Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme is a delightful side dish that marries the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy aroma of fresh thyme. Roasting the carrots brings out their inherent sugars, resulting in a tender texture with a caramelized exterior. The addition of honey enhances their sweetness, while thyme imparts a savory depth, making this dish a perfect complement to various main courses. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy carrots.
Ingredients:
1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1–2 inch pieces (or use baby carrots)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform 1–2 inch pieces to ensure even roasting. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.
Season the Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme until they are evenly coated.
Roast: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space for even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote uniform caramelization. The carrots are done when they are tender and have a golden, caramelized exterior. For extra crispiness, roast for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Serve: Transfer the honey roasted carrots to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this sweet, herb-infused side!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 125 kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 200mg