Description
Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots are a deliciously simple side dish featuring tender carrots roasted to caramelized perfection with a honey, cinnamon, and thyme glaze. This easy recipe combines natural sweetness and warm spices to elevate the humble carrot into a flavorful complement for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb (450g) baby carrots or regular carrots sliced into sticks
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the carrots to a perfect tender and caramelized texture.
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots if using regular ones; if using baby carrots, make sure they are washed and trimmed. This prep ensures even cooking and texture.
- Mix the Glaze: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and thyme until well combined to create a sweet and savory glaze.
- Coat the Carrots: Add the carrots to the bowl and gently stir to coat each piece evenly with the honey glaze, ensuring full flavor coverage.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet to promote even roasting.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set the glaze and make them easier to handle.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Use baby carrots for convenience or slice regular carrots into sticks for uniform cooking.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
- Stirring halfway through roasting helps the carrots cook evenly and enhances caramelization.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- Optional fresh parsley adds color and a fresh note to the dish.
