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- 1 lb baby carrots, halved lengthwise - 4 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Fresh parsley, finely chopped For this dish, I love using baby carrots. Their sweetness makes them perfect for roasting. The honey brings a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors blend. Garlic adds a savory kick, while fresh thyme gives a nice herbal note. Sea salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. The squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the sweetness. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Using these fresh ingredients makes a big difference. You want your carrots to shine in this dish. Choose vibrant, firm baby carrots for the best taste. - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat helps caramelize the carrots for a sweet flavor. - Whisk together marinade: In a large bowl, mix 4 tablespoons honey with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, and season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Finish with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. - Tossing with the marinade: Add 1 pound of halved baby carrots to the bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to mix. Make sure every carrot gets a nice coat of that tasty marinade. - Ensuring even coverage: It's key to cover each carrot piece well. This ensures they roast evenly and absorb all the great flavors. - Preparing the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and stops sticking. Spread the carrots out in one layer. - Cooking time and stirring tips: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, stir the carrots to help them brown nicely. - Knowing when the carrots are done: Check for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy, with a nice caramelized look. Choosing the right carrots makes a big difference. Look for bright orange color. Fresh carrots should feel firm and crisp. Avoid carrots that are soft or have dark spots. Baby carrots are sweet and tender. If using larger carrots, cut them into similar sizes. Aim for pieces about half an inch thick for even cooking. Caramelization is key to great flavor. A high oven temperature of 425°F (220°C) helps achieve this. It allows sugars to brown and develop sweetness. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking. This ensures they roast evenly. You want a nice golden color on all sides, not just one. Presentation matters when serving. Arrange the roasted carrots on a nice platter. Place them so the glossy glaze is facing up. This makes them look appealing. For a sweet touch, drizzle extra honey over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. This not only looks good but also adds freshness to each bite. {{image_4}} You can add more color and taste to your roasted honey garlic carrots. Try combining them with bell peppers. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add sweetness and a crunchy texture. Cut them into strips and mix them with the carrots before roasting. You might also like to use shallots or onions. They bring a savory note to the dish. Slice them thinly and toss them with the carrots. The flavors blend beautifully during roasting. You can easily change the flavor profile of your carrots. Adding spices like cumin or paprika can give your dish a nice twist. Cumin adds warmth, while paprika adds a bit of smokiness. Start with a small amount, around 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste. If you want to tweak the sweetness, you can add more or less honey. For a less sweet version, cut the honey down to 2 tablespoons. Alternatively, you can replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. If you want to try cooking in an air fryer, it’s a great option. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the carrots for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Grilling is another fun method. Toss your marinated carrots in a grill basket and cook them over medium heat. They will take about 10-15 minutes. This method gives a nice char and adds a smoky flavor. To store leftovers, place the roasted carrots in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. Freezing roasted carrots is a great way to save them for later. First, let the carrots cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until firm. Once firm, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly. To thaw, put them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. This helps keep their texture nice. To reheat roasted carrots, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious roasted honey garlic carrots! Yes, you can use regular carrots. You will need to cut them into smaller pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots take a bit longer to cook. Aim for about 25-30 minutes in the oven. Check for tenderness to be sure they are done. Roasted honey garlic carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or salmon. They also go nicely with rice or quinoa. For a veggie feast, serve them alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. Look for a golden color and fork-tender texture. They should be soft but not mushy. You can test them by poking a carrot with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are done roasting. Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, just toss the carrots in the marinade. This saves time and adds flavor. Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness and flavor. We discussed using fresh ingredients like honey and thyme. You learned how to prepare, coat, and roast your carrots for the perfect texture. Tips on selecting carrots, achieving great caramelization, and presenting your dish can enhance your meal. Don't forget the fun variations and smart storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting and delight in this tasty recipe. You will impress everyone at your next meal!

Roasted Honey Garlic Carrots Sheet-Pan

Elevate your dinner with these Roasted Honey Garlic Carrots! This easy sheet-pan recipe is not only delicious but also packed with flavor, featuring sweet honey, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, these carrots are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and discover how simple it is to create a vibrant and tasty side dish. Don't miss out! #RoastedCarrots #HealthyRecipes #SheetPanDinner #EasyCooking
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Ingredients
  

1 lb baby carrots, halved lengthwise

4 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat. This high temperature will help caramelize the carrots for that delicious sweetness.

    Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the honey and olive oil. Add the finely minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk them together until fully combined, creating a flavorful marinade.

      Coat the Carrots: Add the halved baby carrots to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spatula or your hands to gently toss the carrots until they are thoroughly coated with the marinade, ensuring that every piece is well-glazed.

        Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread the marinated carrots in a single even layer on the baking sheet for uniform roasting.

          Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they roast evenly and develop that beautiful golden color.

            Cool and Serve: Once the carrots are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving dish. This will help keep them from steaming and losing their crispness.

              Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the roasted carrots with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a touch of color but also a hint of fresh flavor to balance the sweetness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, arrange the roasted carrots artfully on a beautiful serving platter, ensuring that the glossy glaze is facing upward. For an extra sweet finish, consider drizzling a little more honey over the top just before serving, and finish with an additional sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant touch.