Golden Honey Glazed Carrots with Fresh Thyme Christmas Side Dish

A simple, colourful Christmas side dish for the workplace and at home

These Golden Honey Glazed Carrots with Fresh Thyme are a festive favourite that bring warmth, colour and natural sweetness to any Christmas table. Our chefs prepare dishes like this across the staff restaurants/canteens during the holiday season, using fresh, locally sourced Irish ingredients to support workplace wellbeing and sustainable catering.

It is also an ideal Christmas side dish for home cooks who want something easy, reliable and full of flavour. With only a few ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe fits perfectly into the busy rhythm of Christmas Day cooking.

Recipe: Golden Honey Glazed Carrots Christmas Side Dish

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

500 grams locally sourced carrots, peeled and cut into batons

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh thyme leaves, to garnish

Method

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place the carrot batons in a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Roast the carrots

Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots become tender and lightly caramelised.

3. Make the glaze

Melt the butter and honey together in a small pan over low heat until smooth and glossy.

4. Coat the carrots

Once the carrots are roasted, toss them in the warm honey butter glaze until each baton is coated.

5. Garnish and serve

Serve immediately and finish with fresh thyme leaves. The result is a simple, colourful side that suits both Christmas dining and everyday workplace catering.

Why This Recipe Works for Christmas Workplace Catering

This dish is ideal for busy professional kitchens because it scales easily, presents beautifully on a hot counter and fits naturally into healthy food at work. Irish carrots offer great flavour while supporting sustainable catering and reducing food miles. The recipe also complements a wide range of Christmas main dishes, making it a dependable choice for corporate catering, staff restaurants and winter menus.

It brings warmth and colour to the plate, helping create a festive atmosphere that supports team connection and workplace wellbeing.

Why It Also Works for Christmas Dinner at Home

This recipe is quick, straightforward and uses ingredients most homes have on hand during Christmas week. It sits neatly alongside classic Christmas mains whether you cook turkey, ham, beef or a plant based centerpiece.

Home cooks appreciate it because:

• it does not take up much oven space

• the glaze can be made ahead

• the carrots reheat well without losing texture

• it adds a bright pop of colour to the Christmas table

It is an easy win on a busy Christmas Day when everyone wants flavour without fuss.