Honeyglazed Roasted Carrots with Toasted Pecans Thyme
These Honey Glazed Christmas Dinner Sides Will Steal the Show!
Honestly, have you ever looked at a carrot and thought, "Wow, that's festive!"? I hadn't either, until I whipped up these honey glazed carrots .
Now, trust me, they are the best christmas dinner sides , and these are absolute showstoppers! Sweet, savoury, and ridiculously easy, they'll have even your pickiest cousin reaching for seconds.
A Carrot's Journey from Humble to Holiday
Believe it or not, roasted carrots have graced tables across Europe for centuries. This recipe is a modern twist, making it the perfect christmas side dish recipes that's both comforting and elegant.
Prep is only 15 minutes, and roasting takes about 30- 35 minutes. This recipe easily serves 6. So, you have more time for important things, like wrapping presents and pretending you like eggnog.
Why You Need These Festive Carrot Recipes in Your Life
These aren't just any christmas vegetable sides . The honey glaze makes them irresistibly delicious. They are packed with Vitamin A and fiber, so you can feel good about indulging.
Serve these alongside your roast turkey or ham for the ultimate holiday side dishes . These pecan carrots are special because of the textures: the tender carrots, the crunchy pecans, and the fragrant thyme.
Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients
Alright, so here’s what you need to make your christmas dinner sides shine. For the carrots, you’ll need 2 lbs of carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch batons.
For roasting, grab 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Now, for that amazing glaze, gather 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
Finally, top it off with 1/2 cup pecan halves and 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. These easy christmas sides are about to become your new holiday tradition.
Gear Up for the Best Christmas Dinner Sides!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these amazing honey glazed roasted carrots . Honestly, this christmas side dish recipe is so simple, you'll wonder why you haven't made it before.
It will add a touch of elegance and sweetness to your christmas dinner sides . I promise that you will love this holiday side dishes recipe.
Main Ingredients for Roasted Carrot Christmas
- Carrots: 2 lbs (900g) , peeled and cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) batons. Pro-tip: Look for firm, brightly colored carrots. They taste the sweetest.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Use a decent extra virgin olive oil for the best flavour.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30g) , melted. Proper butter makes all the difference!
- Honey: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Local honey has a lovely floral note, if you can get it.
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds a tangy kick!
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp . Just a touch for some depth.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
- Pecan Halves: 1/2 cup (50g) . These add a lovely crunch.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: 2 tbsp (packed) . Fresh is best, trust me.
Seasoning Like a Pro
The honey, balsamic, and dijon combo is pure magic. If you want to spice things up for some festive carrot recipes, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
No fresh thyme? Rosemary or sage will do in a pinch, but try your best to find fresh thyme. Also, for easy christmas sides , experiment!.
Equipment Needed: Keepin' it Simple
- Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting carrots christmas .
- Small Saucepan or Microwave Safe Bowl: For the glaze.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix that lovely glaze.
That's it! You probably have most of that stuff already.
I remember the first time I made pecan carrots , I accidentally burnt the pecans. Keep a close eye on them! Toasting them properly really brings out their flavour.
Don't overdo it. These christmas vegetable sides are going to steal the show!. You can use this recipe for the best christmas dinner sides in your family.
It is so delicious that people will ask for more.
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots That'll Steal The Show!
Oh my gosh, are you ready to seriously upgrade your christmas dinner sides game? Forget those boring boiled carrots! We're diving headfirst into a batch of honey glazed carrots so good, they might just outshine the turkey.
Honestly, these are the best christmas dinner sides I've ever made, and everyone always asks for the recipe. They are so easy to make it one of my favorite easy christmas sides .
This recipe is so simple even that relative who claims they can't cook could make them. Get ready for some festive carrot recipes .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. We call this 'mise en place', fancy French for 'everything in its place'.
Chop those carrots into 1 inch batons (uniform size is key, no giants and runts). Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Grab your honey, balsamic, and Dijon.
Measure out 1/2 cup of pecans and 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme. Safety reminder: Don’t burn yourself melting that butter, yeah?
step-by-step to Carrot Nirvana
- Preheat the oven to 400° F .
- Toss carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Single layer is essential .
- Roast for 20 minutes , flip, and roast another 10- 15 minutes until tender.
- Whisk melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon balsamic, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard together. This is pure magic!
- Toast pecans in a dry pan for 3- 5 minutes , or until fragrant. Watch them closely, they burn easily. Let cool and chop.
