Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

$To make honey garlic roasted carrots, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. If you don't have baby carrots, use regular carrots cut into sticks. Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan option. If you are out of garlic, garlic powder works, but use less. For olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter. Using fresh thyme gives a bright flavor. It brings a lovely aroma that dried thyme might not match. If you use dried thyme, remember it is stronger. Use less than the fresh amount. A half teaspoon of dried thyme is perfect for this recipe. Fresh or dried, thyme adds a nice touch to these carrots. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the carrots caramelize. Next, I take 1 pound of baby carrots and peel them. This step makes them tender and sweet. In a big bowl, I combine three tablespoons of honey, three minced garlic cloves, and two tablespoons of olive oil. I add one teaspoon of fresh thyme and a pinch of salt and black pepper. I whisk the mix until it is smooth. This glaze gives the carrots a sweet and savory flavor. I toss the peeled carrots in the honey garlic mix. Each carrot should be well-coated. Next, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the carrots from sticking. I spread the carrots in a single layer. Then, I place the baking sheet in the oven. I roast the carrots for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, I toss them for even cooking. They will be tender and caramelized when done. After roasting, I take them out and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if I want. To roast carrots perfectly, follow a few easy tips. First, ensure your oven is at 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars in the carrots. Use baby carrots for a sweet and tender result. If you're using larger carrots, cut them into even pieces to cook evenly. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast, not steam. Toss the carrots halfway for even cooking and color. You can add more flavor to your honey garlic roasted carrots. A splash of balsamic vinegar gives a tangy taste. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add freshness. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top after roasting. These extras can elevate the dish and impress your guests. Serve your honey garlic roasted carrots warm for the best taste. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with the leftover honey garlic mix for added gloss. You can garnish with fresh herbs or extra sesame seeds for a beautiful touch. These carrots pair well with grilled meats, fish, or even as part of a veggie platter. They also make a great side for a holiday meal or a casual dinner. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for small, firm baby carrots for the best texture and sweetness. Fresh carrots will caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs like rosemary or parsley along with thyme for added complexity in flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a new level. Check for Doneness: Roasting times may vary based on the size of the carrots. Start checking for tenderness around the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking. Serve with a Twist: For an extra flavor punch, drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the roasted carrots before serving. It adds a delightful tang that complements the sweetness. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the carrots for other veggies. Try using baby potatoes for a hearty dish. Brussels sprouts also work well; they get nice and crispy. You can even use sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste. Each veggie brings its own flavor, adding fun to your meals. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mix. For a savory twist, try adding soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. These changes give the dish a different feel. You can also mix in ginger for a zesty touch. Experiment and find what you love best! For a casual lunch, serve these carrots with a simple sandwich. They make a great side for a family dinner, too. If you're hosting a party, arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of extra honey mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a pretty look. These carrots fit any occasion! After enjoying your honey garlic roasted carrots, you might have some left. To store them, let the carrots cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep the glaze on them; it adds flavor! When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they stay soft and tasty. You can also microwave them for about two minutes, but the oven method gives better results. You can freeze honey garlic roasted carrots if you want to save them longer. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Halfway through, toss them. This helps them cook evenly. You want them tender and caramelized. Check them at 20 minutes for doneness. Yes, you can use regular carrots! Just cut them into sticks or coins. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking. They will still taste great with the honey and garlic. These carrots go well with many dishes! They pair nicely with grilled chicken or fish. Try them with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. They also work well in salads, adding a sweet touch. In this post, we covered the key ingredients for honey garlic roasted carrots, tips for perfect roasting, and fun variations. You learned how to make a tasty glaze and the best practices for cooking. There’s also storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Roasting carrots can be simple and rewarding. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your delicious carrots, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!$

A delicious side dish featuring tender roasted baby carrots coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb baby carrots, peeled
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional) for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures a hot environment for roasting, allowing the carrots to caramelize nicely.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, chopped thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk together until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth.
Introduce the peeled baby carrots into the bowl. Toss them gently until each carrot is well-coated in the fragrant honey garlic mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the carrots from sticking. Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on the sheet, allowing enough space for airflow during roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to toss them halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. They should emerge tender with a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and added flavor. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Arrange the roasted carrots on a serving platter and drizzle any excess honey garlic mixture from the baking sheet over the top for added gloss and flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds for visual appeal.

Keyword carrots, garlic, honey, roasted, vegetables