These 4 ingredient honey roasted parsnips are a quick and delicious veggie side dish that can be served alongside any meal. Oven roasting parsnips until they're tender and golden really brings out their flavor - once tried, you'll make these on repeat.
Sometimes with food less really is more. The beauty of this dish is it's total simplicity, and the classic sweet and salty flavor combination.
These sheet pan root vegetables make a great low carb alternative to fries. In fact they're such a great tasting root vegetable they go with just about anything.
And when other side dishes can be over complicated - they're perfect as an easy accompaniment to Sunday Roast Dinner a Holiday Dinner too. I promise they'll be the least troublesome thing you make all day!
Why You Should Make Crispy Roast Parsnips
- Requiring very little preparation and only 30 minutes in the oven, my honey butter roasted parsnips are ideal for weeknight dinner.
- Loved by the whole family, oven roasted parsnips are the perfect way to add to your 5-a-day.
- Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. I can easily sell these to my kids as these 'parsnip fries' too.
- If you love your roasted veggies as much as I do then try my Honey Butter Roasted Carrots, my Roasted Delicata Squash Salad or my Easy Corn Ribs.
How to Make Honey Butter Roasted Parsnips
Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
First trim and peel the medium-sized parsnips. Next cut them into batons of a similar size and place on a parchment paper lined large baking sheet.
Toss with olive oil, a little salt & black pepper then roast until tender and turning golden brown - around 30 minutes.
Add a drizzle of honey, then the butter and toss again until all the parsnips are coated.
And serve!
Do I Need to Boil Parsnips Before Roasting?
The simple answer is no! Boiling parsnips means you lose a lot of the flavor in the water the parsnips are cooked in.
Instead I like to put the parsnips onto a sheet pan with some olive oil and seasoning before roasting them in the oven. Roasting parsnips really retains and enhances their sweet flavor.
Do I need to remove the core of parsnips?
You don't usually have to remove the core of the parsnip. The core runs down the center and isn't an issue when the parsnip is young and tender.
However if it's getting towards the end of the season and the flesh in the core feels very dense and thick, you might want to consider removing it.
How to Cut Parsnips into Equal Size Pieces
You want to try and cut the parsnip into equal sized pieces, that way they will all roast evenly at the same time. No special equipment required, just a chopping board and sharp knife.
Start by taking a firm hold of the parsnip and cutting in half (or into thirds if it is really long). Then cut the thinner piece in half through the middle and the thicker half into quarters - see images below.
Can I make vegan roasted parsnips?
Feeding vegan diners? No problem! Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for that sticky sweetness. You can also substitute the butter with a little extra olive oil or simply leave it off the dish entirely.
Variations of Honey Roasted Parsnips
This delicious side dish is easily adapted and my simple approach to roasting can be applied to lots of different veggies. You may have to adjust the cooking time a little depending on what you're cooking.
Here are some variations and substitutions for roasting vegetables using this method of cooking:
- Vegetables: carrot; beetroot; squash; sweet potato; turnip or rutabaga (swede). Alternatively try a combination of these veggies.
- Honey: maple syrup; agave syrup
- Herbs: garlic cloves; thyme sprigs; a sprinkle of dill
- Spices: cumin seeds; fennel seeds; anise; nutmeg; aleppo pepper
- Vinegar: Balsamic Vinegar
Tips For Making Glazed Parsnips
- Line a baking sheet with baking parchment as this stops the parsnips from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It also makes cleaning up a breeze.
- When cutting the parsnips into batons take care and hold firmly to avoid them slipping. Always use a sharp knife.
- Oven heat varies so keep an eye on your parsnips. Make sure they are tender and turning golden brown before serving.
- Whenever you're roasting veggies, try to spread them out in an even layer on the baking sheet. If they're too crowded they'll steam and go soggy rather than bake. Use 2 sheet pans if necessary.
- To minimize dishes, you can roast parsnips in with other root veggies such as carrots or sweet potatoes.
- Don't add the butter and honey until the parsnips are cooked and out of the oven - otherwise it might burn.
How To Serve Sheet Pan Roasted Parsnips
This great tasting veggie side is so versatile! It can be served alongside a whole host of main dishes. Why not serve these roasted parsnips with my Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs or my Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce.
I also often serve them in place of regular fries for a great tasting low carb alternative.
They're also perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday meal.
How To Reheat Honey Roast Parsnips?
This is definitely one of those easy sides that is best served hot, straight from the oven. However, leftover roast parsnips can be easily reheated by placing them back in the oven to warm through. You may need to add a little extra olive oil to stop them drying out.
Pin This Honey Roasted Parsnip Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Honey Roasted Parsnips
Ingredients
- 6 Parsnips - medium parsnips, trimmed and peeled
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil - or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Runny Honey
- 1 tbsp Butter - salted or unsalted is fine
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF/210ºc.
- 6 ParsnipsCut the parsnips in half through the middle. Cut the smaller half into 2 and the larger half into 4 batons.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil | Sea Salt and Black PepperPlace on a parchment lined baking sheet, toss in the olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper.Space the carrot sticks out on the parchment so they roast and don't steam and go soggy.
- Roast for around 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the parsnips are soft and the outsides are starting to turn golden.
- 1 tbsp Runny Honey | 1 tbsp ButterTake out of the oven, drizzle on the honey and finish by adding the butter.
- Sea Salt and Black PepperToss, season again with sea salt and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This post was shared with the #cookblogshare community, which this week was kindly hosted by Chloe at Feast Glorious Feast.
Rebecca - Glutarama says
I can't eat potatoes so it's lovely to find a recipe for honey roast parsnips to enjoy with my Sunday roast instead.
Jo Keohane says
Hi Rebecca, yes I love an alternative to potatoes too. These are so great, one of the easiest things I make!! And one of the tastiest. Thanks so much for your comment.
Chloe Edges says
Parsnips are my favourite veg of all time, especially when doused in honey and butter!
Jo Keohane says
I love parsnips too! So underrated. Thanks so much for your comment and hope you love the recipe.