Garlic Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch sticks) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon pure honey - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme) - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) If you want to change the honey, use maple syrup or agave for sweetness. Both work well and add a nice flavor. For herbs, feel free to switch thyme with rosemary or oregano. Each brings its own twist to the dish. Using fresh garlic is key. It gives a strong flavor and a nice aroma. Look for firm cloves with no spots. Choose bright, firm carrots for the best taste. If they are limp or pitted, they are not fresh. The quality of these ingredients makes all the difference in your dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the carrots get crispy. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier. 3. In a large bowl, add 1 pound of baby carrots. You can use regular carrots, too. 4. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl. 5. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. 6. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and a good pinch of salt and pepper. 7. Toss everything well. Each carrot should be coated in the tasty mix. 1. Spread the carrots evenly on the lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd them. This helps them roast well. 2. Put the baking sheet in the hot oven. Roast the carrots for about 25 to 30 minutes. 3. Halfway through, stir the carrots gently to help them roast evenly. 4. They are done when they are soft and have a nice caramel color. 1. Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the carrots cool for about 5 minutes. 2. Transfer the warm carrots to a serving platter. 3. Top with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. 4. You can serve these carrots as a side dish or enjoy them as a snack. For the complete details on how to make these tasty Garlic Roasted Carrots, check out the Full Recipe. To get that amazing caramelization, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the carrots brown nicely. The secret to perfect caramelization is to avoid overcrowding. If you pack the carrots too close, they will steam instead of roast. Spread them out on the baking sheet. This way, each carrot gets its turn in the hot air. You can add more spices to make the flavor pop. Try adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for a bit of warmth. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha. These spices work well with garlic and give the dish a new twist. Garlic roasted carrots pair well with many main dishes. They are great alongside chicken, pork, or fish. For a vegetarian option, serve them with quinoa or a grain salad. To impress your guests, arrange the carrots on a platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also use a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair. {{image_4}} You can cook garlic roasted carrots in different ways. If you’re short on time, try the microwave. Just place the carrots in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for five minutes. Check for tenderness, then let them cool before adding the garlic and oil. Another fun method is grilling. Toss the carrots with oil and garlic, then wrap them in foil. Grill for about 15-20 minutes. The heat gives them a nice smoky flavor, which pairs well with the garlic. Want to change the flavors? Adding citrus zest can brighten the dish. Try lemon or orange zest. Mix it in with the garlic before roasting. This adds a refreshing twist that makes the carrots pop. You can also incorporate nuts or seeds. Chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds add crunch and extra taste. Simply sprinkle them on top after roasting for a delightful finish. Seasons change, and so can your carrots. In spring, add fresh herbs like dill or basil. These herbs give a light, fresh taste that feels bright and vibrant. In fall, think cozy flavors like cinnamon. A sprinkle of cinnamon can turn your garlic roasted carrots into a warm side dish. It’s perfect for holiday meals. These seasonal tweaks keep the dish exciting all year long. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your garlic roasted carrots fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the carrots cool down to room temperature before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors intact and helps them stay crunchy. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best method is to reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This method helps to keep them crisp. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Remember to check often to avoid sogginess. If you want to save garlic roasted carrots for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the carrots cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the carrots in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet before serving. This keeps their flavor and texture nice. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Roasted Carrots with Thyme & Honey section! Yes, you can use frozen carrots. However, they need some prep. First, thaw them in the fridge overnight or in the microwave. Once thawed, drain any excess water. After that, follow the same steps in the full recipe. Keep an eye on the roasting time. Frozen carrots may need a bit longer to roast. Garlic roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. They go great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also serve them with quinoa or rice for a healthy meal. Feel free to add a salad for some freshness. The sweet and savory flavors of the carrots will complement any main dish nicely. To make this recipe vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness without animal products. You can also add more herbs or spices to enhance the flavor. Adjust the olive oil and seasoning as needed. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste while keeping it plant-based. In this post, we explored all about garlic roasted carrots. We listed key ingredients and shared swaps for flexibility. I discussed how to prepare, roast, and serve them well. Tips for achieving great flavor and texture were shared, along with variations for every season. Lastly, we covered storage options and answered common questions. Roasted carrots can fit any meal and please anyone. Enjoy cooking them your way!$

Elevate your side dish game with these delicious Garlic Roasted Carrots with Thyme & Honey! This recipe features tender baby carrots coated in garlic, honey, and thyme, caramelized to perfection for a sweet and savory treat. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to prepare and ready in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your family and friends with a burst of flavor!

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Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots (or replace with regular carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch sticks)

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon pure honey

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To simplify cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, add the baby carrots along with the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pure honey, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure each carrot is beautifully coated in the flavorful blend.

Arrange for Roasting: Transfer the coated carrots onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into a single, even layer. It's important to avoid overcrowding to facilitate even roasting and achieve perfect caramelization.

Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, gently stir the carrots to ensure an even roast. They are ready when tender and exhibit lovely caramelization.

Cool and Garnish: Once cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the carrots to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Serve: Serve the warm roasted carrots on a platter, finished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a delightful pop of color and extra flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4