Description
This Glazed Carrots recipe features tender, oven-roasted carrots coated in a sweet honey glaze and fresh herbs. The carrots are baked to perfection with olive oil and seasoned with thyme and parsley, making a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds medium carrots (scrubbed)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Sweetener and Fats
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare carrots: Place the scrubbed medium carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss the carrots to evenly coat them with the oil and seasonings.
- Initial bake: Bake the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are just about fork tender. This ensures they cook through while still holding some firmness.
- Add glaze and herbs: Remove the baking sheet and stir in the honey and chopped fresh thyme leaves to coat the carrots evenly. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the carrots to become tender and absorb the sweet glaze.
- Finish with butter and parsley: Remove the carrots from the oven and quickly stir in the cubed unsalted butter and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until the butter is melted and coats the carrots evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the glazed carrots warm as a delicious, vibrant side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to select carrots of similar size, or cut larger ones to match smaller ones.
- If you don't have fresh thyme or parsley, dried herbs can be used but reduce quantities by half for optimal flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- To make the dish vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative or additional olive oil.
