Description
Honey balsamic roasted carrots bring sweet and tangy magic to any dinner table. Caramelized edges and rich glaze make this simple side dish irresistible when you want something both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and layering a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Place carrots in a spacious mixing vessel, drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper, massaging the ingredients to create an even, glossy coating.
- Spread the seasoned carrots across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer to promote uniform roasting and caramelization.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing carrots to transform for 25-30 minutes until they develop tender edges and rich golden-brown surfaces.
- While carrots roast, craft a vibrant glaze by whisking together honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and a splash of bright lemon juice in a small mixing bowl.
- Extract the roasted carrots from the oven, then cascade the prepared glaze over the vegetables, gently tumbling them to ensure complete and luxurious coverage.
- Return the glazed carrots to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and create a glistening, slightly caramelized exterior.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a final flourish of color and herbaceous brightness.
Notes
- Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
- Use fresh, high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- For a vegan alternative, swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, maintaining the same glossy and sweet glaze texture.
- Adjust roasting time based on carrot thickness – thinner slices will cook faster and may require less time to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 118 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg