If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious, this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is going to become your new favorite. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the warm hint of cinnamon and the rich, buttery honey glaze, creating a tender, caramelized masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy way to bring vibrant color and cozy flavors to your table that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that work together to create that perfect harmony of sweet, warm, and savory. Each one plays a vital role—whether adding depth, balance, or enhancing the natural carrot flavor and texture.
- Carrots, 2 pounds peeled: Choose firm, bright carrots as the star vegetable, bringing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Melted butter, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps achieve a luscious, glossy glaze coating every inch of the carrots.
- Honey, 2 tablespoons: Brings natural sweetness and a sticky glaze that caramelizes during roasting.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses a warm, subtle spice that elevates the flavor without overpowering.
- Sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a touch of savory.
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon: Adds a little gentle heat and complexity to round out the dish.
How to Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is perfect for roasting the carrots so they get beautifully tender inside with caramelized edges outside. It sets the stage for the honey glaze to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel your carrots and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Keeping them spaced out ensures even roasting and that each carrot gets that irresistible glaze coating.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper. This luscious mixture will be the heart of your glaze, blending warm spice with sweet and savory notes, perfectly complementing the natural carrot flavor.
Step 4: Glaze the Carrots
Using a pastry brush, generously coat every carrot with the honey butter glaze, turning them to cover all sides. If you don’t have a brush, spoon the glaze evenly over the carrots. This step is crucial for that signature shiny, sticky finish.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. You want the carrots to become tender when pierced with a fork and to develop that gorgeous caramelized exterior from the honey glaze.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once roasted, remove the tray from the oven and transfer your honey glazed roasted carrots straight onto a serving dish while they’re warm and fragrant. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten this dish beautifully. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a delightful crunch and enhances the honey’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a holiday ham. The subtle sweetness and warm spice make it versatile enough to complement a wide range of mains and other vegetable sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the glazed carrots on a platter with a drizzle of extra honey and a few toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and visual appeal. You can also serve them in individual small bowls garnished with microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover honey glazed roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
While roasting fresh is ideal, you can freeze cooked carrots by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating; however, the texture might soften a bit after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps preserve the carrots’ texture and refreshes the glaze’s shine and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe?
Yes, baby carrots work wonderfully and roast a bit faster due to their smaller size. You may want to reduce the roasting time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest glaze and texture, but if your carrots are organic and well-washed, you can leave the skin on for added rustic charm and nutrients.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup makes a delicious alternative to honey, offering a slightly different sweetness and depth that’s equally delightful in this recipe.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
If cinnamon isn’t on hand, you can use a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to add that warm spice note, or simply omit it for a more straightforward honey-glazed flavor.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe vegan, replace the melted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe—the way it transforms simple ingredients into a side dish that feels both comforting and a little bit luxurious. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner extra memorable or adding a colorful touch to a holiday spread, these carrots bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of magic to every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!
Print
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and savory honey glazed carrots roasted to perfection with a cinnamon-infused buttery glaze, making a delightful side dish that is both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast and caramelize the carrots perfectly.
- Prepare the carrots: Arrange the peeled carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet to promote even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Apply the glaze: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the carrots with the honey butter glaze on all sides, making sure each carrot is fully covered for maximum flavor.
- Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the glazed carrots from the oven and serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Use baby carrots instead of large ones for quicker roasting.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste if you prefer a more subtle spice.
- Ensure carrots are spread out and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to roast evenly.
