Description
These Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are sweet, caramelized, and absolutely delicious! Tender roasted carrots coated in a buttery honey glaze with garlic and fresh thyme. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs medium carrots (about 10-12 carrots), peeled or scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil.
- Prep the Carrots: Trim the tops and bottoms of carrots. Peel if desired (I often leave skin on for extra nutrients and texture). Cut larger carrots in half lengthwise so all pieces are similar in thickness (about 1-1½ inches at the thickest part). This ensures even cooking.
- Season for Roasting: Place prepared carrots on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then arrange in a single layer with space between carrots. Don’t overlap or they’ll steam instead of caramelize.
- Roast: Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping carrots halfway through (around 15 minutes), until tender and caramelized with golden-brown edges. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy. Timing depends on thickness—thinner carrots cook faster.
- Make the Glaze: While carrots roast, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl), melt butter. Add honey, minced garlic, and thyme. Stir to combine and warm through, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should be fluid and well-combined. Add balsamic vinegar if using.
- Glaze the Carrots: When carrots are done roasting, transfer them to a large serving bowl or return to the baking sheet. Pour the honey butter mixture over the hot carrots. Toss gently but thoroughly until every carrot is coated with the glossy glaze. The hot carrots will help the glaze thicken slightly and adhere beautifully.
- Serve: Transfer glazed carrots to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the sweet, caramelized goodness!
Notes
- Size Consistency: Cut carrots to similar thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space carrots out on the pan for proper caramelization.
- Adjust Sweetness: Use 2-4 tablespoons honey depending on your sweetness preference.
- Make it Vegan: Replace butter with olive oil and honey with maple syrup.
- Add Citrus: Orange zest or juice adds bright, complementary flavor.
- Spice Options: Try adding cinnamon, cumin, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3-4 carrot pieces
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg