Prepare to transform ordinary carrots into a mind-blowing side dish that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Honey Orange Roasted Carrots recipe is not just a simple vegetable preparation – it's a flavor explosion that turns humble root vegetables into a gourmet experience. With a perfect balance of sweet honey, bright citrus, and caramelized edges, these roasted carrots (and optional parsnips) will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut
- 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash and peel the carrots and parsnips (if using), then cut them into uniform diagonal or matchstick-style pieces approximately 2-3 inches long to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated glaze.
- Place the prepared carrots and parsnips in the mixing bowl and toss thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the honey-orange glaze.
- Spread the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Remove from the oven when the vegetables are tender and have developed golden-brown edges with a slight caramelized sheen.
- Transfer to a serving platter and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the natural sweetness of the honey and orange to complement the roasted vegetables.
Tips
- • For the most even cooking, choose carrots of similar size and cut them into uniform pieces • Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch all the delicious caramelized glaze • Don't overcrowd the vegetables – give them space to roast, not steam • For extra caramelization, use a dark-colored baking sheet • Fresh orange zest is key to maximizing the citrus flavor • Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth • Let the carrots rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the glaze to set • For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
