Thyme Roasted Carrots

Thyme Roasted Carrots surprised me in the best way. Simple carrots, but wow. The smell alone pulled me in.

I roasted them once and kept sneaking bites. They were sweet, soft, and full of flavor. That thyme made them shine.

This dish feels easy but fancy. Just a few steps and big taste. Perfect for any meal.

So yep, I make these all the time now. You should try them too. Let’s roast some together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Many readers have raved about the unique and robust flavor these roasted carrots bring to the table. It’s simple, elegant, and satisfying!
• Naturally Sweet and Savory: The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, while fresh thyme and sea salt add layers of flavor. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
• Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes in the oven, making it an incredibly quick and hassle-free side dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These roasted carrots can be prepped in advance and even taste better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead of time for an effortless meal.
• Versatile: Whether served as a side dish for meat or enjoyed on their own, these thyme roasted carrots work with almost any meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is essential for roasting the carrots evenly and preventing them from overcrowding.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the carrots in half lengthwise.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Oven: You’ll need a preheated oven to roast the carrots to perfection.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful and nutritious dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Carrots: You’ll need about 10-12 whole carrots. Try to select medium-sized carrots that are fresh, firm, and vibrant in color.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves will give this dish the perfect herbal note. Be sure to remove the thyme leaves from the stems.
• Olive Oil: A tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil will help the carrots roast to perfection and enhance the flavor.
• Sea Salt: A teaspoon of sea salt will bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• Black Pepper: A pinch of ground black pepper adds just the right amount of seasoning and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roasting the carrots at a high temperature will help them become beautifully caramelized and tender on the inside.

2. Prepare the Carrots

Next, peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler. You can leave the skins on if you’d like, but peeling them creates a smoother texture. After peeling, slice the carrots lengthwise in half. If you have particularly thick carrots, you can cut them into quarters for more even cooking. The goal is to create uniform-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Season the Carrots

Place the sliced carrots onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and toss them gently to coat each piece. Next, sprinkle the sea salt and black pepper evenly over the carrots. Lastly, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top. Use your hands to toss everything together until the carrots are well-coated with oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.

4. Roast the Carrots

Once the carrots are evenly seasoned, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This will allow them to roast evenly and develop those beautiful caramelized edges.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on the carrots as they roast. They should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Check for Tenderness

After about 20-25 minutes, the carrots should be fork-tender and have a slight caramelization on the edges. If they’re not as tender as you like, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes until they reach the desired texture.

6. Serve

Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. The aroma of roasted carrots and thyme will have filled your kitchen, and you’re ready to serve! These roasted carrots can be served immediately or stored for later use.

How to Serve Thyme Roasted Carrots

These Thyme Roasted Carrots can elevate any meal, and their versatility makes them a perfect addition to nearly any cuisine. Here are a few ways to serve them:

1. As a Side Dish for Meat

Pair these roasted carrots with a simple roast chicken, grilled steak, or roast pork. The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory richness of meat, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.

2. With Rice or Grains

Serve these roasted carrots on top of couscous, quinoa, or brown rice for a wholesome meal. Add some roasted chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.

3. In Salads

Add roasted carrots to a mixed greens salad, pairing them with goat cheese, feta, or crumbled blue cheese. Top with a tangy dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette, for a delicious, hearty salad.

4. In a Buddha Bowl

Use the roasted carrots as a vibrant, flavorful component of a Buddha bowl. Pair them with grains, greens, and roasted vegetables for a nourishing and balanced meal.

5. As a Snack or Appetizer

Roasted carrots also make a fantastic snack or appetizer. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce like yogurt-based tzatziki or hummus for a healthy, satisfying treat.

Variations for Thyme Roasted Carrots

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Honey or Maple Syrup: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the carrots before roasting. The sugar will caramelize in the oven, creating a beautifully sticky glaze.
• Add Garlic: For a more aromatic flavor, toss in a few cloves of minced garlic along with the thyme. Roasting garlic alongside the carrots creates a mellow, savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots.
• Spicy Roasted Carrots: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the carrots before roasting. The heat will balance out the natural sweetness of the carrots for a zesty kick.
• Use Different Herbs: While thyme works beautifully in this recipe, you could also experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage. Just make sure the herbs you use complement the sweetness of the carrots.
• Roast with Other Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to roast other vegetables along with the carrots! Consider adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts to the pan for a colorful, vegetable-packed side dish.

Storing Thyme Roasted Carrots

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy edges, or enjoy them cold in salads or bowls.
• Freezing: If you want to make a big batch in advance, you can freeze the roasted carrots. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Carbohydrates	Protein	Fat	Fiber
1 serving (1/4 of recipe)	~120 calories	30g	1g	5g	7g

Conclusion

These Thyme Roasted Carrots are a simple yet impressive side dish that will elevate any meal with their sweetness, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.