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For Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots, you need these key ingredients: - 1 lb baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish You can add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra flavor. If you run out of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. For balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar works well as a substitute. You can also swap baby carrots with regular carrots, cut into sticks. Other vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips can add a nice twist, too. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature helps the carrots caramelize. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup quick and easy. In a large mixing bowl, combine three tablespoons of honey, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they mix well. This glaze gives the carrots a sweet and tangy flavor. Now, add one pound of peeled baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded. If they touch, they won’t roast evenly. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to help them brown on all sides. Look for tenderness and a caramelized finish. Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a moment. Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking sheet over the top for extra flavor. Garnish your carrots with fresh thyme leaves. This adds a nice touch and a pop of color. You can serve these carrots alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. They also pair well with rice or quinoa for a hearty dish. Enjoy your delicious honey balsamic roasted carrots! To get the best caramelization, cut your carrots into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. A single layer on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate. For maximum flavor, roast at 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps the sugars in the honey and carrots caramelize. Flipping the carrots halfway through is key. This ensures they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them during roasting. Some ovens can cook unevenly, so check for perfect tenderness. You want them soft, not mushy. To add more depth, try fresh herbs like rosemary or dill. These flavors pair well with the sweetness of the honey. You can also use spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a different twist. Finding the right balance of sweetness and acidity is crucial. If your glaze is too sweet, add a splash more balsamic vinegar. This adds brightness and cuts through the honey. Taste as you go; adjust until it feels just right. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for vibrant, firm baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. Use Different Herbs: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley for varied flavor profiles. Check for Doneness: Test the carrots with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots. Adding citrus juice, like orange or lemon, gives a fresh taste. You can also try ginger for a spicy kick. Both options brighten the dish and add new layers of flavor. Herbs can also change the taste. Fresh rosemary or oregano adds a savory note. Rosemary pairs well with the sweet honey, while oregano gives a nice earthy touch. Feel free to mix and match these flavors to suit your taste. If you want to try something different, grilling or air frying works great. For grilling, cook the carrots on a medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method adds a smoky flavor that complements the honey and balsamic. Air frying is quick and easy. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to get even cooking. For meal prep, you can roast a big batch ahead of time. Store the cooked carrots in an airtight container. They reheat well in the oven or microwave, making them a perfect side dish for busy nights. To keep your Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or an oven. To reheat in the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). This method helps keep their flavor and texture. Yes, you can freeze Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. They will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven for best results. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They save time and are easy to find. You should thaw them first. Drain excess water to avoid soggy carrots. Then, follow the same steps for mixing and roasting. Since frozen carrots can be softer, reduce the roasting time to 15-20 minutes. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or pork. They also go nicely with fish, like salmon. For a vegetarian option, serve with quinoa or a fresh salad. The sweet and tangy flavor enhances any meal. Honey balsamic roasted carrots stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them tasty. If you want to enjoy them later, reheat them in the oven for best flavor. This way, they stay warm and crispy. In this article, we explored how to make Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots. We listed the key ingredients and offered tasty substitutions. Then, we detailed the preparation steps and roasting process for the best results. I shared tips to enhance flavors and discussed various cooking methods. Finally, we talked about storage and addressed common questions. I hope this guide helps you create a delicious side dish. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to get creative!

Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar roasted to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
  • Add the peeled baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the honey balsamic mixture until they are evenly coated.
  • Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
  • Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
  • Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
  • Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter, drizzling any excess glaze from the baking sheet over the top.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

For best results, ensure the carrots are evenly coated and not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
Keyword balsamic, carrots, honey, roasted