Caramel-Kissed Honey Roasted Parsnips to Impress Your Friends

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If you’re looking for an irresistible side dish that’s easy enough for a casual dinner yet fancy enough for a big celebration, these Caramel-Kissed Honey Roasted Parsnips are just the thing. Parsnips have a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warmth of honey. The result? A golden, sticky, melt-in-your-mouth delight that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh parsnips, peeled and cut into even wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or agave syrup for a vegan alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • A pinch of chopped fresh thyme (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread your parsnip wedges on the sheet, leaving a little wiggle room so they roast evenly.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, melted butter (if using), salt, and pepper. Drizzle this sweet and savory mixture all over the parsnips, making sure each wedge gets a gently shimmering coat. If you have fresh thyme handy, sprinkle it over for an extra layer of earthy aroma.

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Pop the tray into the preheated oven and let the parsnips roast for about 20 minutes. Take them out, give them a quick flip with a spatula, and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until they’re lightly caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork.

Once they’re gorgeously golden, let them rest for a minute or two—if you can resist the temptation! You’ll end up with beautifully sticky, lightly browned parsnips that are ready to steal the spotlight at the table.

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These Caramel-Kissed Honey Roasted Parsnips are a delightful combo of sweet, savory, and subtly earthy flavors. They’re a fantastic choice for both veggie-lovers and anyone looking to add a new twist to their usual side dishes. If you’re trying to keep things lighter, swap out the butter for extra olive oil. You can also experiment with maple syrup instead of honey, or add a squeeze of lemon at the end for a bright pop of acidity. Whichever way you choose, this recipe is guaranteed to please—a beautifully simple dish that elevates any meal and leaves your friends and family thinking you spent all day in the kitchen!

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.