If you’re looking for a dish that’s as sweet as it is savory, honey roasted carrots are your new best friend. These tender carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, taking on a sweet, golden glaze that’s balanced by just the right amount of savory richness. Trust me, they’ll steal the show at your next dinner party or family meal. These carrots are the ultimate comfort food, elevated by a simple touch of honey and a sprinkle of seasonings. Ready to make some magic in the kitchen?
Why You’ll Love Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey roasted carrots are everything you didn’t know you needed: sweet, savory, easy to make, and totally customizable. Here’s why this recipe is such a winner:
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for any meal, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a holiday feast. These carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats, salads, or even just on their own.
Budget-Friendly: Carrots are affordable and simple, yet this dish transforms them into something special with just a few ingredients.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s pretty much foolproof!
Customizable: Add your own twist—whether it’s a sprinkle of thyme, a dash of cinnamon, or a handful of nuts for crunch, you can make these carrots your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent? These honey roasted carrots are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these sweet and savory honey roasted carrots:
For the Carrots:
- Carrots: The star of the show, these carrots will get wonderfully tender and caramelized in the oven.
- Olive oil: Helps to roast the carrots evenly, making them golden and crispy around the edges.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and bringing out all the natural sweetness of the carrots.
For the Honey Glaze:
- Honey: The key ingredient for that sweet, sticky glaze that will make the carrots shine.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the honey coat the carrots beautifully.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: For a touch of aromatic flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- Garlic: A little garlic gives an extra savory kick to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get roasting! Follow these easy steps for perfectly caramelized honey roasted carrots:
Prep the Carrots: Start by peeling the carrots and cutting them into even pieces, whether you prefer them in rounds, halves, or sticks. Try to keep the sizes uniform so they cook evenly.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, butter, garlic, and thyme (or rosemary). Cook over medium heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Season the Carrots: Place the carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them to ensure they’re evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Coat the Carrots with the Glaze: Pour the honey butter glaze over the carrots and toss again to make sure each piece is coated with that delicious, sticky goodness.
Roast to Perfection: Roast the carrots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown. You may want to toss them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Finishing Touches: Once the carrots are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. You can garnish them with a little more fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your honey roasted carrots warm, and get ready to savor the sweet, savory goodness. They make the perfect side for any meal or a delicious snack all on their own.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey roasted carrots make an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to beef, lamb, or fish. They also pair wonderfully with grains like rice or quinoa for a well-rounded meal. You can even serve them with a fresh salad for a light, flavorful lunch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a little extra honey on top right before serving!
Additional Tips
- If you prefer a more caramelized texture, roast the carrots a little longer or broil them for a few minutes at the end.
- To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or pecans over the carrots before serving.
- For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
FAQ’s
- Can I use baby carrots instead of regular ones?
Yes! Baby carrots work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than regular carrots. - Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup will give the carrots a slightly different flavor, but it’s a great alternative for a vegan option. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. - Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the carrots and glaze them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and roast them when you’re ready to serve. - Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can easily add other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. - Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. - How can I get the carrots extra crispy?
Try roasting the carrots on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate around them for extra crispiness. - Can I freeze honey roasted carrots?
While freezing might affect their texture, you can freeze roasted carrots for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven for best results. - Can I add nuts or seeds to this dish?
Yes! Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts would add a nice crunch and extra flavor. Add them after the carrots have finished roasting. - What else can I pair with honey roasted carrots?
These carrots pair beautifully with everything from roast chicken to grilled salmon or even a hearty vegetarian main like lentils or quinoa.
Conclusion
Honey roasted carrots are an easy, delicious way to elevate your meals. With their perfect balance of sweetness, savory flavors, and crispy edges, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these carrots will add that extra touch of comfort and flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Honey Roasted Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and delicious side dish, these honey roasted carrots are sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized, making them a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the glaze.
- Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss them in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the honey and cinnamon to your taste preferences for a sweeter or spicier flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
- These carrots make a great side dish for roasted meats or as a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg