These honey roasted carrots are a sweet and tasty side dish everyone will love. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while honey adds a lovely glaze that makes them shine!
Honestly, they’re so good that even the pickiest eaters might grab a few! I like to serve them with dinner—just watch them disappear in seconds! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender, making them perfect for roasting. You can use regular carrots, just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. If you prefer, try parsnips for a different flavor twist!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for roasting, adding richness. If you’re out, feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil. Both will work just fine.
Honey: Honey gives that wonderful sweetness. If you need a vegan option, maple syrup is an excellent substitute! Just adjust the amount to taste, as it can be sweeter than honey.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried thyme works, but use less since dried herbs are more potent. Parsley is also a nice touch for garnish!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Roast on Carrots?
Roasting carrots to perfection is all about temperature and timing. Follow these steps for great results:
- Preheat your oven well to ensure even cooking from the start. A hot oven caramelizes the sugars in the carrots.
- Cut carrots evenly. This helps them roast at the same rate, ensuring they’re all tender by the end.
- Be generous with oil and honey for a luscious glaze! Toss the carrots well to coat.
- Stir halfway through roasting. This allows them to brown evenly on all sides.
- Keep an eye on the last few minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Enjoy the sweet aroma!
Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or parsley), chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful honey roasted carrots recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast. In total, you’ll have a tasty side dish ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This makes clean-up a breeze later on!
2. Prepare the Carrots:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots (or your sliced carrots) with olive oil, honey, melted butter, sliced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss them well to make sure all the carrots are coated evenly.
3. Arrange for Roasting:
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them roast perfectly without steaming.
4. Roast the Carrots:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir them halfway through. You want them to be tender and beautifully caramelized, with some edges just starting to brown.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving bowl. Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top for that burst of flavor and lovely presentation!
6. Enjoy:
Serve your honey roasted carrots warm as a sweet and savory side that everyone will love. Enjoy the deliciousness!
These vibrant honey roasted carrots are sure to become a hit at your table! 🥕✨
Can I Use Other Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are convenient, you can use regular carrots sliced into similar sizes for even cooking. Just be sure to peel and cut them into similar lengths and thickness to ensure they roast evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. You can also leave out the butter and use an additional tablespoon of olive oil instead.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven or microwave is best. If reheating in the oven, do so at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What Can I Serve With Honey Roasted Carrots?
These carrots make a fantastic side dish for any protein, such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even plant-based options like quinoa or lentils. Pair them with rice or couscous for a complete meal!