- Drizzle honey glaze over the roasted carrots. Toss gently, coating them evenly.
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans and fresh thyme.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Secrets To The Best Christmas Vegetable Sides
Don't overcrowd that baking sheet! Overcrowding leads to steamed, not roasted roasted carrots christmas . The space is necessary for the air to circulate so the carrots will caramelize and it is one of the essential holiday side dishes .
Want to make-ahead? Roast the carrots, cool, and store. Make the glaze separately. Combine right before serving. One last thing, taste that glaze! Adjust the honey if you want it sweeter.
These pecan carrots are the perfect addition to your christmas dinner sides and you will be getting asked for the recipe for years to come!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You Shine
Alright, so you're about to tackle these honey glazed carrots , right? Awesome choice! Let's talk about a few bits and bobs to make them extra special.
These festive carrot recipes are about to become your new go-to holiday side dishes .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Think about presentation! A simple way is key. Pop these roasted carrots christmas onto a platter alongside your main roast.
A sprinkle of extra thyme? Oh my gosh, yes! These are best christmas dinner sides , and they look fabulous.
Why not add some pecan carrots on the side? A simple dollop of mashed potatoes is also a good idea to offer a classic British experience.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Magic Alive
Got leftovers? We do not cry about it. These christmas vegetable sides will last. Pop them in the fridge. They'll be good for up to three days, easy.
Honestly, just make sure they're in an airtight container. Reheating? Gentle heat is your friend. A low oven or a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it. The texture might change. However, the easy christmas sides are so easy, I do not think you will have leftovers
Variations: Making It Your Own
Want to get creative? Swap the honey for maple syrup. It gives them a gorgeous, slightly different flavour. Or, for a vegan twist, just use maple syrup and a plant based butter alternative.
Dietary Adaptations: These carrots naturally can be adapted to gluten-free and dairy-free.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. It adds a lovely festive warmth.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Each serving clocks in around 220 calories. They're packed with vitamin A and fibre. So, you can feel good about tucking in! Plus, the pecans add a dose of healthy fats.
These simple tweaks will let you get more creative while still getting the hang of things.
So, there you have it. Go forth and create some delicious christmas dinner sides . Remember, it's all about having fun. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these honey glazed Christmas dinner sides ahead of time? It's a bit of a mad dash on Christmas Day as it is!
You can prep some of the elements ahead of time to save time on Christmas Day. Peel and chop the carrots a day in advance and store them in the fridge in an airtight container filled with water. You can also toast the pecans ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
However, it is best to roast the carrots and glaze them just before serving for the best texture and flavor, and garnish immediately before serving.
I'm not a huge fan of pecans. What other nuts work well as a topping for these Christmas dinner sides?
Not a problem, we all have our preferences! Walnuts or slivered almonds make excellent substitutes for pecans in this honey glazed carrot recipe. Just make sure you toast them lightly before adding them to the carrots to enhance their flavour and crunch.
You could even try hazelnuts for a richer, more Christmassy feel; think Ferrero Rocher, but on your carrots!
Help! My carrots are burning before they get tender. What am I doing wrong?
This can be a bit of a Christmas dinner disaster, but easily fixed! First, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. Ovens can vary! Secondly, don't overcrowd the baking sheet. If the carrots are too close together, they'll steam instead of roast.
Finally, if they're browning too quickly, try covering the baking sheet loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will help them steam and soften without burning.
What's the best way to store leftover glazed carrots? I usually end up with a mountain of leftovers after Christmas dinner!
Store any leftover honey glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the carrots might lose a bit of their crispness, but they'll still be delicious!
If reheating in a skillet, add a touch of butter to revitalize them.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier this Christmas. Can I make these Christmas dinner sides lower in sugar?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of honey in the glaze or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia, but be mindful of taste. You could also use less balsamic vinegar. For a brighter flavour, try freshly squeezed orange juice.
Increasing the amount of Dijon mustard will balance out the sweetness for a tangier flavor. You can also add some spices like ginger or cinnamon to enhance the flavour without adding sugar.
Can I use different herbs if I don't have thyme? What other herbs would complement these Christmas dinner sides?
Absolutely! While thyme is lovely, rosemary or sage would be fantastic substitutes. Rosemary has a stronger, more piney flavour, so use it sparingly. Sage has an earthy, slightly peppery flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey and carrots.
Add the rosemary or sage towards the end of roasting to preserve flavour and prevent burning.
Honeyglazed Roasted Carrots With Toasted Pecans
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
