If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s as easy as it is stunning, you’re in for a real treat with this Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of carrots and the fresh bite of asparagus, enhanced by the aromatic punch of garlic and earthy thyme. Roasting these veggies caramelizes their edges perfectly, offering a beautiful balance of tender texture and smoky goodness that will make your dinner plate come alive.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for making this Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe truly shine. Each component adds a unique touch—olive oil helps everything crisp up nicely, while garlic and thyme infuse the dish with deep, inviting flavors.
- 1 bunch asparagus: Trim the woody ends for a tender bite and fresh flavor.
- 4 large carrots: Peel and slice into sticks to roast evenly and bring out their sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Drizzled to coat the veggies and encourage caramelization.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced finely to disperse that wonderful savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbal note that complements the vegetables.
- Salt: Adds brightness and balances the natural sweetness.
- Black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle at the end gives a salty, nutty finish.
How to Make Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep things clean and help with even roasting. This step is key to ensuring your veggies cook perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Trim the asparagus to remove the tough, woody ends—this keeps every bite tender. Peel the carrots, then slice them into sticks so they match the asparagus in size, allowing for even cooking and a harmonious texture once roasted.
Step 3: Season the Veggies
Spread your asparagus and carrot sticks evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the top. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated in that flavorful mixture. This step guarantees that every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Roast Until Perfect
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes. Be sure to toss them halfway through cooking—this helps achieve a beautiful caramelization on all sides, boosting flavor and creating a slightly crisp exterior with a tender inside.
Step 5: Serve, Savor, and Smile
Once roasted to perfection, transfer the asparagus and carrots to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors made possible with this Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe.
How to Serve Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe

Garnishes
You can elevate this dish even more with simple garnishes like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness or toasted pine nuts for crunchy contrast. Fresh thyme sprigs on top also make for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe pairs wonderfully with almost any main—think herb-roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty beef roast. It’s also fantastic alongside a quinoa salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the roasted veggies in neat bundles tied with chives or serve in a rustic wooden bowl. You can also layer them over a bed of cooked grains or pasta, drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze on top for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish it all!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without any mushiness.
Freezing
Because roasted vegetables can lose texture when frozen, it’s best to avoid freezing this dish. However, if you must, flash-freeze the veggies on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container to minimize sogginess upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the veggies gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps re-crisp them slightly instead of making them mushy like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme works beautifully in this recipe and adds a bright herbal aroma, though you’ll want to use a bit more since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don’t have olive oil?
Other oils with a high smoke point, like avocado or grapeseed oil, can work well. Avoid butter as it can burn at this roasting temperature.
How do I know when the vegetables are done roasting?
You’re aiming for tender carrots and asparagus with a slight caramelized edge. Pierce the carrots with a fork—they should be tender but not mushy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, just ensure you use a large enough baking sheet or roast in batches to allow the vegetables to spread out evenly for proper caramelization.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Not at all! Parmesan is optional and adds a savory finish, but the roasted veggies are delicious on their own with garlic and thyme.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a simple yet flavorful way to bring fresh veggies to your table, this Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe is a winner every time. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and bursting with comforting, fresh flavors that will brighten any meal. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever made roasting veggies any other way!
Print
Roasted Asparagus and Carrots with Garlic and Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in this simple and nutritious roasted asparagus and carrots recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables with a touch of garlic, thyme, and olive oil. Perfect as a healthy side dish for any meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 bunch asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
- 4 large carrots (peeled and sliced into sticks)
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Carefully trim the woody ends off the asparagus and peel the carrots, slicing them into sticks to ensure even roasting.
- Season the Veggies: Arrange the asparagus and carrot sticks on the baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently to coat the vegetables well with the seasonings.
- Roast Until Perfect: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, toss the vegetables to promote even caramelization and tenderness. Roast until the vegetables are tender and caramelized to your liking.
- Serve, Savor, and Smile: Transfer the roasted asparagus and carrots to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top while still warm for an added savory touch. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme for a more aromatic flavor.
- For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the roasting time if you prefer your vegetables more or less tender.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.