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Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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