Description
Honey Roasted Carrots with thyme are a delicious and simple oven-baked side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with a buttery honey sauce. Perfect for Easter or any festive dinner, this recipe delivers a sweet and savory flavor with a beautiful caramelized finish, making it an impressive yet easy vegetable accompaniment.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 ½ pounds carrots
Honey Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme plus more for garnish
Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prep the carrots: Trim the tops and bottoms of the carrots, leaving a bit of the green stem if desired for presentation. Peel the carrots if you like, then cut them in half lengthwise to create even pieces for roasting. Arrange the carrots on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer, using both sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding, which helps them roast evenly.
- Make the honey butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and fresh thyme, whisking to combine the mixture thoroughly and infuse the thyme flavor into the sauce.
- Coat the carrots: Pour half of the honey butter sauce evenly over the carrots. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Season the carrots with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Try to place the carrots flat side down on the baking sheet, which aids in even browning and caramelization.
- Roast the carrots: Position the two baking sheets on separate racks in the oven to allow for proper heat circulation. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the carrots become tender and start browning. Keep an eye on the thinner carrots to prevent burning.
- Add remaining sauce and finish roasting: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Drizzle the reserved honey butter sauce over the partially roasted carrots, then return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to deepen the glaze and enhance flavor.
- Final seasoning and serving: Take the carrots out of the oven once more. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh thyme sprigs for a fragrant finish. Serve immediately as a vibrant and tasty side dish.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the carrots; thinner carrots will cook faster, so start checking at 15 minutes to avoid burning.
- Leftover carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave for best results, ensuring they stay tender and flavorful.