Description
This Simple Honey Roasted Carrots recipe features tender, sweet carrots perfectly glazed with honey and enhanced with garlic, thyme, and fresh lemon juice. Roasting brings out the carrots' natural sweetness while creating a lightly caramelized exterior, making it an easy and flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds carrots
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp honey (plus more to drizzle!)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- 1/2 a lemon, juice
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it's hot enough for roasting the carrots to a perfect tender texture with caramelized edges.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into approximately 1.5 to 2 inch pieces, preferably on a slight diagonal for an attractive presentation and even cooking.
- Toss Ingredients: Place the chopped carrots in a large baking dish or a lined baking sheet. Add olive oil, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly until the carrots are evenly coated with the seasonings and honey glaze.
- Roast Carrots: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and roast the carrots for 30 to 45 minutes. Toss the carrots halfway through roasting to promote even cooking and caramelization. Roast until they reach desired tenderness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven. Toss them gently with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Optionally, drizzle more honey and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Adjust roasting time depending on carrot thickness and desired softness; thinner carrots will cook faster.
- Drizzling extra honey at the end adds a touch more sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Garlic and thyme can be substituted with fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American