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Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

honey roasted carrots with thyme - featured image

Sweet and tender carrots roasted with honey and fresh thyme, creating a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and earthy herb flavor. A quick and easy side dish ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure honey (raw or wildflower recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set the rack to the middle position.
  2. Peel and cut 1 pound (450 g) of carrots into sticks or rounds about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove if using. Whisk until blended.
  4. Add the carrots to the bowl and gently stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until every piece is coated.
  5. Arrange the coated carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring or shaking the pan halfway through.
  7. Remove from oven, adjust salt and pepper if needed, let rest a few minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

If carrots brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning. Use uniform carrot sizes for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for best flavor. Can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat gently in oven or microwave.

Nutrition

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