Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

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These Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme are a simple yet elegant side dish that elevates any meal. They combine the natural sweetness of carrots with the caramelized depth of honey and the herbaceous touch of fresh thyme. Whether you’re serving these at a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, they bring color and warmth to the table.

The caramelization that happens in the oven transforms basic carrots into something special. With a glossy glaze and just the right amount of browning, each bite delivers a satisfying mix of sweet, savory, and herbal notes. Bonus: they smell incredible as they roast.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme Recipe

These carrots strike the perfect balance between easy and impressive. They come together with minimal effort, using pantry staples, yet the flavor is rich and sophisticated. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be doubled for a crowd.

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Can I Use Baby Carrots for This Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute baby carrots, though you may need to adjust the roasting time slightly depending on their size. Whole carrots sliced into coins caramelize better and give more surface area for the honey glaze to cling to.

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Ingredients for the Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Carrots – The star of the show! Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and natural sweetness.

Honey – Adds a gorgeous caramelized coating and deepens the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Olive Oil – Helps roast the carrots evenly and gives them a silky finish.

Fresh Thyme – Infuses the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with honey.

Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.

Black Pepper – Adds just a touch of warmth and contrast.

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How To Make the Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Carrots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice 1 pound of carrots into ½-inch thick coins.

Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the carrots and toss until well coated.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with a few more sprigs of fresh thyme for a vibrant finish.

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How to Serve These Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, creamy mashed potatoes, or over a bed of grains for a wholesome vegetarian meal.

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How to Store Honey Roasted Carrots

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can soften the carrots excessively and reduce the caramelization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the carrots a day ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving. Add a fresh sprinkle of thyme to revive the flavor.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
You can use dried thyme in a pinch, but fresh thyme gives a more vibrant aroma and visual appeal. Use about ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.

Are these carrots suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave to make this dish fully vegan.

Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and sweeter taste, but you can skip it if using organic carrots—just scrub them well.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets work well alongside carrots and roast at similar times.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme, try out these other irresistible options from Life With Livia:

• Creamy Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese for a cheesy savory bite.
• Parmesan Garlic Potato Wedges for crispy edges and bold flavor.
• Root Veggie Gratin for a cozy layered side.
• Cheesy Creamed Spinach if you love greens done indulgently.
• Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin for melt-in-your-mouth comfort.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with maple syrup instead of honey? Did you add a pinch of chili flakes for heat?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other roast better!

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