Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe
Deliciously roasted baby carrots coated in a flavorful garlic butter mixture, enhanced with fresh thyme and a touch of honey. This simple yet elegant side dish is perfectly caramelized, tender, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, complementing a wide range of main courses.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots, washed and trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots to perfect caramelization and tenderness.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Coat Carrots: Add the baby carrots to the bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Toss them thoroughly to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time, around 15 minutes, to promote even browning and cooking. The carrots should be tender and lightly caramelized when done.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling and serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the carrots for added freshness and color. Optionally, drizzle any leftover garlic butter from the pan on top for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use baby carrots for the best texture and quicker cooking; if unavailable, cut regular carrots into similarly sized sticks.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the carrots roast evenly instead of steaming.
- Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter mixture for additional flavor depth.
- For dairy-free alternatives, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweet notes.
- To reheat leftovers, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: garlic butter roasted carrots, roasted baby carrots, side dish, easy roasted carrots, garlic carrot recipe, honey glazed carrots, thyme roasted carrots