If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and a little bit of wow to your meal, you have to try this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender roasted carrots enveloped in a luscious honey-butter glaze, elevated with just the right hint of garlic and lemon. Every bite bursts with natural sweetness and a gentle caramelized crunch that makes these carrots irresistible. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a holiday spread, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe lies in how few ingredients you need. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color without any fuss.
- 2 pounds medium carrots: These are the star of the dish, bringing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the honey glaze perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the honey, helping it stick to the carrots beautifully.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey: The key to the glaze, delivering that irresistible sweet shine.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and a touch of earthiness.
- 1/2 small lemon: Its juice brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty note.
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional): A splash of green for a fresh, herbal finish and pretty presentation.
How to Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Carrots
Start by positioning a rack in the middle of your oven and preheating it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is what will give your carrots that perfect roast with a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside tender. Meanwhile, peel and trim your carrots, then cut them into 2-inch pieces. If any carrots are extra thick, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Mincing the garlic now means it’s ready to get infused into the butter soon.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
Gently melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—too long and the garlic can burn, so watch carefully! Once fragrant, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the honey, creating a glossy, aromatic glaze that’s going to coat every carrot piece in pure deliciousness.
Step 3: Toss Carrots with Glaze and Seasonings
Drizzle half of your honey garlic glaze over the carrot pieces on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss them until every carrot glistens and is well-coated. Then sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, giving everything another good toss so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Spread the carrots out in a single layer to maximize caramelization during roasting.
Step 4: Roast and Toss
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 15 minutes. After this time, pull them out and toss the carrots gently to turn them, letting all sides get that lovely roasted color. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots are tender and the bottoms are nicely browned. This slow roasting is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Finish with Glaze and Lemon
Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, drizzle the remaining honey glaze over them. Then squeeze the juice from half a small lemon, which adds a bright counterbalance to the sweet glaze. Toss once more to coat everything evenly. Transfer your gorgeous, golden carrot jewels to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like a little fresh herby pop.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic touch—it not only offers a beautiful green contrast against the orange carrots but also adds a fresh, mildly peppery flavor that lifts the whole dish. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a twist.
Side Dishes
Honey glazed roasted carrots pair wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. They also work well alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a nutty wild rice pilaf, adding color and a naturally sweet balance to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the carrots in a fan or spiral on a large platter, drizzle extra glaze on top, and sprinkle with crunchy toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. This adds a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor that can take this simple side dish to a whole new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover honey glazed roasted carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They retain their flavor and texture nicely, making them a great option for meal prep or quick reheats during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted carrots by spreading them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture might soften a bit upon thawing due to the moisture content.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Adding a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice after reheating can refresh the flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of carrots for the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe?
Absolutely! While medium-sized orange carrots work best for even roasting and sweetness, you can also use heirloom or rainbow carrots for a colorful twist. Just adjust cooking times slightly if using thinner or thicker varieties.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil. The honey glaze can also be swapped for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it completely plant-based and just as delicious.
How can I make the carrots crispier?
To boost crispiness, make sure you cut the carrots into uniform pieces so they roast evenly, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Roasting at 425°F helps caramelize the edges beautifully, and tossing halfway through encourages even browning.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
You can prep carrots and the honey garlic glaze ahead and store separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss and roast just before mealtime for the freshest taste and texture.
What can I do with leftover glaze?
The leftover honey garlic glaze is fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fresh bread. It adds a quick burst of sweet and savory flavor wherever you need it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and special about this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen. It’s so easy, uses simple ingredients, and turns humble carrots into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these sweet, buttery, and perfectly roasted carrots can brighten your meals as much as they do mine!
Print
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Glazed Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish featuring tender roasted carrots coated in a fragrant garlic butter and honey glaze, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon and an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds medium carrots (about 8)
Glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 small lemon, juiced
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 425°F to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for roasting the carrots evenly.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel and trim 2 pounds of medium carrots. Cut them into 2-inch pieces crosswise. For carrots thicker than 1 inch, halve or quarter them lengthwise to pieces about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place the prepared carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Make Honey Garlic Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, swirling occasionally until fragrant. Remove from heat, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey, and whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Glaze and Season Carrots: Drizzle half of the honey glaze over the carrots and toss to coat evenly. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, then toss again to distribute the seasoning well. Spread the carrots out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove, toss gently to ensure even cooking, then continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots are tender and golden brown on the bottoms.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining honey glaze and squeeze the juice from 1/2 small lemon over the roasted carrots. Toss to coat evenly. Transfer the carrots to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- The lemon juice adds a bright contrast to the sweetness of the honey glaze—don’t skip it.
- You can use either fresh or frozen carrots, but fresh is best for roasting.
- Adjust the honey amount based on how sweet you prefer your glaze.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper.
- Make sure to cut carrots evenly so they roast uniformly.
