Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are a simple, sweet, and tasty side dish that’s easy to love. The carrots get beautifully caramelized in the oven, and the honey glaze adds a lovely touch of natural sweetness that makes each bite just a little special. You can also catch hints of warmth from a bit of butter and some seasoning, making these carrots extra flavorful but still fresh and light.
I like to make these carrots whenever I’m looking for a side that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take much time or effort. I find that the honey really brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and roasting them gives a nice soft texture with just a little crisp around the edges. It’s such an easy way to get a nutritious, colorful dish on the table that everyone will enjoy, even the kids!
My favorite way to serve these is right alongside a roast chicken or pork, where the sweet carrots balance out the savory meat perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a handful of fresh herbs like parsley on top just before serving, which adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. These honey-glazed roasted carrots always get compliments, and I love seeing how they brighten up any meal with their golden, shiny glaze and tasty goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: A mix of orange, yellow, and purple carrots adds nice color and flavor. If you only find one kind, that’s okay! Regular carrots cut into sticks also work well.
Olive Oil: Helps the carrots roast nicely and adds flavor. You can swap with avocado or sunflower oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Honey: Gives a lovely sweetness and glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes if you want to avoid honey or need a vegan option.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze thicken. Try coconut oil or vegan butter if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Garlic (optional): Fresh garlic gives a punchy flavor, while garlic powder offers a milder, easy option. Both are great for adding depth.
How Do You Get Carrots Perfectly Caramelized and Glazed?
Caramelizing carrots means cooking them until their natural sugars get sweet and a bit crispy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Toss carrots with oil and seasoning to coat them evenly; this helps with even roasting.
- Spread them in a single layer so they roast, not steam. Crowding makes carrots soggy.
- Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once to brown all sides.
- Make the honey-butter glaze gently on low heat to combine without burning.
- After the first roast, toss carrots with warm glaze then roast again 5-7 minutes for sticky, shiny coating.
These steps make sure your carrots are tender with a nice crisp edge, coated in a sweet, flavorful glaze that sticks beautifully!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like it because it gives the carrots space to roast evenly and caramelize nicely.
- Parchment paper or foil – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Small saucepan – perfect for melting honey and butter together without mess.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing carrots with oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Knife and peeler – to prepare carrots if they need peeling or cutting into uniform pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan-friendly glaze with a different sweetness.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a tangy twist that enhances the caramelization.
- Mix in roasted garlic or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and spice.
- Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese after roasting for a creamy, salty contrast.
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (a mix of orange, yellow, and purple if available)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
For The Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5-10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast and glaze the carrots. So, plan for around 35-40 minutes total, including the extra roasting time to get that perfect honey glaze shine and caramelized flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Carrots:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and peel the baby carrots if needed, then pat them dry with a towel. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you like garlic, add garlic powder or minced fresh garlic now to coat the carrots evenly.
2. Roast the Carrots:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spread the carrots out in a single layer so they roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through. You’ll notice they start to soften and caramelize beautifully.
3. Make and Add the Honey-Butter Glaze:
While the carrots roast, gently melt the butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is combined and warm. When the carrots are done roasting, take them out and pour the honey-butter glaze over them. Toss gently to make sure all carrots are coated in the sweet glaze.
4. Final Roast and Serve:
Return the glazed carrots to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. This step allows the glaze to thicken and makes the carrots even more caramelized and shiny. Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Roasting frozen carrots might take a few minutes longer, so keep an eye on them.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Roast the carrots and prepare the glaze ahead, then toss and reheat everything in the oven just before serving to refresh the glaze and warmth.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a touch of butter or honey if needed to revive the glaze.
Can I Substitute Honey with Another Sweetener?
Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar are great vegan alternatives and work well as a glaze, providing a similar sweet flavor and consistency.