Hello, vegetable lovers! If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful way to elevate your side dish game, these Honey Roasted Carrots are the perfect solution. Sweet, buttery, and with just a hint of spice, they’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!
Introduction
Honey Roasted Carrots bring out the natural sweetness of carrots and combine it with a luscious honey-butter glaze. Roasting enhances the carrots’ earthy flavor and gives them a caramelized edge, making them irresistibly delicious. This dish is a wonderful balance of savory and sweet with a subtle kick of cayenne pepper. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, beef, or a vegetarian main course, these carrots are guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients
To make Honey Roasted Carrots, you will need the following ingredients:
2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (baby carrots work well, too)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley
Feel free to adjust the cayenne for more or less spice or substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer.
How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the peeled and chopped carrots with olive oil. Sprinkle them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
- While the carrots are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the honey-butter glaze. Stir gently to coat all the carrots in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the glazed carrots with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy perfection of these Honey Roasted Carrots.
Helpful Tips
Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Baby carrots can be used for convenience, but larger carrots sliced into even chunks work beautifully for a rustic presentation.
To ensure even roasting, make sure the carrots are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them will result in steaming instead of roasting.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking sheets to maintain proper spacing.
Cooking Tips
Use high-quality honey for a richer glaze. Local or raw honey often has deeper flavors that complement the carrots well.
For extra caramelization, broil the carrots for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
A touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice added to the glaze can brighten the flavors if you prefer a tangy note.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Roasted Carrots pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty beef roast for a complete and satisfying meal. For a vegetarian spread, pair them with creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad. They also make a delightful addition to holiday tables, adding both color and flavor.
For presentation, serve the carrots in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. The vibrant orange hue and shiny glaze make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Nutritional Information
This dish is both flavorful and nourishing. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health, while the honey adds a natural sweetness without refined sugars.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 300mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 16g
Vitamin A: 300%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 2%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze. You can also reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally.
Leftovers can be repurposed in creative ways. Add them to a grain bowl, toss them into a salad, or mash them and spread them onto toast for a sweet and savory snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe? Absolutely! This glaze works wonderfully with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the roasting time based on the vegetable.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme? No problem. You can substitute dried thyme or use fresh parsley for a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can roast the carrots and prepare the glaze ahead of time. Combine them just before serving and reheat gently to ensure they’re warm and coated.
Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, you may also enjoy these delicious dishes:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Honey
Conclusion
Honey Roasted Carrots are a versatile, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines simplicity and flavor. The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by a buttery honey glaze and balanced with a touch of cayenne, creates a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving these for a casual dinner or a festive holiday feast, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy!