Description
A quick and easy side dish featuring roasted carrots caramelized with a sweet honey glaze and savory herbs, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spicy version)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and cut 1.5 pounds of carrots into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice if using.
- Add the carrot pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the glaze.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through (around 10 minutes) to brown evenly.
- Check for doneness; carrots should be tender and have a glossy, golden-brown glaze. Roast an additional 5 minutes if needed, watching carefully to avoid burning the honey.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or smoked paprika if desired.
- Serve warm, straight from the oven or at room temperature.
Notes
Warm honey gently before mixing if too thick. Flip carrots halfway through roasting to prevent burning. Use high heat (425°F) for caramelization. For vegan option, substitute honey with pure maple syrup. Add lemon juice or vinegar after roasting to balance sweetness. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup (115 g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 1
Keywords: roasted carrots, honey glaze, easy side dish, healthy side, fall recipe, quick recipe, savory carrots