside mashed carrots?

You can serve mashed carrots as a side dish alongside a variety of vegetarian options. Consider pairing them with comforting dishes like Puerto Rican pastelón or mushroom Risotto for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, try mashed carrots alongside a vegetable stir-fry or a refreshing quinoa salad. 

More Recipes with Carrots

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