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Flavorful Roasted Carrots Recipe with Honey Balsamic Glaze and Thyme

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A simple yet delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots glazed with honey, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or chunks
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower)
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel carrots and cut into uniform sticks about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until glossy and pourable.
  4. Add carrots to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
  5. Spread carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
  6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through (around 12 minutes) to brown evenly.
  7. Check for doneness; carrots should be tender with a slight bite. Roast an additional 5 minutes if softer carrots are desired, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Once out of the oven, optionally drizzle a small extra splash of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle fresh thyme for brightness.

Notes

Stir carrots halfway through roasting to prevent glaze from burning and ensure even caramelization. Use uniform carrot pieces for even cooking. If glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Fresh thyme is preferred for best flavor; rosemary or sage can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, honey balsamic glaze, thyme, easy side dish, healthy vegetables, quick recipe