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Flavorful Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

honey roasted carrots with thyme - featured image

A simple and delicious side dish featuring carrots roasted with honey and fresh thyme, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with caramelized edges and tender centers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into evenly sized sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or local)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of flaky sea salt after roasting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel and cut about 1.5 pounds (700 grams) of carrots into uniform sticks or rounds, roughly 1/2 inch thick.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Add the carrots and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven. Halfway through (around 12 minutes), use tongs or a spatula to flip the carrots so they brown evenly on all sides.
  6. Check for tenderness by poking a carrot with a fork; it should be tender but still hold shape.
  7. Once out of the oven, optionally drizzle a little extra honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  8. Serve warm, fresh from the oven.

Notes

Use fresh thyme for best flavor; if using dried thyme, double the amount. To prevent honey from burning, keep an eye on the carrots and toss halfway through roasting. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure caramelization. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, thyme, easy side dish, roasted vegetables, healthy side, quick recipe, gluten-free, vegan option