An older Amish woman taught me this 4 ingredient root vegetable bake and it has completely transformed my spring dinners

To keep the spirit of the original Amish-style 4-ingredient recipe, the main ingredients stay the same, but you can still adjust within that framework. For a slightly different texture, cut the carrots a bit thinner for more caramelized edges, or leave the potatoes in slightly larger chunks if you like them softer inside with a crisp outside. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of water to the dish before baking to keep everything moist, though it will be a little less rich.

For a more rustic feel, use a mix of orange and yellow carrots if you can find them; just keep the total carrot weight the same. If you’re cooking ahead, you can peel and cut the carrots and potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them in a covered container of cold water in the fridge; drain and pat dry very well before tossing with butter and baking so they roast instead of steaming.

Food safety tips: Always wash potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria, and peel or scrub carrots before using. Keep raw vegetables and utensils away from any raw meat juices if you’re prepping everything at once. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow container, and reheat thoroughly in the oven or a skillet until steaming hot before eating. Leftovers are best eaten within 3 to 4 days.