Imagine transforming humble baby carrots into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. These Rosemary Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion that combines the earthy warmth of fresh rosemary, the natural sweetness of honey, and the perfect caramelized crunch that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the baby carrots thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- Remove the rosemary leaves from the stems by gently pulling them downward. Finely chop the rosemary leaves to release their aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- During the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle the honey over the carrots and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- Remove the carrots from the oven when they are tender and have golden caramelized edges. The honey will create a beautiful glaze.
- Transfer the roasted honey glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
- Let the carrots cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Pat the carrots completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh rosemary if possible - the aromatic oils make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give the carrots space to roast evenly and develop beautiful golden edges.
- Watch the honey carefully during the final roasting stage to prevent burning - it can quickly go from beautifully caramelized to burnt.
- For extra flavor, try using different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower honey.
- If you prefer a more intense rosemary flavor, you can add a small amount of finely chopped rosemary after roasting as a fresh garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
