Description

A vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring rainbow carrots roasted with honey, butter, and fresh thyme. This simple recipe creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that balances sweetness with earthy herbs, making it perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds rainbow carrots (purple, yellow, white, orange)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and peel the carrots. Trim tops and bottoms, then cut into uniform 2-inch lengths, halving or quartering lengthwise to ensure even thickness.
In a small bowl, melt the butter (microwave or saucepan). Stir in honey, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves until smooth.
Place prepared carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Pour the glaze over the carrots.
Toss carrots with a silicone spatula or tongs until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss again.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through at the 10-minute mark to ensure even browning.
Check for doneness: carrots should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente) with caramelized edges.
If browning too quickly, tent with foil. If not browned enough, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely.
Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan; carrots must be in a single layer to roast rather than steam. Cut carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for better flavor. Can be made vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or vegan butter and honey with maple syrup. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
Calories: 120
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 150
Fat: 4
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 4
Protein: 1

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, rainbow carrots, thyme carrots, dinner party side dish, healthy vegetables, roasted vegetables, gluten-free side, vegan side dish