Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish The key to making honey garlic roasted carrots is in the ingredients. Start with one pound of baby carrots. You can also use regular carrots if you prefer. Just peel and cut them into sticks. Next, honey adds sweetness. Three tablespoons is the perfect amount. It helps the carrots caramelize nicely. Olive oil is next. Two tablespoons will give them a nice texture. Garlic brings a rich flavor. Use three cloves of minced garlic. Fresh thyme adds a touch of earthiness. One teaspoon of fresh thyme works best, but dried thyme is fine too. Don't forget salt and pepper. They enhance the taste. Use them to your liking. If you want a hint of acidity, add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Finally, fresh parsley makes a great garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish. These ingredients come together to create a tasty and flavorful side dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Grab a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a tasty marinade. - Add 1 pound of baby carrots to the bowl. Toss the carrots in the marinade until they are coated evenly. - Spread the carrots in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. - Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through for even cooking. They should be tender and caramelized when done. - For extra flavor, drizzle with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar before roasting. - Once the carrots are done, let them cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. - Serve warm as a delicious side dish. These honey garlic roasted carrots pair well with chicken or fish. They can also brighten any veggie platter. To get the best taste from your honey garlic roasted carrots, follow these tips: - Ensuring even roasting: Cut your carrots into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. If you use baby carrots, they usually roast well without further cutting. Spread them out in one layer on your baking sheet. Leave space between each carrot for air to flow. - Adjusting seasoning for taste: Always taste your marinade before adding carrots. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to enhance the flavor. If you want a sweeter taste, add a bit more honey. For a bit more zing, consider adding some balsamic vinegar. Serve your honey garlic roasted carrots with these ideas in mind: - Pairing recommendations: These carrots go great with grilled chicken or roasted pork. They also work well with a fresh green salad. Their sweet and savory flavor enhances many dishes. - Presentation ideas: When serving, place the carrots on a beautiful platter. Garnish them with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top for added flair. You can adjust the recipe based on what you have at home: - Alternatives for honey: If you don’t have honey, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness with a unique flavor. - Options for herbs or oils: If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary or oregano. For oils, try avocado or coconut oil as tasty alternatives. Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for baby carrots for a sweeter flavor and more tender texture. If using regular carrots, cut them into uniform sticks for even cooking. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference. You can also substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different herbs like rosemary or oregano to the marinade for a unique twist on the flavor. Perfect Roasting: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of honey garlic roasted carrots easily. Adding spices can give them a nice kick. Try a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat. You can also add smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. If you want to switch the sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add a unique taste. They work well with garlic and thyme, giving your dish a twist. While carrots are great, you can also use other veggies. Sweet potatoes and parsnips roast nicely with honey and garlic. They share flavors, making them perfect partners. Combining different root vegetables makes the dish fun and colorful. You can mix carrots, beets, and turnips for a vibrant look. Each veggie adds its own taste and texture. If you want to make this dish vegan, just swap out the honey. Use agave syrup or maple syrup instead. Both still provide that sweet flavor you love. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe! All the ingredients are gluten-free. Just make sure to check labels if using pre-packaged items. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty roasted carrots. To keep your honey garlic roasted carrots fresh, follow these steps: - Let the carrots cool completely before storing. - Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. - Store in the fridge for up to four days for the best taste. When reheating, you want to keep the carrots tasty. Here are good methods: - Use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. - You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. - To keep the carrots crisp, cover them with a damp paper towel in the microwave. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic roasted carrots! Here’s how: - Place cooled carrots in a freezer-safe bag. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. - Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, here’s what to do: - Thaw the carrots overnight in the fridge. - Reheat in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. How do I make honey garlic roasted carrots more flavorful? To boost flavor, add spices like cumin or paprika. You can also mix in lemon juice. Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill work well too. A sprinkle of chili flakes gives heat. Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Thaw them first and pat dry. This prevents excess water from steaming the carrots. They may be softer than fresh carrots, but they still taste great. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the carrots in advance. Toss them in the marinade and store in the fridge. Roast them right before serving for the best taste and texture. What are the health benefits of carrots? Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C. They support eye health and boost the immune system. They also provide fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full. Caloric content per serving? Each serving of honey garlic roasted carrots has about 100 calories. This can vary based on added ingredients. The dish is low in calories and full of nutrients. What's the best oven temperature for roasting? The best temperature for roasting carrots is 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps caramelize the sugars in the carrots. It gives them a nice, sweet flavor. How long to roast carrots for different textures? For tender carrots, roast for 25-30 minutes. If you like them crisp-tender, check at 20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking and golden edges. Honey garlic roasted carrots are simple and tasty. We covered the key ingredients and steps needed for great flavor. With tips on variations, storage, and serving, you can make this dish your own. Try different herbs or spices to suit your taste. These carrots can fit into many diets and are easy to save for later. Enjoy the sweet and savory taste of honey garlic roasted carrots in your meals. Your family will love them!$

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

A delightful side dish featuring roasted carrots glazed with honey and garlic.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the carrots to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated.
Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor before roasting.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley.
Serve warm as a delightful side dish.

Notes

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

Keyword carrots, garlic, honey, roasted