Description

Honey Roasted Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish featuring tender carrots caramelized with a sweet honey glaze and fragrant thyme. Perfectly roasted to bring out natural sweetness with a hint of lemon juice for a bright finish, this recipe offers a wholesome and flavorful way to enjoy your veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb carrots
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup if preferred.
Prepare Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into uniform sticks about 1 inch thick to ensure even roasting.
Make Honey Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional lemon juice, stirring well to create a smooth glaze.
Coat Carrots: Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the honey mixture.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow for proper roasting.
Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
Cool and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Optional Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, sprinkle crushed garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper over the carrots before roasting.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to customize the flavor profile of your honey roasted carrots.

Notes

Use fresh thyme for best flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
Lemon juice is optional but adds a pleasant brightness to the dish.
Ensure carrots are cut evenly for uniform roasting.
Adjust roasting time depending on carrot thickness and desired tenderness.
Adding garlic or cayenne pepper before roasting adds another layer of flavor.
Store leftovers properly to maintain taste and texture for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (~4 oz)
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Honey Roasted Carrots, roasted carrots, honey glazed carrots, healthy side dish, vegetable side, thyme carrots