Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness and tangy depth, transforming simple carrots into a flavorful side dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings out rich caramelized flavors that complement any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots (medium to large, firm and vibrant)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (good quality or syrupy balsamic glaze)
• 2 tablespoons honey (wildflower or clover recommended)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary/oregano)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven is fully heated to promote proper roasting and caramelization of the carrots.
2. Step 2: Wash and scrub the carrots thoroughly. Peel if preferred, then trim ends and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. For large carrots, halve lengthwise before cutting. Uniform size ensures even roasting.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Step 4: Place the carrot pieces in a large bowl and pour the honey balsamic glaze over them. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with the glaze.
5. Step 5: Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of roasting.
6. Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until carrots are tender with slightly caramelized edges. Test doneness by piercing with a fork; carrots should be tender but still have some bite.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or flaky sea salt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense balsamic flavor, substitute the vinegar with a balsamic glaze.
• Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
• Rosemary or oregano can be swapped in place of thyme for different herbal notes.
• Leaving the carrot skins on adds extra texture and nutrients; just make sure they are well cleaned.

Storage

Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve their texture and flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots are best for roasting because they hold their texture and caramelize well. Frozen carrots tend to release extra moisture, which can prevent proper roasting and caramelization.

Is it necessary to flip the carrots during roasting?

Yes, flipping halfway ensures the carrots brown evenly on all sides, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring tender, caramelized carrots coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Roasted to perfection, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and offers a delightful balance of bright and savory notes, making it an excellent complement to any meal.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 2 pounds medium to large carrots, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Glaze

• ¼ cup good quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (wildflower or clover recommended)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary/oregano as alternatives)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure it is fully heated before roasting to allow proper caramelization of the carrots.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and scrub the carrots thoroughly, peel if desired, then trim the ends. Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces, halving or quartering larger carrots lengthwise for even cooking.
3. Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Toss Carrots with Glaze: Place carrot pieces in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss thoroughly with hands or a spatula to coat evenly, ensuring every piece glistens with the mixture.
5. Roast the Carrots: Spread the glazed carrots on a large baking sheet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The carrots should be tender with slightly caramelized edges.
6. Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or flaky sea salt for added flavor and presentation if desired.

Notes

• For even roasting, make sure carrot pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly.
• Do not overcrowd the baking sheet as this can cause steaming instead of roasting.
• Use fresh thyme for best flavor; rosemary or oregano can be substituted if preferred.
• Carrots can be peeled or left unpeeled depending on your texture preference.
• Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar quantities to taste, especially if using thick balsamic glaze.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as carrots can lose their crispness when cooled.

Keywords: roasted carrots, honey balsamic carrots, vegetable side dish, caramelized carrots, healthy roasted vegetables