Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme

*Ingredients*

Carrots – 1 lb, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or use baby carrots)

Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

Honey – 1 1/2 tablespoons

Fresh Thyme – 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste

Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste

*Instructions* 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Carrots
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform 1-2 inch pieces for even roasting. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.

Step 2: Toss the Carrots with Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme until evenly coated.
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space for even roasting.

Step 3: Roast the Carrots
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures even caramelization.
The carrots are done when they are tender and have a golden, caramelized exterior. If you prefer extra crispiness, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Warm
Transfer the honey roasted carrots to a serving dish, and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy this sweet, herb-infused side!

*Tips for Perfect Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme*

Cut Carrots Evenly for Consistent Roasting
Cutting the carrots into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly, giving you perfectly tender and caramelized pieces.

 Use Fresh Thyme for Best Flavor
Fresh thyme enhances the earthy, savory notes of the carrots, but dried thyme works in a pinch.

Space Out the Carrots on the Baking Sheet
Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, which reduces caramelization.

Stir Halfway Through for Even Roasting
Turning the carrots halfway through roasting ensures each piece browns evenly and absorbs the honey and thyme flavor.

*Flavor Variations*

Spicy Honey Roasted Carrots
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mixture for a hint of heat that balances the sweetness.

Lemon Thyme Carrots
Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a touch of citrus.

Maple Roasted Carrots
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness and a deeper, richer flavor.

Garlic Thyme Carrots
Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic along with the thyme for a savory twist that complements the honey and herbs.

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