Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe
Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are a vibrant and irresistible side dish that brings out the very best in humble carrots. Their natural sweetness is elevated with a sticky glaze of honey and balsamic vinegar, caramelized to perfection in the oven until each bite is bursting with flavor and irresistible tenderness. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or simply dreaming of a colorful, crowd-pleasing vegetable to perk up your weeknight dinner, Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are about to become a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots lies in just how simple the ingredient list is. Every component adds something essential—aroma, sweetness, a tangy edge, or that perfect roasted texture. Here’s the rundown, with tips for making each shine.
- Carrots (1 ½ pounds): Choose carrots that are firm and brightly colored; cut them into sticks or leave them whole if they’re small for the prettiest presentation.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the carrots roast beautifully, encouraging caramelization and adding richness.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides tang and depth, creating that signature, slightly syrupy glaze.
- Honey (1 ½ tablespoons): Brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and helps everything get gorgeously golden.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and savoriness in every bite.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle backbone of heat, making the flavors pop.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, optional): For a fragrant, herby finish! Sprinkle just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, make sure your oven is piping hot by setting it to 400°F (200°C). A high temperature is key to getting those irresistible brown edges and caramelized bits that everyone will be vying for.
Step 2: Whisk the Glaze
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. This glossy mixture is the magic that transforms your carrots into Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots—with every vegetable coated in sweet-tangy goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Carrots
Add the peeled and cut carrots to your bowl and toss until every piece is coated. If you have a few extra minutes, let them marinate in the glaze for 15–20 minutes—this will deepen the flavor and make your roasted carrots even more mouthwatering.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they’re not too crowded; giving them space means more caramelized edges and less steaming.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Pop your carrots into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through. Keep an eye out for those telltale golden spots and gently wrinkled skins—that’s when you know your Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are done!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
If you’re in the mood for a little herby zip, sprinkle the roasted carrots with fresh thyme leaves right before serving. It’s a simple touch that truly elevates every bite.
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing your Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots, fresh herbs like thyme or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add vivid color and a burst of freshness. For a special occasion, you can even scatter on some toasted nuts, crumbled feta, or a light zesting of orange for that bright, aromatic lift.
Side Dishes
Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are the dream companion for a wide variety of mains! Pair them with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto for a balanced meal. For the holidays, these carrots absolutely shine alongside turkey or glazed ham, soaking up extra juices and balancing rich flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, present your Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots on a wide platter, drizzled with a final spoonful of the pan juices. You can also thread smaller carrot sticks onto skewers for a fun appetizer or tuck roasted carrots into a warm grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and greens for a colorful lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots can be cooled, then transferred to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking.
Freezing
Want to freeze them? Let the carrots cool completely, then pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. While their texture softens a bit after freezing, the flavor remains delicious—freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the carrots out on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—about 10 minutes. For a quick option, microwave on medium, pausing to stir every 30 seconds until warm. Either way, they’ll be just as tasty as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots save you some prep time and roast up beautifully. Just keep an eye on them during baking—they may cook a little faster than larger carrot sticks.
Are there alternatives to honey for a vegan version?
Of course! Pure maple syrup is a wonderful, plant-based alternative that offers its own distinct flavor. Agave syrup also works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I add other vegetables to the pan?
Yes, feel free to toss in parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even sliced red onions. Just try to cut everything to a similar size, so it roasts evenly along with the carrots.
How do I get extra caramelization?
For even more golden edges, give the carrots space on the baking sheet and avoid crowding. You can also finish them under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch closely so they don’t burn!
Do Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots work as leftovers?
They sure do! Enjoy them cold in salads, chopped into a grain bowl, or reheated as a side. They stay flavorful and tender, perfect for make-ahead meals.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as dazzling to eat as it is easy to make, you can’t beat Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots. Don’t be surprised if these sweet, tangy, and beautifully caramelized carrots become the runaway star of every meal—give them a try and let their charm win you over!
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Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The sweet and tangy flavors from the honey and balsamic vinegar complement the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Carrots:
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the carrots: Add the carrots to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the carrots: Spread the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, allow the carrots to marinate in the honey-balsamic mixture for 15–20 minutes before roasting.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
