Name: Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds carrots, peeled; ¼ cup honey; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; parsley, thyme or other herbs for garnish

There’s something irresistibly cozy about sweet, tender carrots roasted to perfection with a glossy honey glaze. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe transforms humble veggies into a side dish that even your pickiest eaters will love—trust me, it’s simply magic on a plate.

The image shows a white plate filled with shiny cooked carrots that are cut into medium-sized pieces with a smooth, glossy texture. The carrots have a bright orange color with some darker, slightly caramelized spots. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of fresh color. A silver spoon is partially visible at the bottom left of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe because it elevates simple ingredients into something special with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, spices, and that sweet honey coating creates layers of flavor you’ll want to make again and again.

Simple yet impressive: It requires just a handful of ingredients, making it easy but packed with flavor.
Perfectly caramelized: Roasting at a high temperature brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness enhanced by honey.
Versatile for any meal: It pairs beautifully with weeknight dinners or holiday spreads alike.
Customizable with spices: You can tweak the cinnamon and ginger according to your taste or what you have on hand.

A white bowl filled with two layers of cooked carrots, each carrot piece cut on a slight angle showing a bright orange color with a glistening texture that looks like it is coated in a light sauce or seasoning, small green parsley leaves scattered across the top adding a fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled surface with a few sprigs of parsley visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe is in how straightforward ingredients come together to create complexity. The butter and olive oil mix gives the carrots a rich base, while honey’s natural sweetness is balanced with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Flat lay of fresh whole peeled carrots sliced diagonally into thick pieces, a small white bowl of golden honey, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl with olive oil, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with ground ginger powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme neatly arranged, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Carrots: Choose fresh, firm carrots—medium-sized ones roast evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully.
Honey: This is the star for sweetness and glaze; I love using raw honey for more depth.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds a hint of savory aroma that balances the sweet glaze.
Butter or ghee: Melted to coat the carrots, it adds a velvety richness and helps deepen roasting flavors.
Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps the carrots roast evenly and prevents sticking.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a subtle spice that complements the honey without overpowering.
Ground ginger: Adds a slight zing that pairs surprisingly well with sweet carrots.
Salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds just enough bite to keep the dish interesting.
Parsley, thyme, or herbs for garnish (optional): I love the fresh pop of green herbs for color and a herbal lift.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to experiment with this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe by switching up the spices or adding nuts right before serving for some crunch. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or the season—it’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your creativity.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the carrots for a delightful nutty contrast—you might love the texture addition as much as I do.
Dietary adjustment: Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free version that still feels rich and luscious.
Seasonal tweaks: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice smoky touch in colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Fresh Carrots

Start by peeling and slicing your carrots diagonally into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If your carrots are particularly thick, slicing them in half lengthwise helps them roast evenly without burning or staying too firm. The diagonal cut isn’t just for looks; it gives more surface area to soak up that honey glaze, which I think makes all the difference.

Step 2: Tossing With Honey, Spices & Fat

In a big mixing bowl, add the carrots along with honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until each carrot piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial because the honey and butter create that shiny caramelization when roasting—don’t skimp on the toss!

Step 3: Roasting to Sweet Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer—crowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, so give them space! Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through to brown all sides evenly. For an extra caramelized finish, I like to broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or any herbs you love for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and watch how this simple side disappears quickly!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe more times than I can count, and these little tricks will guarantee you get that perfect caramelization and flavor balance every time.

High heat roasting: Roasting at 425°F is essential to caramelize the natural sugars in carrots and the honey glaze—anything less and you might miss that golden crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space out your carrots so they roast instead of steam; this keeps them crisp on the edges and tender inside.
Fresh garlic in the glaze: Adding fresh garlic right before roasting avoids bitterness and adds that subtle punch of flavor you’ll appreciate.
Use a sturdy baking sheet: A heavy-duty pan helps maintain even heat and avoids warping during roasting—trust me, cheap pans can ruin the texture.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for chopped fresh parsley or thyme for a fresh herbal note and lovely green contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans for a little crunch, which really elevates the texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or alongside a cozy grain bowl with quinoa or farro. I also love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad on the side to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged these honey glazed carrots on a platter lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkled pomegranate seeds on top for festive color and a juicy burst. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish look extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to three days. Carrots keep their texture well, so they’re perfect for easy reheats during the week.

Freezing

I have frozen honey glazed carrots successfully by placing them on a baking sheet first, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months and can be reheated from frozen in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I either warm them gently in the microwave or refresh them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you want to revive that roast crispiness, the oven method works best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe?

Fresh carrots roast best for this recipe because they hold their texture and soak up the glaze properly. Frozen carrots tend to release water while cooking and won’t caramelize as well, resulting in a more steamed texture.

How do I prevent the honey from burning during roasting?

Make sure to toss your carrots well with the honey and oil, and keep an eye on the oven during roasting—especially when broiling. Roasting at 425°F allows caramelization without burning if you stir halfway through and avoid overcrowding the pan. Adding a little fat like butter or olive oil helps protect the honey as well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with vegan butter or more olive oil, and ensure your honey replacement is something like maple syrup or agave. Keep in mind that pure honey gives a unique flavor and glaze, but these substitutes work well and keep the dish plant-based.

Is it okay to add other vegetables with the carrots?

You can add sturdy vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes cut to similar sizes to roast alongside the carrots. Just keep in mind that roasting times might vary slightly. Softer vegetables might overcook, so it’s better to add them later or roast separately for best results.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s straightforward, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight side or part of a festive meal, these carrots bring warmth and sweetness that feels like a little hug on your plate. I’m excited for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your favorite ways to enjoy this classic vegetable!