Thyme Honey Roasted Carrots
A simple roasted carrot side dish where thyme's earthiness balances the sweetness of honey and caramelization.
Carrots' natural sweetness and thyme's earthy, slightly peppery flavor balance each other well, and a touch of honey pushes that sweet-savory contrast even further in this simple side dish.
Thyme Honey Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise (quartered if thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with the olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
- Season with additional salt to taste and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
Watch the carrots in the last few minutes of roasting - the honey can cause them to caramelize quickly and burn if left unattended.
Why This Combination Works
Carrots are one of the sweeter common vegetables, and roasting concentrates that sweetness further through caramelization. Thyme's earthy, slightly bitter edge keeps the dish from tasting one-dimensionally sweet, playing a similar balancing role here to how it works against the richness of a braise or risotto.
What to Serve Them With
These carrots work as a side for almost any roasted protein, including our thyme roast chicken, where the flavors naturally echo each other across the plate. They're also a good addition to a holiday spread alongside heavier mains.
Variations
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts scattered over the finished carrots add texture.
- Balsamic finish: A drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting adds another layer of sweet-tart flavor.
- Different sweetener: Maple syrup works well in place of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Whole baby carrots: Substitute whole baby carrots for a simpler prep, keeping roasting time roughly the same.
This is a good example of thyme in a lower-key, supporting role. For more on using thyme this way, see our pairing guide, or head back to the complete thyme guide.
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