These Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, making them an easy and flavorful side dish for any meal. Packed with natural sweetness from carrots and honey, balanced by balsamic vinegar and garlic, this recipe is ideal for meal prep, healthy weeknight dinners, or even a festive holiday side. Add crumbled goat cheese for extra creaminess and elevate this simple dish to a gourmet experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite
- Simple, quick, and easy to prep
- Perfect healthy side for chicken, salmon, or pork
- Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor
- Optional goat cheese topping for a creamy, indulgent touch
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Carrots
- 600–700 g carrots, peeled and cut on the bias into 3 pieces (~1½ inch each)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (plus 1 extra tbsp for finishing)
- 1 tbsp honey (plus 1 extra tbsp for finishing)
- 1–2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (plus fresh thyme for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 30 g crumbled goat cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prep Carrots
Rinse and pat dry carrots. Peel if desired. Trim ends and cut on the bias into ~1½ inch pieces. Slice larger pieces in half lengthwise to keep uniform size. - Toss Carrots in Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, whisk oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss carrots until fully coated. - Roast Carrots
Using a slotted spoon, transfer carrots to the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Reserve excess liquid. Roast for 20–25 minutes, checking tenderness at 20 minutes. - Baste During Roasting
In the last 5–10 minutes of roasting, brush the reserved glaze over the carrots for added caramelization and flavor. - Finish & Serve
Whisk together the remaining balsamic vinegar and honey and drizzle over the roasted carrots. Toss gently and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and fresh thyme if desired.
Meal Prep Tip
These carrots store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to retain their caramelized texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside salmon, chicken, pork chops, or any protein of your choice. For festive occasions, top with goat cheese and extra fresh thyme for a visually stunning dish.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, without goat cheese)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g (healthy fats from oil)
- Fiber: 4 g
Credits to @kalefornia_cravings | TikTok
