Sweet and savory roasted carrots tossed in a buttery honey and garlic glaze—this simple yet elegant side dish is one I keep coming back to. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms basic carrots into something crave-worthy. With minimal ingredients and a short cook time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or anytime I want to impress without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortlessly these honey garlic roasted carrots come together. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the richness of butter and the depth of roasted garlic. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that always earns compliments. Whether I’m making it for a holiday spread or a regular dinner, the balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of fresh herbs makes this a standout side.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 lbs carrots
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½ cup unsalted butter
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3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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For garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley and additional honey for drizzling
Directions
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I start by preheating the oven to 425°F and prepping a baking sheet or roasting pan with nonstick spray.
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Then I peel (or scrub) the carrots, trim the ends, and cut them on a bias into large pieces.
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In a small skillet, I melt the butter with honey and minced garlic, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
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I spread the carrots on the baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and pour the honey-butter mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly.
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I roast them uncovered for around 20 minutes until they’re tender and starting to brown. For more caramelization, I sometimes broil them briefly.
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When it’s time to serve, I drizzle on a bit more honey and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Serves 6
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 22 minutes
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Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
When I want to change things up, I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat. A splash of fresh orange or lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully. Sometimes I toss in fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or chives at the end for a fresh twist.
Storage/Reheating
After the carrots have cooled, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they’re hot again. This method keeps them tasting just as delicious as when they were first made.
FAQs
What kind of carrots work best for this recipe?
I usually go with regular whole carrots, but baby carrots work too. Just adjust the roasting time since smaller carrots cook faster.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve made it a few hours ahead and reheated it gently in the oven or on the stovetop. Just be sure not to overcook during reheating.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely. I just substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
How do I get extra caramelization?
I like to broil the carrots for 1–2 minutes at the end of roasting. It gives them a lovely golden finish and boosts the flavor.
Can I use pre-cut or frozen carrots?
Yes, I’ve used both in a pinch. If using frozen, I thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during roasting.
Conclusion
These honey garlic roasted carrots are one of those dishes that always hits the mark—simple, flavorful, and easy to make. I love how versatile they are and how they elevate even the most casual meal. Whether I serve them on a weeknight or during a holiday dinner, they never fail to shine.
Print
Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting (with stovetop option)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and savory roasted carrots tossed in a honey, butter, and garlic glaze—perfect as an easy and elegant side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For garnish: finely chopped fresh parsley and additional honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Prepare a baking sheet or roasting pan—spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Peeled or scrubbed carrots: trim tops and bottoms, and cut on the bias into large pieces.
- In a small skillet, combine butter, honey, and minced garlic. Heat until butter melts—about 2 minutes—stirring frequently.
- Arrange the carrots on the prepared pan, season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the honey‑butter mixture over carrots, toss to coat evenly.
- Roast, uncovered, for about 20 minutes—or until carrots are tender and starting to brown. For extra caramelization, broil briefly.
- To serve: drizzle with a bit more honey and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- Stovetop Option: After preparing glaze, add carrots to the skillet and cook over medium heat—stir frequently until tender. Optionally broil for color.
- Storage: Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm carrots in a skillet over medium heat until heated through (~10 minutes).
- Variations: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice), a splash of orange or lemon juice (for brightness), or fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme (for extra flavor).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (approx.)
- Calories: 233 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 301 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g monounsaturated + 1 g polyunsaturated
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg