Thanksgiving Roasted Carrots with Herbs and Orange Zest Recipe

Introduction

These Thanksgiving Carrots are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and bright flavors. Roasted to tender perfection with fresh herbs and a hint of orange zest, they make a delightful side dish for any holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby carrots, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
• 1 tablespoon honey, for sweetness
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, for brightness
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 8 fresh sage leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to reach the ideal roasting temperature.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the trimmed baby carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped thyme, rosemary, and orange zest to the carrots, stirring well to distribute the flavors.
4. Step 4: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even roasting.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots in the oven for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the carrots just before serving.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
• Use peeled whole carrots if baby carrots aren’t available—adjust roasting time as needed for tenderness.

Storage

Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain their flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can toss the carrots with oil, honey, and seasonings the day before and store them in the refrigerator. Roast them fresh just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh sage for garnish?

If fresh sage is not available, try garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a different but complementary flavor.

Thanksgiving Roasted Carrots with Herbs and Orange Zest Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 400 reviews

These Thanksgiving Carrots are a deliciously sweet and aromatic side dish perfect for your holiday meal. Roasted baby carrots are tossed in olive oil, honey, fresh herbs, and bright orange zest, then oven-roasted until tender and caramelized. Garnished with fresh sage leaves, this recipe elevates simple carrots with fragrant and vibrant flavors, making it a standout addition to your festive table.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots and Seasonings

• 1 pound baby carrots, trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Flavorings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
• 1 tablespoon honey, for sweetness
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, for brightness

Garnish

• 8 fresh sage leaves

Instructions

1. Reheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the carrots.
2. Toss the carrots: In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed baby carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each carrot is evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Add herbs and zest: Sprinkle the chopped thyme, rosemary, and orange zest over the carrots, mixing well to distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not overcrowded for even roasting.
5. Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve a golden-brown color on all sides.
6. Garnish before serving: Once the carrots are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish, garnishing with fresh sage leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For more intense flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow for even roasting and caramelization.
• Fresh herbs are preferred for best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities if fresh are unavailable.
• To save time, you can prep the carrots and toss them in the seasoning mixture ahead of time and refrigerate before roasting.
• These carrots pair well with turkey, roasted meats, or as part of a vegetarian holiday spread.

Keywords: Thanksgiving carrots, roasted carrots, holiday side dish, honey glazed carrots, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs carrots