Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Simple, sweet, and savory—these Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme are a beautiful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a glossy honey glaze and the earthy aroma of fresh thyme. Roasting gives the carrots tender centers with slightly caramelized edges, making them a perfect addition to any dinner table, from holiday feasts to weeknight meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Sweet – Honey enhances the carrots’ flavor without being too sugary.
Beautifully Roasted – Caramelized edges and tender insides in every bite.
Easy to Make – Only 5 minutes of prep and minimal ingredients.
Elegant Presentation – A vibrant side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Pairs with Everything – Ideal alongside chicken, beef, fish, or vegetarian mains.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 2 lbs carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if thin)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Finishing Touches:

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Zest of ½ lemon or a small squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness)
• Extra drizzle of honey (for more gloss and sweetness)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowl
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Carrots

1. Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
2. If your carrots are thin and tender, you can leave them whole for a rustic look.
3. Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season & Toss

1. Drizzle olive oil and honey over the carrots.
2. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.

Step 4: Roast the Carrots

1. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the carrots are fork-tender and caramelized on the edges.
3. For deeper caramelization, roast for an extra 5 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a touch more honey if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success
Use Uniform Carrots – Cut evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd – Spread the carrots out on the baking sheet to allow browning.
Fresh Thyme = Best Flavor – Dried works too, but fresh gives a brighter, herbaceous note.
Add Lemon – A squeeze of lemon juice adds balance to the sweet honey glaze.
Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Meals – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas.
Weeknight Dinners – Serve with roasted chicken, steak, or salmon.
Vegetarian Bowls – Add to grain bowls or salads for a sweet-savory touch.
Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat throughout the week.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended as the texture may become mushy after thawing.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work great. Just be sure to dry them well so they roast instead of steam.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the carrots, cool completely, and reheat just before serving.

3. What other herbs can I use?
Rosemary or sage also pair well with honey and carrots. A pinch of cumin adds warmth.

4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The natural sweetness of the carrots and honey makes them a hit with little ones.

5. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely. Maple syrup gives a slightly deeper sweetness and still caramelizes beautifully.

Final Thoughts
These Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme are a simple yet elegant side dish that enhances any meal. With their tender texture, sweet glaze, and herbal finish, they’re easy to love and even easier to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or adding something special to your weeknight routine, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Give them a try and let me know how they turn out! Share your version online and leave a review—I’d love to see your take.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 6):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 220mg

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