Roasted Carrots with Sweet Honey Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Sweet, earthy carrots drizzled with caramelized honey balsamic glaze create a mouthwatering side dish that elevates any meal.

The rich combination of golden honey and tangy balsamic vinegar transforms ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the glossy caramelized coating adds depth and complexity.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a stunning vegetable side that looks as incredible as it tastes.

These carrots are so delectable, they’ll convert even the most reluctant vegetable eaters.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few carefully selected ingredients can turn humble carrots into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 105 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that creates the main dish foundation, select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color.
• Olive Oil: Helps carrots roast evenly and develop golden edges, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt: Enhances natural carrot sweetness, use sea salt for more complex taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides best flavor.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelization, select local raw honey for deeper flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy complexity and rich undertone, choose aged Italian balsamic for best results.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic intensity, use fresh cloves for most robust flavor.
• Thyme: Brings earthy herbal notes, fresh sprigs provide more vibrant taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor profile, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zestiness.

• Parsley: Adds fresh color and subtle herbaceous finish, chop finely for best presentation.

Tools That Help With Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting carrots evenly.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick liner prevents carrots from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large bowl: Essential for tossing carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing honey balsamic glaze ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, honey, and other seasonings.
• Spatula or tongs: Great for turning and coating carrots during roasting.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping parsley for garnish.

Steps To Make Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Give Carrots Some Love

Tumble carrots with a splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper in a big mixing bowl until they’re completely coated.

• First Roasting Round

Spread the seasoned carrots on the prepared baking sheet and let them roast for 25-30 minutes until they turn tender and start getting those beautiful golden edges.

• Whip Up the Magical Glaze

In a small bowl, blend honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice until they create a mouthwatering sauce.

• Glaze and Finish

Pull the carrots from the oven, drizzle the glossy glaze all over them, and toss gently to make sure every carrot gets some love. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the glaze gets sticky and caramelized.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in while they’re hot and enjoy the sweet and tangy magic!

Tips For Extra Flavor In Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

• Perfect Roasting Technique: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization throughout the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the carrots and glaze separately up to a day in advance, then combine and roast just before serving for maximum convenience and fresh flavor.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap honey for maple syrup to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same rich, sweet-tangy profile while accommodating plant-based diets.
• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle toasted nuts like sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the finished carrots for added crunch and nutty depth that complements the honey-balsamic glaze.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that match your meal's overall theme and personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions For Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair these honey balsamic carrots with roasted chicken or grilled lamb for a delightful main course combination.
• Elegant Side Delight: Serve alongside creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes to create a balanced and visually appealing plate that highlights the carrots' caramelized glaze.
• Harvest Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange these roasted carrots on a rustic wooden board with soft goat cheese crumbles and toasted pine nuts for a stunning weekend brunch presentation that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Gourmet Salad Topper: Chop the glazed carrots and scatter them over a mixed green salad with crumbled feta and a light vinaigrette for added texture and sweet-tangy notes.

Storing Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Made Easy

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover honey balsamic roasted carrots in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 35 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture absorption.
• Reheating Magic: Warm carrots gently in the oven at 350F for 810 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to keep original roasted quality.
• Batch Preparation Trick: Prepare multiple batches ahead of time and store raw seasoned carrots in sealed containers inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days before roasting. Saves cooking time during busy weekdays.
• Freezing Wisdom: Although not ideal, these carrots can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and taste.

Caramelized Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory honey balsamic roasted carrots elevate simple root vegetables into a gourmet side dish. Caramelized edges and rich glaze make this recipe a delightful companion to any main course you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsps honey
• 1.5 tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
2. Carrot Seasoning: Toss carrots in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, massaging thoroughly to create an even, glossy coating that enhances flavor and texture.
3. Initial Roasting: Arrange seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization and even cooking for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and tender.
4. Glaze Creation: Simultaneously whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, and lemon juice in a small bowl to develop a vibrant, complex flavor profile for the carrots.
5. Glazing Process: Remove carrots from the oven, pour the prepared glaze over the vegetables, gently tumbling to achieve complete and luxurious coating, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and caramelize the sauce.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the glistening, glazed carrots to a serving platter, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a final burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Notes

• Carrots Selection: Choose fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color for best texture and sweetness; medium-sized carrots roast most evenly.
• Uniform Slicing: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven roasting or burning.
• Glaze Timing: Apply balsamic honey glaze during final roasting stage to prevent burning and maximize caramelization without scorching delicate sugars.
• Spacing Strategy: Avoid overcrowding baking sheet; leave room between carrots to allow proper air circulation and achieve crispy, golden-brown edges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 105
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg