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 (optional)

One bite of these sweet, tender carrots, and you'll understand why this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is a game-changer. The perfect balance of honey’s natural sweetness and warm spices makes this side dish truly special and so easy to whip up anytime.

The image shows a white bowl filled with cooked, sliced carrots. There are about two layers of carrot pieces, each having a bright orange color with a shiny, slightly oily texture that suggests they are seasoned or cooked with some sauce. Small green parsley pieces are scattered evenly over the carrots, adding a touch of fresh green color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a few sprigs of parsley placed near the top right corner of the image. 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’ve made glazed carrots plenty of ways, but this honey roasted version? It just hits the sweet spot. It’s a simple recipe that elevates humble carrots into a crowd-pleasing side that’s bursting with flavor every time.

Easy to Prepare: Just a quick toss with honey, spices, and butter—no fuss, no fancy ingredients.
Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey caramelizes beautifully during roasting, giving carrots a luscious glaze.
Flexible and Adaptable: You can easily customize the spices to fit your mood or season.
Fantastic for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe shines.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with tender, cooked carrot pieces cut in half or into chunks. The carrots are a bright orange color with a shiny, slightly glazed texture that suggests they are seasoned or cooked with spices. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the carrots, adding a fresh contrast. A silver spoon is partially visible at the bottom left edge of the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays a role in creating that magic balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic. Knowing why helps you feel confident when you’re prepping.

Flat lay of peeled whole carrots sliced diagonally, three whole garlic cloves with clean white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of light beige ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse black peppercorns, a few fresh green sprigs of parsley and thyme arranged neatly, 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 m7354615311229779997

Carrots: Fresh, peeled carrots bring the natural sweetness and a satisfying texture once roasted.
Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze as it roasts.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds savory depth and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and helps the glaze adhere to the carrots.
Olive Oil: Keeps the carrots moist and promotes even roasting.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that adds subtle complexity without overpowering.
Ground Ginger: Introduces a gentle zing that complements the honey and cinnamon.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors and balance sweetness.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Parsley, thyme, or your favorite herbs add a fresh brightness just before serving.

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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 love experimenting with this recipe—sometimes adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist or swapping cinnamon for smoked paprika for a savory vibe. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or what you’ve got on hand.

Variation: A pinch of chili flakes kicked up the heat pleasantly when I last made it, turning this side dish into the perfect partner for a cozy winter stew.
Dietary Modification: To keep it vegan, just swap butter for extra olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter alternative.
Seasonal Change: In spring, I like tossing in some fresh thyme leaves before roasting—it adds a lovely herbaceous note.

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

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Carrots

Start by peeling 2 pounds of carrots and slicing them diagonally into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. For thicker carrots, slicing them in half lengthwise ensures even cooking. I find this size perfect for getting tender but not mushy carrots.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons melted butter (or ghee), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This fragrant glaze is what turns these carrots into a star dish.

Step 3: Toss and Roast

Coat your sliced carrots evenly in the glaze, then spread them out on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through so they caramelize evenly. If you like, pop them under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to get those irresistibly crispy edges.

Step 4: Serve with Garnish

Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. The herbs add a fresh pop that complements the glaze beautifully.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few key tricks to nail the perfect honey glazed roasted carrots every time. These simple tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and boost flavor effortlessly.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Spreading out the carrots ensures they roast evenly and get that beautiful caramelization without steaming.
Use Room Temperature Honey and Butter: This makes mixing easier and helps the glaze coat the carrots more evenly.
Watch Your Roasting Time: Check at 20 minutes to prevent burning—carrots should be tender but still hold their shape.
Broil for the Final Touch: A quick broil at the end crisps the edges, adding great texture contrast I've fallen in love with.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m partial to a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme because they lend a lovely herbal brightness without overshadowing the glaze. Sometimes, a few toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top add a delightful crunch that surprises guests every time.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed roasted carrots recipe pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. I’ve also served it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy quinoa salad for a comforting yet fresh meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the carrots on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with herbs and edible flowers. It turns a humble side dish into a stunning centerpiece that guests can't resist digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey glazed carrots store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually just reheat them gently to keep the glaze intact and the carrots moist.

Freezing

While you can freeze roasted carrots, I recommend freezing the glaze separately if possible. This maintains the best texture, as carrots can get a bit soft after thawing. When you’re ready, reheat in the oven for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, spread leftover carrots on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps them from getting soggy and revives that lovely roasted texture and shine on the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Frozen carrots tend to release more water, which can make the glaze less sticky and the roasting less even. Fresh carrots work best here for that perfect honey glaze and caramelization.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and glaze the carrots ahead, but wait to roast them just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor. Alternatively, roast them fully and reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! Simply swap out the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to keep it vegan while maintaining that delicious richness.

How do I avoid the carrots burning while roasting?

Make sure to toss the carrots halfway through roasting and keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes, especially if you broil them. Using parchment paper or a well-oiled pan helps, too.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for because it’s just so reliably delicious and fuss-free. It’s a lovely way to highlight carrots’ natural sweetness while bringing some warmth and richness to the plate. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do.