Description

These honey roasted carrots with fresh thyme and butter are a simple, sweet-savory side dish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds carrots, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch thick sticks
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the carrots thoroughly. Trim the tops and ends, leaving skins on for texture (or peel if preferred). Cut into uniform sticks, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots, honey, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Toss until evenly coated.
Add salt, black pepper, and any optional ingredients (like red pepper flakes or nuts) and toss again.
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil. Spread the carrots in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper roasting and caramelization.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through with tongs to ensure even browning.
Check for doneness: carrots should be tender and golden brown. If browning too quickly, lower oven temperature to 375°F. If still pale, roast for a few more minutes.
For a glossy finish, brush with extra honey halfway through roasting.
Remove from oven, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or additional thyme if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the carrots to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy texture. Cut carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking. If using salted butter, reduce added salt. These leftovers taste great cold or reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 150
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 4
Protein: 2

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, roasted vegetables, side dish, thyme carrots, easy dinner, healthy sides, gluten-free, Thanksgiving sides