Tired of boring vegetable side dishes that put your guests to sleep? Prepare to revolutionize your dinner table with these irresistible Honey Maple Roasted Parsnips! These golden, caramelized delights transform an often-overlooked root vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup, rich honey, and a hint of olive oil, these parsnips are about to become the unexpected star of your meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the parsnips thoroughly. Cut them into uniform sticks approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even roasting.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
- Place the parsnip sticks in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey-maple mixture over the parsnips and toss gently until each parsnip is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated parsnips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the parsnips halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Remove from the oven when parsnips are golden brown, tender, and slightly crispy on the edges. Sprinkle with additional salt to taste.
- Let the roasted parsnips rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Cut Uniformity is Key: Ensure all parsnip sticks are roughly the same size to guarantee even roasting and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your parsnips breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that delicious golden-brown exterior.
- Midway Flip Technique: Turning the parsnips halfway through cooking ensures they brown evenly and develop a gorgeous caramelized glaze on all sides.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is slightly different, so start checking your parsnips around the 20-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Salt Enhancement: A final sprinkle of salt after roasting will intensify the sweet-savory flavor profile and bring out the natural sweetness of the parsnips.
- Serve Immediately: These roasted parsnips are best enjoyed hot, right after a short 2-3 minute resting period that allows the glaze to set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
