My Honey-Glazed Kitchen Secret
I have a favorite way to make roast parsnips with honey and thyme. It is so simple. You just roast them until they are sweet and sticky. I love how the kitchen smells. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
This honey roast parsnips recipe is my go-to. It turns a plain vegetable into something special. The honey makes them shiny and sweet. The thyme adds a little earthy flavor. It feels like a hug on a plate.
Why This Simple Dish Matters
Good food does not need to be hard. This easy roast parsnips recipe proves that. You only need a few things you already have. It lets the natural flavor shine through. That matters more than fancy tricks.
It also makes any meal feel like a celebration. Serving these turns Tuesday dinner into something nicer. This is why it’s a perfect holiday side dish too. It brings a touch of sweetness to your table. Everyone always asks for more.
A Little Story About Parsnips
My grandson used to turn his nose up at parsnips. He called them “pale carrots.” One day, he tried these honey and thyme parsnips. He ate his whole serving and then mine! I still laugh at that.
That is the magic of this roasted parsnips recipe. It can change a mind. The roasting makes them crispy on the ends. The honey makes them irresistible. It is a great lesson in trying new things.
Your New Go-To Side Dish
This is the best roast vegetable recipe for busy days. It is one of my quick Christmas recipes. You just chop, drizzle, and roast. The oven does most of the work for you. You get to relax.
I promise this parsnip recipe will not let you down. It is sweet, savory, and so satisfying. The edges get wonderfully crispy. The center stays soft and tender. What is your favorite vegetable to roast? Tell me in the comments.
Let’s Get Roasting
Remember, roast your parsnips with honey and thyme in two steps. First, roast them with just oil. This helps them soften. Then add the honey and thyme. This keeps the honey from burning. You get that perfect golden stickiness.
*Fun fact: Parsnips taste sweeter after a frost! The cold turns their starches into sugar.* Now, do you prefer your holiday side dishes sweet or savory? Would you try this with maple syrup instead of honey? I would love to know your ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parsnips | 5 | quartered lengthways |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Honey | 3 tbsp | |
| Thyme | 3 sprigs | |
| Salt and pepper | to season |

Instructions
Step 1: First, get your parsnips ready. Cut them into long sticks. Drizzle them with olive oil on a baking tray. Roast them in a hot oven for about 15 minutes. This easy roast parsnips recipe starts everything off right. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Now, pull the tray out carefully. Drizzle your honey all over the warm parsnips. Scatter the fresh thyme leaves on top, too. This makes the best honey and thyme parsnips. (Tip: Warm your honey jar in hot water first. It pours so much easier!)
Step 3: Pop the tray back into the oven. Roast for 10 more minutes. Watch them turn golden and wonderfully sticky. This roasted parsnips recipe creates the perfect holiday side dish. Do you like yours extra crispy or soft? Share below!
Step 4: Finally, take your honey roast parsnips out. Season them with a little salt and pepper. I always give them one gentle toss. This simple roast vegetable recipe is done. It’s a quick Christmas recipe everyone loves.
Creative Twists
Maple & Rosemary: Swap honey for maple syrup. Use rosemary instead of thyme.
Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of chili flakes with the honey. It gives a nice little kick.
Citrus Zest: Grate some orange zest over the finished dish. It makes the flavors sing.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These honey roast parsnips are a wonderful Christmas side dish. Serve them next to a golden roast chicken. Or pile them on your holiday plate with mashed potatoes. For a pretty touch, sprinkle on more fresh thyme. This parsnip recipe makes any meal feel special. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Honey-Glazed Parsnips
Let’s talk about keeping those delicious parsnips. First, let them cool completely. Then, pop them in an airtight container. They will stay good in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze them for a month. Lay them flat on a tray first so they don’t stick together.
I remember my first big holiday cook. I made far too many honey roast parsnips. I learned to freeze them that night. It saved my dinner the next week! Batch cooking this recipe is a smart move. It makes a busy week feel simpler. You deserve an easy night off.
To reheat, use your oven or air fryer. This keeps them crispy. The microwave can make them soft. A hot oven for 10 minutes works perfectly. Storing food well saves time and money. It also cuts down on waste. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Fixing Common Roasting Hiccups
Even grandmas have kitchen troubles sometimes. Here are three common ones. First, veggies steaming instead of roasting. Your pan is too crowded. Give them space to breathe. I once crammed too many on one tray. They came out soggy, not crispy.
Second, burning the honey. Honey burns fast. That’s why we add it later in this roasted parsnips recipe. Third, uneven pieces. Try to cut your parsnips the same size. This helps them cook evenly. No one likes a burnt piece next to a raw one.
Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn what to watch for. It also makes your food taste so much better. Crispy, golden veggies are a joy. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What herbs go well with roasted parsnips?
Thyme and rosemary are my favorites. They are cozy and warm. Sage is also lovely, especially for a holiday side dish. Try a little chopped fresh rosemary next time. It pairs so nicely with the sweet honey. Parsley adds a fresh finish after cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs.
Can you roast parsnips and carrots together?
Yes, you absolutely can! It’s a classic combo. Just cut them the same size. This is a perfect roast vegetable recipe. Carrots may cook a tiny bit faster. So keep an eye on them. This mix makes a colorful and tasty Christmas side dish for your table.
What is the best temperature to roast parsnips?
A hot oven is key. I use 200°C (400°F) for this easy roast parsnips recipe. The high heat makes them crispy outside. It keeps the inside tender and sweet. *Fun fact: roasting makes parsnips taste sweeter than boiling!* Always preheat your oven first for the best results.
How do you keep roasted parsnips from getting soggy?
Do not crowd your baking tray. Space them out in a single layer. Too many will steam. Make sure your oil is hot when they go in. Pat the parsnips dry before you toss them in oil. These simple steps guarantee crispy honey and thyme parsnips every single time.
Are roasted parsnips healthy?
They are a very healthy choice. Parsnips are full of good fiber and vitamins. Roasting them needs just a little oil. Using honey adds natural sweetness. This is better than lots of processed sugar. Enjoying your veggies is always a win. This parsnip recipe is a tasty way to eat well.
What can I substitute for thyme in a parsnip recipe?
No thyme? No problem. Fresh rosemary is a great swap. Use about the same amount. Dried thyme works too. Use one-third the amount of fresh. A pinch of dried sage can be nice. For a different twist, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this simple roasted parsnips recipe. It truly is one of my favorite quick Christmas recipes. The smell of honey and thyme roasting is pure comfort. It always reminds me of family gathered around the table.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy these honey roast parsnips? Did you try a different herb? Your stories make my day. Please share them with me below. Have you tried this recipe?
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.

Honey Thyme Roasted Parsnips
Description
Roast parsnips with honey and thyme
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the parsnips onto a non-stick baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 200oC, FAN 180oC, Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes until they start to soften.
- Remove from the oven and add the thyme and honey and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes until they become golden, crispy and sticky.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.