Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

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Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme are the perfect side dish when you want to bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to your dinner table. These carrots are roasted to golden perfection with a glaze of honey, olive oil, and fresh thyme, giving them a beautifully caramelized finish and rich aroma that feels both cozy and elegant.

Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, these carrots are sure to impress. The sweet-savory balance, tender texture, and earthy herb notes make this a vegetable dish that even picky eaters love. Plus, they pair well with just about anything—from roasted meats to grain bowls.

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What Kind of Carrots Work Best for Roasting?

For the best texture and flavor, go with medium-sized whole carrots that are firm and brightly colored. If you can find rainbow carrots, they make the dish extra vibrant. Baby carrots work in a pinch, but they don’t caramelize quite as beautifully. Slice your carrots evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and get that irresistible golden edge.

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Ingredients for the Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Carrots – The star of the dish! Choose firm, sweet carrots. Roasting brings out their natural sugars, making them tender and flavorful.

Honey – Adds the signature sweetness and helps the carrots caramelize in the oven.

Olive Oil – Keeps the carrots from drying out and helps everything roast evenly. A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor.

Fresh Thyme – Adds a woodsy, aromatic depth that complements the honey and brings balance.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!

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How To Make the Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Peel the carrots and slice them into evenly sized pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures they roast uniformly.

Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh thyme. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Coat the Carrots

Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the honey mixture over them and toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. Flip the carrots halfway through to ensure even caramelization.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the carrots are tender and golden with crisp edges, remove from the oven. Garnish with extra thyme if desired and serve warm.

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How to Serve and Store Honey Roasted Carrots

These honey roasted carrots are ideal for both casual weeknight meals and elegant holiday dinners. They make a stunning side dish for roasted chicken, lamb, or vegetarian mains like quinoa bowls or lentil loaves.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive that roasted texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Use about 1/3 the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Can I make these carrots ahead of time?

Definitely. Roast them earlier in the day, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes before serving.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Absolutely. Maple syrup brings a slightly deeper, smokier sweetness. Just swap it in equal amounts.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can skip it if using young or organic carrots. Just give them a good scrub.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or red onions roast well with the same glaze. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme, try out these other delicious veggie sides from Life with Nina:

• Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Veggies for an earthy medley of flavor.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn with creamy sweetness and golden edges.
• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions for a rich, comforting bite.
• Mediterranean White Beans & Greens for a hearty plant-based companion.
• Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken when you want a protein-packed sidekick.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie or dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try maple instead of honey? Add extra herbs or a touch of garlic? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Ask any questions too—let’s make cooking simple and delicious together.

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