Step 1

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 425°F.

Step 2

Scrub carrots and trim tops to 1 inch. If some carrots are thicker, cut them into halves or fourths (lengthwise) so that all carrots/carrot pieces are approximately the same diameter.

Step 3

Toss carrots with extra-virgin olive oil so that they're evenly coated (shake in a gallon-sized plastic baggie, stir together in a big bowl, or toss together on sheet pan). Spread into a single layer on a large, rimmed sheet pan. Evenly sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Toss several sprigs of fresh thyme on top (retain a sprig or two of thyme for garnish).

Step 4

Roast, stirring every 10 minutes, for 20 to 30 minutes total, or until the carrots are very tender and starting to caramelize around the edges. Remove the cooked thyme stems (it's okay if the leaves fall off and remain with the carrots). Adjust the seasonings with additional and/or pepper, if necessary.

Step 5

Transfer the carrots to a serving platter, sprinkle with additional chopped fresh thyme leaves (from the reserved sprigs), and serve immediately.