Honey Roasted Carrots

Transform your side dish with this delicious Honey Roasted Carrots recipe. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, these carrots are roasted to perfection and coated in a buttery honey glaze with a hint of cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Fresh thyme adds a fragrant touch, making these carrots a standout dish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (see notes)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Prepare Carrots:
   In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender.
3. Make Honey Glaze:
   In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add honey and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for several minutes until the mixture is well blended.
4. Coat Carrots:
   Add the roasted carrots to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the honey glaze. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

• Peeling Carrots: For a better presentation, peel the carrots before cutting them into chunks.
• Cutting Tips: Cut the carrots into 2-inch segments, halving the thick ends if necessary.
• Cayenne Pepper: A small amount of cayenne pepper adds depth of flavor without making the dish spicy.
• Roasting: Roast the carrots just until they are fork-tender for the best texture.
• Herb Substitution: Fresh thyme adds excellent flavor, but dried thyme leaves can be used in a pinch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.

Tips

• For added sweetness, drizzle extra honey over the carrots before serving.
• Pair these honey roasted carrots with roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread.
• To enhance the flavor further, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the honey glaze.