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Flavorful Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe with Easy Honey Balsamic Glaze

roasted rainbow carrots - featured image

This recipe transforms humble rainbow carrots into a colorful, sweet-tart side dish with a sticky honey balsamic glaze, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) rainbow carrots, peeled and trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel and trim about 1 pound (450 g) of rainbow carrots, slicing thicker ones lengthwise for even cooking. Toss them in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until well coated.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves until smooth and slightly runny.
  4. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over the oiled carrots and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping or stirring halfway through to promote even browning and prevent burning.
  7. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; carrots should be tender with a slight bite. Roast longer in 3-5 minute increments if needed.
  8. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top and garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Stir or flip carrots halfway through roasting to prevent glaze burning. Use high heat (425°F) for best caramelization. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add flavor but add dried herbs cautiously to avoid bitterness. Prepare carrots and glaze in advance to save time. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, honey balsamic glaze, rainbow carrots, easy side dish, healthy vegetables, vegan option, gluten-free