Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey balsamic roasted carrots are a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The rich balsamic vinegar combined with the sweetness of honey enhances the carrots’ flavor, making them a standout side dish. The garlic and thyme add aromatic depth, while the roasted texture creates a satisfying bite. Whether you're serving them for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, these carrots are sure to impress. And the addition of goat cheese, while optional, elevates the dish with a creamy, tangy finish that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb. carrots, washed & peeled (or unpeeled)

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)

• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoon honey

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Cracked black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice both ends off your carrots. Cut the carrots on the bias (diagonally) into thirds or roughly into 1½ inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. If any of the pieces are too large, slice them in half lengthwise.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the avocado oil. Pour this mixture over the carrots.

4. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss the carrots well, making sure they're fully coated.

5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the carrots from the bowl and spread them out on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the remaining glaze liquid in the bowl to brush over the carrots later.

6. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. About 5-10 minutes before they are done, brush the carrots with the reserved glaze.

7. Once roasted, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey together. Drizzle this sauce over the carrots and toss them.

8. For added flavor, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Herb Variations: Swap out thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Sweet & Savory: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins after roasting for an added sweet contrast.

• Vegan Version: Skip the goat cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a quick fix.

FAQs

1. Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby carrots, but you may need to adjust the roasting time slightly as they are smaller.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the carrots and the glaze ahead of time, but it’s best to roast them fresh just before serving for the best texture.

3. What other cheeses can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta, parmesan, or even a sharp cheddar would work as a substitute for goat cheese.

4. How can I make these carrots spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze to give the carrots a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different oil?

Yes, olive oil is a great substitute for avocado oil and will work well in this recipe.

6. Can I make this recipe without balsamic vinegar?

If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.

7. Is there a way to make the carrots extra crispy?

To achieve crispier carrots, try cutting them into smaller pieces and making sure they are well spaced out on the baking sheet to allow air circulation.

8. Can I cook these carrots in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry these carrots at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

9. How can I add more sweetness to the carrots?

If you want the carrots to be even sweeter, you can drizzle a little extra honey over the top just before serving.

10. Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?

Yes, fresh thyme will work beautifully in this recipe. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme in place of the dried.

Conclusion

These honey balsamic roasted carrots are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, making them a versatile side dish for any occasion. Whether served as a comforting family meal or an elegant holiday side, the tender, caramelized carrots paired with a tangy-sweet glaze will quickly become a favorite. Add goat cheese for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe!

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These honey balsamic roasted carrots are an irresistible side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a savory balsamic glaze. Roasted to perfection with garlic, thyme, and a touch of honey, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 lb. carrots, washed & peeled (or unpeeled)

1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp honey

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp salt

Cracked black pepper, to taste

¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice both ends off your carrots. Cut the carrots on the bias (diagonally) into thirds or roughly into 1½ inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. If any of the pieces are too large, slice them in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the avocado oil. Pour this mixture over the carrots.
4. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss the carrots well, making sure they're fully coated.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the carrots from the bowl and spread them out on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the remaining glaze liquid in the bowl to brush over the carrots later.
6. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. About 5-10 minutes before they are done, brush the carrots with the reserved glaze.
7. Once roasted, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey together. Drizzle this sauce over the carrots and toss them.
8. For added flavor, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Herb Variations: Swap out thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins after roasting for an added sweet contrast.
• Vegan Version: Skip the goat cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Storage: Leftover roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a quick fix.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg