Thanksgiving Roasted Carrots with Herbs and Orange Zest Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Reheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the carrots.
- 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.
- Add herbs and zest: Sprinkle the chopped thyme, rosemary, and orange zest over the carrots, mixing well to distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
