Ah, carrots for Thanksgiving dinner! They hold a special place on my holiday table, adding a lovely splash of color and sweetness to the feast. Roasting them transforms these simple veggies into tender, caramelized delights that everyone can’t get enough of. This recipe has become a family favorite over the years, and I just can’t imagine my Thanksgiving spread without them. They’re not only easy to make but also healthy, making them the perfect side dish to complement your turkey or ham. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding roasted carrots to your Thanksgiving tradition too!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks – I prefer using fresh carrots, as they have the best flavor and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps to roast the carrots evenly and gives them a delicious, rich taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Just the right amount to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to balance the sweetness!
- 1 tablespoon honey – This adds a lovely glaze and extra depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped – The perfect herb to complement the carrots; it brings a wonderful aroma to the dish.
How to Prepare Roasted Carrots for Thanksgiving Dinner
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because the high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars in the carrots, giving them that irresistible golden-brown color and wonderful flavor. Trust me, the smell of roasting carrots is pure magic!
Prepare the Carrots
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and cut carrot sticks with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, honey, and chopped thyme. Make sure every carrot is coated evenly; this helps them roast beautifully and ensures each bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy—get in there and mix it up!
Roast the Carrots
Now, spread the carrots out on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This allows them to roast instead of steam. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and caramelized. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and they have that lovely caramel color. Oh, they’ll be so tempting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday cooking!
- Deliciously sweet and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.
- Healthy and vibrant side dish loaded with nutrients.
- Caramelized edges add a delightful texture and taste.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your roasted carrots, try using a mix of different carrot varieties for added color and flavor—rainbow carrots are a fun option! If you like a bit more sweetness, feel free to drizzle a touch more honey or even add a sprinkle of brown sugar before roasting. For a herbaceous twist, experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley. Keep an eye on your carrots as they roast; if they’re cut thicker, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven. And don’t forget to give them a stir halfway through for even cooking!
Nutritional Information
These roasted carrots are not just delicious, but they also pack a nutritious punch! Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 80 calories, with 4g of fat, 1g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. They also provide about 3g of fiber, making them a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I use baby carrots instead?
Absolutely! Baby carrots can be a great shortcut for this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster than regular carrots, so start checking them around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking. You want that perfect caramelization!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftover roasted carrots, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but I recommend the oven for that lovely crispiness!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Roasted carrots pair beautifully with other veggies. Consider adding parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and tasty medley. Just be sure to cut everything into similar sizes for even roasting. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover roasted carrots, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days, making them a great option for quick meals. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to retain that delicious caramelized texture. You can also use the microwave, but they won’t have that lovely crispiness. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
Imprimer
Carrots for Thanksgiving Dinner: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for roasted carrots, perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper, honey, and thyme.
- Toss until carrots are well coated.
- Spread carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of carrot sticks.
- Add other herbs for variety, such as rosemary or parsley.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 4g
- Graisses Saturées: 0.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: carrots for thanksgiving dinner
