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- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients is key. The baby carrots give a sweet and crunchy base. Honey adds a natural sweetness. Balsamic vinegar brings a nice tang that balances flavors. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly. Unsalted butter adds richness while thyme enhances the taste. Don't forget salt and pepper; they elevate all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Small saucepan - Mixing bowl Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A baking sheet is perfect for roasting. Parchment paper prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. A small saucepan is great for melting butter. A mixing bowl lets you toss all the ingredients together. With these tools, your cooking experience will be smooth and fun. First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the carrots roast evenly and caramelize well, giving them a sweet flavor. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the carrots get an even coating. This step is important. An even coating ensures that every bite of carrot tastes great. Now, you will arrange the coated carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Roast the carrots in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to stir them halfway through. This stirring helps them brown nicely and keeps them from sticking. Once they are tender and caramelized, take them out. You can now drizzle the thyme-infused butter over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy your Honey-Balsamic Glazed Carrots! For the full recipe, check the section above. To get that nice caramelization, start with dry carrots. The more moisture on the surface, the less caramelization you'll get. Toss the carrots well in the honey and balsamic mix. This helps coat every piece evenly. Seasoning is key. Use salt and pepper generously. They enhance the natural sweetness of carrots. Don’t skip this step. A touch of fresh thyme adds earthiness. If you prefer dried thyme, use less, as it's stronger. Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor. They work best when added at the end of cooking. Dried herbs are more intense. Use them earlier in the cooking process. For this recipe, fresh thyme shines, but dried thyme can still taste great. For a stunning presentation, serve your glazed carrots on a beautiful platter. Add a sprinkle of parsley for color. You can also add extra thyme for a nice touch. These carrots pair well with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They add a sweet balance to savory dishes. Consider serving them with a grain salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of Honey-Balsamic Glazed Carrots by adding garlic or ginger. Just chop a clove of garlic or a small piece of ginger and mix it in with the carrots. This will give your dish a warm, zesty note. You can also try different herbs like rosemary or oregano. These herbs add a unique twist and make the flavor pop. If you want to change the sweet flavor, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. These options can work well and offer a different taste. Adjust the amounts based on your sweetness preference. Start with the same quantity and taste as you go. This way, you can find just the right balance for your palate. To make this dish vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based oil like coconut or avocado oil. This keeps the dish tasty while catering to a vegan diet. Additionally, you can use the same alternative sweeteners mentioned before. Enjoy the rich flavor without using animal products. To keep your honey-balsamic glazed carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. These carrots will last for up to five days in the fridge. They taste great cold or reheated. Freezing is a good option if you have extra carrots. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. They will keep well for about three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind that freezing may change their texture. They might become softer, but the flavor stays tasty. Enjoy your honey-balsamic glazed carrots even after storing them! For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. However, they will have a different texture. Frozen carrots may be softer and less crisp. To adjust, you should reduce the roasting time. Check them after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking. Honey-balsamic glazed carrots pair well with various dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or turkey - Roast beef or pork - Quinoa or rice dishes - A fresh garden salad These options create a balanced meal and bring out the flavors in the carrots. This recipe is quite healthy! Carrots are packed with vitamins A and C. They also have fiber, which aids digestion. Honey provides natural sweetness, while balsamic vinegar adds flavor without many calories. A good portion size is about half a cup per person. If you watch sugar intake, adjust the honey amount. Overall, enjoy these carrots as a nutritious side dish in your meals. This blog post covered making honey-balsamic glazed carrots. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips on roasting, texture, and seasoning. You also saw variations for flavor and dietary needs. With proper storage methods, these carrots can last longer. Try this dish to impress at your next meal. Easy adjustments let you customize it to your taste. Have fun cooking and enjoy your tasty creation!

Honey-Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Discover the deliciousness of honey-balsamic glazed carrots with this easy recipe! Perfectly roasted and bursting with flavor, these tender carrots are drizzled with a rich thyme-infused butter for a delightful side dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner or looking for a healthy addition to your meals, these carrots will impress everyone at the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb baby carrots, peeled

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.

      Place the coated carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spreading them in a single layer.

        Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.

          While the carrots are roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the thyme and let simmer for a minute to infuse the flavors.

            Once the carrots are done roasting, transfer them to a serving bowl and drizzle the thyme-infused butter over the top. Toss gently to combine.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the glazed carrots on a decorative platter, with a sprinkle of additional thyme and parsley on top for a beautiful finish.