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- 1 pound baby carrots, rinsed and trimmed - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon zest for garnish - Honey alternatives: agave syrup, maple syrup - Olive oil substitutions: vegetable oil, melted butter When I make honey garlic roasted carrots, I love using fresh baby carrots. They are sweet and tender. Rinsing and trimming them helps remove dirt and ensures they cook evenly. For the sweet glaze, I use honey. It adds a lovely touch. If you need a change, agave syrup or maple syrup works well too. They bring sweetness without losing flavor. Olive oil is my go-to for roasting. It helps the carrots caramelize nicely. But if you run out, vegetable oil or melted butter works too. Each option will still taste great. Garlic brings a rich flavor to the dish. I use fresh minced garlic for the best taste. You can also swap it with garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better. Thyme adds a nice herbal note. I prefer fresh thyme leaves, but dried thyme will do. Just remember to use less when using dried, as it’s more potent. Salt and pepper are essential for balance. Add them to your taste. Lastly, lemon zest gives a bright finish. It makes the dish pop with freshness. With these ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - In a large bowl, mix honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth. - Add the baby carrots to the bowl. Toss them well in the honey-garlic mixture. - Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir them halfway through for even cooking. - When the carrots are tender and caramelized, take them out of the oven. - Drizzle any leftover honey-garlic sauce over the carrots. - For a fresh touch, sprinkle lemon zest on top before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots section. To get that nice, sweet caramelization, follow these simple steps. First, make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the carrots cook and brown well. Next, spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to move around each carrot, giving you a perfect roast. Remember, if the carrots are crowded, they will steam instead of roast. Even coating with the honey-garlic mixture is crucial. When you mix the honey, olive oil, garlic, and spices, really toss the carrots well. You want each carrot to get a good amount of flavor. If some carrots have more sauce than others, they may not roast evenly. So, take your time mixing to achieve that delicious taste throughout. Honey garlic roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. They make a great side for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty veggie main dish. The sweet and savory taste complements savory meals perfectly. For a stunning presentation, use a nice serving dish. Arrange the carrots in a colorful way. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the top and sprinkle some lemon zest for a pop of color and flavor. This small touch makes your dish look fancy and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can elevate the taste of honey garlic roasted carrots with some simple tweaks. Adding spices like paprika, cumin, or cayenne can enhance the flavor. Each spice brings its own unique kick. For a sweet and smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. If you want some heat, a pinch of cayenne does the trick. Another fun idea is to incorporate nuts or seeds for crunch. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds add texture. Just sprinkle them on before serving. This mix of flavors and textures makes the dish even more enjoyable. You can also change how you cook honey garlic carrots for different flavors. Try grilling them for a smoky taste. Just toss the carrots in the honey-garlic mix and place them on the grill. They cook fast and get great grill marks. If you need a quick method, try using an Instant Pot. This method cooks the carrots fast and keeps them tender. Just add the carrots and the honey-garlic mix into the pot. Pressure cook for about 3 minutes, and you have a tasty side dish in no time! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your honey garlic roasted carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are sealed tightly. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps them stay crisp and warm. To avoid sogginess, don’t cover the carrots while reheating. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they may become mushy. For more details, check the Full Recipe for this tasty dish! Can I use other types of carrots? Yes, you can use other carrots. Regular carrots work well, too. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also try rainbow carrots for a colorful dish. How to make honey garlic roasted carrots vegan? To make this dish vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. This swap keeps the sweet taste while making it plant-based. You can use the same amount for the best flavor. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the carrots ahead of time. Just toss them in the honey-garlic mixture and store them in the fridge. Roast them just before serving for the best taste. What are the nutritional benefits of carrots? Carrots are rich in vitamins A, K, and C. They support eye health and boost your immune system. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them great for digestion. How to tell if roasted carrots are done? Roasted carrots are done when they are tender and caramelized. You can test this by piercing them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Look for a nice golden color, too. You learned how to make delicious honey garlic roasted carrots. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. You can swap honey for agave or use vegetable oil instead. Try these carrots with your favorite dishes for a tasty side. Remember the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Feel free to experiment with flavors or cooking methods to make it your own. Enjoy roasting!

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots

Discover the delightful flavors of honey garlic roasted carrots that will elevate your dinner table! This simple recipe combines baby carrots, honey, garlic, and thyme, creating a mouthwatering side dish that’s a hit at any meal. In just 40 minutes, you can serve up tender, caramelized carrots that are not just tasty but beautifully presented with fresh lemon zest. Click through to explore this easy recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots, rinsed and trimmed

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

      Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the honey-garlic mixture until evenly coated.

        Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

          Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.

            Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

              Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish, drizzle with any remaining honey-garlic sauce from the baking sheet, and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings