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Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Thyme

honey roasted rainbow carrots - featured image

Sweet and savory honey roasted rainbow carrots with fresh thyme, caramelized to perfection with crispy edges and tender centers. A quick and easy side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (700 grams) rainbow carrots (purple, orange, yellow, and white), smaller carrots preferred
  • 2 tablespoons honey (local raw honey preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and peel carrots if desired. Trim tops and bottoms. Cut thicker carrots in half lengthwise; leave smaller carrots whole.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh thyme. Add crushed garlic cloves if using.
  4. Add carrots to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the honey-thyme mixture.
  5. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread carrots in a single layer with space between them.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping carrots halfway through (around 15 minutes) using tongs.
  7. Check for doneness: carrots should be tender with golden caramelized edges. Roast an additional 5 minutes if softer carrots are desired.
  8. Serve warm, drizzling any remaining honey-thyme glaze from the pan over the carrots and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming the carrots. Flip carrots halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Warm honey slightly if thick for easier tossing. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Fresh thyme preferred over dried for best flavor. Avoid frozen carrots as they release water and prevent caramelization. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days and reheat best in oven to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, rainbow carrots, fresh thyme, easy side dish, roasted vegetables, healthy side, gluten-free, vegan option