This recipe for carrots with ranch seasoning packet make a quick, flavorful side dish that comes together with almost no effort.
Once cooked, they're tossed with butter and ranch seasoning to give them a savory, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Even kids who don't want to eat their veggies will love this recipe.
Check out all the other Vegetable Side Dish Recipes for even more delicious ideas to add to your weekly meal plan or holiday celebration!
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 5 min | Cook/Bake: 15 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: Tender boiled carrots tossed with butter and a ranch seasoning packet for a quick, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for weeknights or holidays.
Why you’ll love it: Comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and has a kid-friendly flavor everyone enjoys.
How to make it: Boil the carrots until tender, then drain and toss with melted butter and ranch seasoning until evenly coated.
Looking for more Family Dinner Ideas? Try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Candied Sweet Potatoes, and even my Cheesy Zucchini Casserole Recipe.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I Love This Easy Side Dish Recipe and You Will Too!
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- My Essential Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- More Vegetable Side Dishes to Enjoy
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Why I Love This Easy Side Dish Recipe and You Will Too!
This is one of those side dishes I can count on because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes great with almost any meal.
The ranch seasoning gives the carrots a fun, familiar flavor kids and adults both love, and since it cooks on the stovetop, it frees up valuable oven space during busy holiday dinners.
It’s an easy win on weeknights and a reliable easy side dish recipe for Thanksgiving.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Seasoning: You can replace the ranch seasoning packet with the same amount of your homemade ranch mix for a fresher option.
Butter: Swap the butter for olive oil if you prefer a lighter flavor or need a dairy-free alternative.
Add-ins: Stir in a pinch of garlic powder, parsley, or cracked black pepper for extra flavor without changing the texture.
Vegetables: This method also works well with sliced zucchini or steamed green beans if you want to switch up your side dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Place the sliced carrots in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender and a knife slides in easily. Drain the carrots well in a colander.
Step 2: In the same saucepan, add the ranch seasoning packet, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined, then return the cooked carrots to the pan and toss until evenly coated. Serve warm.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO drain the carrots well before adding them back to the pan so the butter and ranch seasoning can coat them properly.
❌ DO NOT skip the butter; using oil won’t let the seasoning blend smoothly or stick to the carrots.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freezer: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh; freezing can change the texture of the carrots.
Serving Tips: Serve warm with roasted meats, holiday mains, or any weeknight dinner that needs a quick, flavorful side.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, you can use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots. Just keep in mind that baby carrots may take a few extra minutes to soften, so check for tenderness and adjust the cooking time as needed.
To keep the carrots from getting mushy, make sure you don’t overcook them in the boiling step. Check them early and drain them as soon as a knife slides in with slight resistance so they stay tender but still hold their shape.
More Vegetable Side Dishes to Enjoy
This recipe is always part of my Simple Thanksgiving Menu every year. You might also enjoy my recipes for Mac and Cheese and Roasted Acorn Squash.
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📖 Recipe Card
Ranch Flavored Carrots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the carrots in a saucepan with about 2 cups of water.
- Bring the carrots to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 10 minutes or until the carrots are slightly tender and a knife can gently go through them.
- Drain the water and carrots into a collander.
- Add the ranch seasoning packet, brown sugar and butter to the saucepan.
- Stir until the butter is melted and everything is combined.
- Add the cooked carrots back to the saucepan and combine together with the butter, seasoning mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cut the carrots into evenly sized slices so they cook at the same rate.
- Check the carrots early to avoid overcooking and keep them from becoming mushy.
- Use melted butter for the smoothest coating when mixing in the ranch seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- You can boil the carrots a day ahead; wait to add the butter and seasoning until right before serving.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This post was updated with new photos, improved instructions, and helpful tips to make the recipe even easier since it was first published in 2021.
CouponClippingClaire says
Thank you for this recipe idea! My children will love it!
Joann @EuchreFun says
These look like a great way to get the kiddies to eat their veggies!! Thanks for sharing on Wake Up Wedsnesday Linky 🙂
Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly says
Hasn't the nice weather been amazing?! I will have to make these, 'cause my picky daughter loves Ranch. Maybe she'll willingly eat her veggies!
Shari Eckstrom says
I agree it is wonderful now that the weather is warming. I love digging in the dirt with the sun shining down on my back. Thanks for linking up with Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. We are so glad you came.
NewMrsAdventures says
This looks delicious! I would love for you share it on my Tasty Tuesday recipe link up here! Everything gets pinned and I would love to have you!
Dawn Bedingfield says
Interesting. My husbands family loves ranch, they eat it with everything. I'm sure they'd love these.
Thanks for sharing at The Southern Special
Dawn
Spatulas On Parade
Vee says
I have no trouble adding sugar to vegetables, but I'll follow your lead and cut back. Thanks for the recipe!