Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme and Lemon
Sep 27
5 min read
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Roasted carrots get elevated with a honey glaze, fresh thyme, and bright lemon zest in this refined yet easy side dish. Caramelized and tender, these carrots are sweet, earthy, and aromatic—perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Ready with minimal prep, they bring a burst of color and flavor to any table.
This recipe transforms simple carrots into a spectacular side dish using a medley of fresh thyme, sweet honey, and zesty lemon. The carrots are roasted until perfectly tender and caramelized, then lightly glazed with honey and tossed with vibrant lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the floral notes of the thyme and the brightness of the citrus, delivering a well-balanced flavor profile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish is as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. The preparation is straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Roasting enhances the carrots' natural sugars, while the honey glaze adds a glossy, enticing finish. The addition of lemon zest offers a refreshing counterpoint, making these carrots an irresistible, healthy, and elegant vegetable side that pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains. This method is adaptable—try it with heirloom carrots for a colorful presentation, or vary the herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Carrots — 1 pound (about 6-8 medium)
- Olive Oil — 2 tablespoons
- Honey — 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Thyme Leaves — 1 tablespoon, plus extra for garnish
- Lemon Zest — Zest from 1 lemon
- Salt — 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper — 1/4 teaspoon
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks or leave them whole if they’re young and slim.
3. Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the carrots are tender and just starting to caramelize.
5. While the carrots are roasting, mix honey and fresh thyme leaves in a small bowl.
6. Remove the carrots from the oven, drizzle with the honey-thyme mixture, and toss to coat.
7. Return the carrots to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and the carrots are glossy.
8. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter, sprinkle with lemon zest and extra fresh thyme, and serve warm.