Name: Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons honey; ½ tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley

Description

This Honey Roasted Carrots recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender carrots roasted to perfection and coated in a luscious honey butter glaze. Enhanced with a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick and fresh herbs for brightness, it’s an easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

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

Seasonings & Oils

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Butter & Sweeteners

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey

Herbs

½ tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
Toss the carrots: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, tossing until evenly coated.
Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the seasoned carrot chunks evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, developing a nice caramelized exterior.
Prepare honey butter glaze: While the carrots roast, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the honey and cayenne pepper, cooking the mixture for several minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the glaze.
Coat the carrots: Once roasted, transfer the hot carrots directly to the saucepan with the honey butter glaze. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly in the sweet and spicy mixture.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley over the glazed carrots, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve the dish warm as a delightful side.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey butter glaze.
Use fresh thyme for a more pronounced herbaceous note or parsley for a milder, fresh taste.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Ensure carrots are cut uniformly to roast evenly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or oven.