Looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your meals? These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to add some pizzazz to your weeknight dinner, these carrots are a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering glaze that will have you coming back for more.
- These carrots require minimal prep time and are perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.
- The addition of goat cheese (optional) adds a creamy and tangy element that takes these roasted carrots to the next level.
Ingredient Notes:
- Carrots, washed & peeled (or unpeeled): Carrots are the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Avocado oil (or olive oil): Used to coat the carrots and help them caramelize in the oven.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle kick.
- Dried thyme: Aromatic herb that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
- Salt and cracked black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Goat cheese, crumbled (optional): Creamy and tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with the roasted carrots.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix together avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the carrots in the balsamic mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Optional: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the roasted carrots before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a caramelized finish, make sure the carrots are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
- Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Swap out goat cheese for feta or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color.
- Roast the carrots at a high temperature for a caramelized exterior and tender interior.
Serving Suggestions:
These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hearty salad. Serve them alongside a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing citrus-infused cocktail for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, allow the roasted carrots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the carrots from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey in this recipe.
- Do I have to peel the carrots? You can leave the carrots unpeeled for added texture and nutrients, just make sure to wash them thoroughly.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Simply omit the goat cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Conclusion:
These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that will impress your family and friends. With a burst of flavor in every bite, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give them a try and let us know how you enjoyed them!
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Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 35-40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Any
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These honey balsamic roasted carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The carrots are roasted to perfection with a flavorful glaze of honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme, then topped with creamy goat cheese for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
-
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb. carrots, washed & peeled (or unpeeled)
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
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Glaze:
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
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Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the carrots: In a bowl, toss the carrots with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme.
- Roast the carrots: Place the carrots on the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the glaze over the carrots and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, top with crumbled goat cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding other herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have goat cheese, you can use feta or parmesan as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg