Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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You're going to love these Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots! This simple side dish is perfect to add a pop of color and flavor to your meal.

Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots on white serving plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The vibrant colors of the rainbow carrots make this dish absolutely stunning. They're great for entertaining or just to add a pop of color to an everyday meal. I always love eating seasonally fresh dishes that are bright and colorful!

With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time in the oven, honey thyme roasted rainbow carrots are a quick and easy side dish. The combination of honey and thyme adds the perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.

If you love roasted vegetables as much as I do, try these Roasted Carrots and Green Beans or these Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.

Ingredients

Rainbow Carrots: Rainbow carrots with the green leafy tops removed. If the carrots are large, cut them in half lengthwise for even roasting. No need to peel them, since the outer layer will soften and become less bitter while roasting, however you can if you want to. Just be sure to give them a good scrub when prepping. You could substitute for any small carrot variety.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for roasting the carrots.
Sea Salt: To bring out the flavors.
Honey: To add some sweetness. You can substitute for pure maple syrup.
Thyme: You'll need a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Remove the leaves from the stem to use in this recipe. Get more info on how to cook with fresh thyme.

Rainbow Carrots, Fresh Thyme, Sea Salt, Honey, Olive Oil on a countertop

How to Make Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss the carrots, olive oil, and sea salt on the baking sheet. Spread into a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes, drizzle with honey and season with fresh thyme. Toss to coat. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until fork tender.
Season with additional fresh thyme and sea salt, as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tip: When selecting rainbow carrots, look for ones with firm, smooth skin, and avoid any that are soft or wrinkled. Opt for carrots with bright, vibrant colors. I love to choose organic or locally sourced carrots when possible for the best taste and nutritional value.

Rainbow Carrots on a parchment lined baking sheet

Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots on a baking sheet.

Variations

You can easily customize this simple side to your own taste.

Add a citrus twist: Add some zest from an orange or lemon when serving for a citrusy kick.
Spice it up: Season with some chili flakes, smoked paprika, or ginger before roasting for a bit of heat.
Switch up the herbs: Swap out the thyme for other fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley.
Add some crunch: Top the roasted carrots with some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts or pistachio when serving for added texture.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and flavorful addition.
Make them vegan: Substitute the honey for pure maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Honey thyme roasted rainbow carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them with grilled chicken, roasted beef, or baked fish. You can also serve them with a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal.

These are perfect for an everyday dinner, lunch, dinner party, or holiday meal. Serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter!

Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots on a white serving plate with a serving fork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Can I use regular carrots instead of rainbow carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots for this recipe, but the rainbow carrots add a pop of color and a slight flavor variation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the carrots ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving. Just be sure to add the honey and fresh thyme right before serving to maintain their freshness.

How do you store roasted carrots?

To store roasted carrots, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More Simple Side Dish Recipes

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