Perfect Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe

Quick & Zesty Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe

Crispy, caramelized honey roasted carrots and parsnips dance with sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Golden root vegetables transform under a delicate glaze of golden nectar and fragrant herbs.

Each slice promises a delightful crunch and rich, earthy undertones.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated these humble ingredients as culinary magic.

Seasonal produce shines brightest when simple techniques unlock their natural brilliance.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey create a stunning side dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this stunning vegetable medley.

The Perfect Recipe for Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

  • Toss vegetables with simple ingredients in one bowl, making cooking a breeze with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Transforms ordinary root vegetables into a delectable side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory profile.
  • Combines carrots and parsnips packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, offering a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events, complementing a wide range of main courses with its elegant simplicity.

Ingredients to Roast Carrots and Parsnips with Honey

Vegetables:
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that become tender and caramelized when roasted.
  • Parsnips: Creamy white root vegetables with a slightly nutty and sweet flavor.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the vegetables and promotes even roasting and golden color.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
  • Thyme: Fresh herb that provides an earthy and slightly minty flavor to the vegetables.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the roasted vegetables.

Roasting Carrots and Parsnips: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare Colorful Veggie Medley

Gather your carrots and parsnips.

Wash and peel them, then slice into beautiful diagonal pieces that will crisp up perfectly.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss everything together until the vegetables are beautifully coated with the golden, fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned vegetables across the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make sure they’re in a single layer with some breathing room between each piece.

This ensures they roast instead of steam.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, taking a moment halfway through to flip the vegetables.

You’re looking for gorgeous caramelized edges and a tender interior.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the roasted carrots and parsnips to a serving platter.

The vegetables should be golden brown, glistening with a sweet and herbal glaze.

Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy the delicious result of your culinary magic.

Tips to Achieve Perfectly Roasted Honey Veggies

  • Cut carrots and parsnips into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on vegetable sweetness; use less honey for naturally sweet parsnips to prevent over-caramelization.
  • Watch vegetables closely in the last 10 minutes of roasting to avoid burning, especially with honey's quick caramelization tendency.
  • Spread vegetables in a single layer with some space between pieces to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra depth and warmth.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Roasted Vegetables

  • Store leftover honey roasted carrots and parsnips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooled vegetables to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  • Place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steaming.

Delicious Pairings for Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling with slight sweetness to complement the caramelized honey notes and balance the roasted vegetables' earthy flavors.
  • Herbal Drink Companion: Brew fresh thyme-infused tea that echoes the recipe's thyme seasoning and provides a subtle herbal background to the roasted root vegetables.
  • Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled lamb, where the honey-glazed vegetables create a delightful flavor harmony and enhance the meat's richness.
  • Cheese Accent: Crumble soft goat cheese over the warm vegetables, adding creamy tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramelized edges of the carrots and parsnips.

Honey Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Twists to Enjoy

  • Vegan Vegetable Medley: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
  • Herb-Infused Roast: Swap thyme with rosemary or sage. Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a bright, aromatic finish.
  • Spicy Roasted Root Vegetables: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick. Add smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor and provide a subtle heat.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Blend: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with sensitivities.

FAQs

  • What are carrots and parsnips, and how do they differ?

Carrots are sweet, orange root vegetables rich in beta-carotene, while parsnips are cream-colored with a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. Parsnips have a more starchy texture and are slightly sweeter when roasted.

  • Can I use different types of honey for this recipe?

Yes! While any honey works, local wildflower honey or clover honey provide the best balanced sweetness. Raw honey can add more complex flavor notes to the roasted vegetables.

  • How do I know when the carrots and parsnips are perfectly roasted?

Look for golden-brown edges and caramelized surfaces. The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. Crispy edges indicate successful roasting and enhance the natural sweetness.

  • Are these roasted vegetables healthy?

Absolutely! Carrots and parsnips are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Roasting with a small amount of olive oil and honey maintains their nutritional value while creating a delicious, wholesome side dish.

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Perfect Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe

Perfect Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips bring golden sweetness to classic root vegetables, creating a delightful side dish that elevates simple ingredients. Caramelized edges and rich flavors make this elegant accompaniment perfect for family dinners or special gatherings you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 large parsnips, peeled and sliced

Liquid and Oil:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting surface.
  2. Slice carrots and parsnips into uniform, diagonal pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
  3. Combine olive oil, honey, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  4. Gently coat vegetable slices with the aromatic seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered.
  5. Arrange seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to promote caramelization.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, using tongs to carefully flip vegetables midway through cooking process.
  7. Monitor color transformation, aiming for a rich golden-brown exterior with tender, slightly crisp edges.
  8. Remove from oven when vegetables are caramelized, glistening with a sweet and herbal glaze.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter, allowing residual heat to continue subtle cooking and flavor development.
  10. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for visual appeal and enhanced herbal fragrance before serving warm.

Notes

  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
  • Choose fresh, firm parsnips and carrots with bright colors for maximum sweetness and texture.
  • Drizzle extra honey just before serving to enhance the glossy caramelized finish and add a luxurious shine.
  • Adjust roasting time based on vegetable thickness; thinner cuts will cook faster and prevent burning while maintaining crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 157
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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