Imagine a side dish so irresistible that even vegetable skeptics will be begging for seconds! These Whole Roasted Glazed Carrots are not just a simple vegetable—they're a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble carrots into a golden, honey-kissed delicacy that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and rustic charm, this recipe promises to be your new go-to side dish that looks gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole carrots
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the whole carrots thoroughly and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels. Trim off the carrot tops, leaving about 1/2 inch of green stem for visual appeal and rustic presentation.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Arrange the whole carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow even roasting.
- Drizzle the honey-olive oil mixture over the carrots, using a pastry brush to coat each carrot evenly, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning the carrots once halfway through cooking to ensure uniform caramelization.
- Check doneness by piercing carrots with a fork - they should be tender but still have a slight bite and show golden-brown caramelized edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the glazed carrots for added aroma and flavor.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while warm, allowing the honey glaze to shine and complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Carrots: Select carrots that are firm, vibrant, and roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your carrots space to roast properly, which helps them caramelize instead of steaming.
- Use a Pastry Brush: This helps you evenly distribute the honey-olive oil glaze for maximum flavor and beautiful color.
- Watch Caramelization Carefully: The line between perfectly caramelized and burned is thin, so keep an eye on your carrots during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: While thyme is recommended, you can also experiment with rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Serve Immediately: These carrots are best enjoyed hot, right after roasting when the glaze is still glistening and the texture is at its peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
