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Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe

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4.6 from 135 reviews

Honey Roasted Carrots are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender carrots roasted to perfection and glazed with a buttery honey and cayenne pepper sauce. Enhanced with fresh thyme, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and a touch of warmth, making it an ideal complement to any meal.

Ingredients

Carrots

  • 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Honey Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the carrots to a delicate tenderness.
  2. Prepare Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Roast Carrots: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender, checking occasionally to avoid overcooking.
  4. Make Honey Glaze: While carrots roast, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add honey and cayenne pepper, stirring continuously and cooking for several minutes until well combined and slightly thickened.
  5. Combine and Finish: Add the roasted carrots to the saucepan with the honey glaze. Stir thoroughly to coat all the carrots in the buttery, sweet sauce. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Peeling the carrots improves the texture and enhances the dish’s appearance.
  • Cut carrots into 2-inch chunks; halve the thicker ends for even cooking.
  • The small amount of cayenne pepper adds depth without making the dish spicy.
  • Roast carrots just until fork-tender to maintain their natural sweetness and slight firmness.
  • Fresh thyme provides the best flavor, but dried thyme can be used if fresh isn’t available.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to preserve flavor and texture.