Roasted Carrots
Sweet, caramelized carrots roasted until tender with a hint of honey and fresh thyme. The high heat brings out their natural sugars, creating beautifully browned edges while keeping the centers soft and juicy. A simple, elegant side dish that comes together in minutes and pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, steak, or holiday spreads.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the sheet.
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper if using.
TIPHigh heat is key for good caramelization — don't be tempted to lower the temperature. - prep
Prep the carrots.
Peel the carrots and trim off the tops. Cut them into sticks roughly 3 inches long and ½ inch thick, keeping the pieces as uniform as possible for even cooking.
TIPIf carrots are very thick, halve or quarter them lengthwise first so they all cook at the same rate. - mix
Toss carrots with oil, honey, and seasonings.
In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, chopped garlic, and thyme until evenly coated.
- roast · ~25 min
Arrange on the baking sheet and roast.
Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space so they roast rather than steam. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the centers are fork-tender.
TIPDon't overcrowd — use two sheets if needed. Overlapping carrots will steam instead of browning. - garnish
Finish with fresh parsley and serve.
Transfer to a serving platter, scatter the chopped parsley over the top, and serve warm.
TIPA squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut carrots to uniform size for even roasting and consistent doneness.
- 2Spacing carrots in a single layer prevents steaming and promotes browning.
- 3Flip the carrots halfway through roasting for caramelization on all sides.
- 4Use parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- 5Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after roasting to brighten the flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced
Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the oil mixture for warm, aromatic heat that pairs well with Middle Eastern dishes.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note that still complements the sweet carrots.
maple mustardMaple-mustard
Substitute honey with maple syrup and add 1 tsp Dijon mustard for a tangy, smoky-sweet variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Beta-Carotene
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts to vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function.
Low-Calorie Side Dish
With minimal added fat and sugar, this roasted carrot dish is a naturally low-calorie option that adds volume and nutrients to any meal.
Good Source of Fiber
Carrots provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, baby carrots work but they contain less natural sugar and may not caramelize as deeply; cut larger ones in half for even roasting.
