Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme is a delightful side dish that brings a sweet and savory twist to your table. It’s a simple recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of carrots, enhanced by a touch of honey and the earthy flavor of fresh thyme.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme

Carrots are the star of this dish, providing a naturally sweet base that's perfect for roasting. Honey adds a layer of sweetness and helps in caramelizing the carrots during roasting. Olive oil is used to coat the carrots, ensuring they roast evenly and don’t dry out. Fresh thyme leaves bring an aromatic, earthy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots and honey. Finally, a pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors, bringing the whole dish together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use baby carrots if you're short on time; they require less prep and cook more evenly.
  • If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a subtle kick.
  • For an even deeper flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey and oil mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These honey-glazed carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork. They also make a great addition to a vegetarian spread, alongside dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried thyme, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don't have honey?
Maple syrup is a great substitute for honey and offers a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the carrots ahead and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme Recipe Walkthrough

First off, make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps achieve that perfect roast, where the carrots become tender but still have a slight bite. While the oven is warming up, peel your carrots and cut them into sticks. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.

In a large bowl, add the carrot sticks along with the honey, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are well coated. It’s important to mix thoroughly so each stick gets its fair share of flavor.

Spread the coated carrots out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam the carrots instead of roasting them, which we want to avoid. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the carrots roast for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a good stir to ensure even roasting and caramelization.

Once the carrots are tender and have a nice golden hue, they’re ready to come out of the oven. Serve them warm, and enjoy the delightful contrast of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Uses minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
  • The combination of honey and thyme adds a unique flavor that elevates simple carrots to something special.
  • Roasting brings out a natural caramelization in the carrots, making them irresistibly sweet and tender.

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the carrot sticks, honey, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss until the carrots are well-coated.
4. Spread the carrots evenly on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through cooking.
6. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

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