Prepare to transform the humble carrot from a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are not just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion that combines the natural sweetness of caramelized carrots with a tantalizing glaze that dances between honey's rich sweetness and balsamic vinegar's complex tang. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and turn ordinary carrots into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Cut them into uniform sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the carrots.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows them to roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots once halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- While the carrots are roasting, prepare the honey balsamic glaze by whisking together honey and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
- Once the carrots are tender and have developed golden-brown edges, remove them from the oven.
- Immediately drizzle the honey balsamic glaze over the hot carrots, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, allowing the sweet and tangy glaze to complement the caramelized roasted carrots.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your carrots into uniform sticks to ensure even roasting. Uneven sizes mean some pieces will burn while others remain undercooked.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Give your carrots breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of that desirable caramelization.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F helps create those beautiful golden-brown edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: Use good quality honey and balsamic vinegar for the most robust glaze.
- Timing is Crucial: Flip the carrots halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: These carrots are best enjoyed hot, right after glazing, when the flavors are most vibrant.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting for an aromatic twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 112kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
