Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), or 180°C (350°F) for a fan oven. Peel the parsnips and trim off their ends. Cut them lengthwise into halves or quarters, depending on their thickness, then divide them into evenly sized batons. If the parsnips have a particularly tough central core, cut it away for a more tender result.

Place the olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the honey and oil form a reasonably even coating. If your honey is very thick, warm it briefly so it mixes more easily, but allow it to cool slightly before tossing it with the vegetables.

Add the prepared parsnips to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated with the honey mixture. Use a spatula or clean hands to distribute the glaze evenly, paying attention to the cut surfaces. This step helps the vegetables brown consistently and ensures that each piece develops the sweet, savory flavor that makes this Honey Roast Parsnips Recipe so appealing.

Spread the coated parsnips across a large baking tray in a single layer. Leave a little space between the pieces so moisture can escape and the vegetables can roast instead of steam. If the tray looks crowded, divide the parsnips between two trays. Arrange thicker pieces toward the outside if your oven tends to cook unevenly.

Roast for approximately 30–40 minutes, turning the parsnips halfway through cooking. Check them after 25 minutes because thinner pieces may finish sooner. They should be golden brown around the edges and tender when pierced with a fork. If the honey begins to darken too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly and continue cooking until the centers soften.

Remove the tray from the oven when the parsnips are tender and caramelized. Add a little lemon juice if you want to balance the sweetness, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Transfer the vegetables to a warm serving dish and sprinkle with extra thyme or chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the edges are still lightly crisp and the centers remain soft.