Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

platter of roasted carrots and parsnips next to napkin, serving fork, and bowl of pecans

4.98 from 47 votes

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are an easy side dish your family will love. Just toss carrot and parsnip pieces with olive oil and honey, and roast until sweet and caramelized!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Servings:

Calories: 244kcal

Author: Chef Molly Pisula

Ingredients

½ cup pecans
3 tablespoons honey divided
2 ½ tablespoons olive oil divided
1 pound carrots
1 pound parsnips
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground cracked pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the pecans to a small bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of honey, ½ tablespoon of olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Spread the pecans on a small parchment paper-lined sheet pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, until caramelized. Remove from oven and let cool.
Raise oven temperature to 425 degrees.
Peel carrots and parsnips, then cut into batons about 2-3 inches long. Cut the thick parts of the carrots and parsnips into halves or quarters so all pieces are around the same size.
Put carrots and parsnips into a large bowl and stir in the remaining olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil, and spread out carrots and turnips in a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes, then stir.
Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
While carrots and turnips are roasting, roughly chop glazed pecans.
Remove carrots and turnips from oven and serve, topped with the chopped pecans.

Notes

Other Seasoning Ideas: Try adding herbs like fresh thyme sprigs, fresh rosemary sprigs, or fresh sage. Or add spices like chile powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, or onion powder. You could also toss with lemon or orange zest after roasting.

Oven Tip: Note that ovens can run hot or less hot, and sheet pans can be more or less heat-conductive. All that is to say, try this recipe with your oven and your pan, and then adjust. You may need more or less time than specified. Watch your pecans particularly closely, as they can go from caramelized to burned in seconds!

Cutting Carrots and Parsnips: Keep in mind that the size of the batons or slices determine how much cooking time you will need. Small chunks or thin slices will require less time than larger. Keeping the size of the pieces consistent between both vegetables will ensure that they will cook in the same amount of time.

Nutrition