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

There's something truly comforting about the sweet, sticky charm of roasted carrots that just sing with warmth and flavor. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is one of those simple dishes that transforms humble carrots into a luscious, caramelized side that's impossible to resist. Let me walk you through how to get that perfect balance of sweet and savory every time.

A white plate piled with bright orange cooked carrot pieces, each cut into thick, uneven chunks and covered in a shiny glaze with tiny bits of seasoning. Small green parsley leaves are scattered across the carrots, adding contrast. A silver spoon is partially visible at the edge of the plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The carrots look soft and well-coated, showing some texture on their surfaces. 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

This recipe has become my go-to whenever I want an easy veggie side that feels special without any fuss. The honey glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, while the garlic and warming spices bring some serious depth. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because everyone always asks for seconds!

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your kitchen, so it’s an easy throw-together dish.
Flavor-packed: The honey and spices caramelize beautifully, making every bite rich but balanced.
Perfect texture: Roasting creates tender carrots with slightly crispy edges that are just irresistible.
Versatile: It pairs well with practically any main, from weeknight chicken to holiday roast beef.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here comes together for a harmonious blend that really highlights the carrots. I especially love how the honey and melted butter form that lovely sticky coating, while the spices gently elevate the natural sweetness.

Flat lay of peeled whole carrots with a few cut on a diagonal, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme, all perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, 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: Fresh, firm carrots roast the best. Cutting them evenly helps ensure they cook uniformly.
Honey: This is the star of your glaze—use a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punchy depth that balances the sweetness.
Melted butter or ghee: Adds richness and helps the glaze stick beautifully to the carrots.
Olive oil: Helps with roasting and adds a nice subtle fruitiness.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that’s unexpected but incredible on roasted carrots.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing, complementing the honey’s sweetness.
Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors and balancing the sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the dish.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, etc.): Optional but highly recommended to add freshness 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 like to switch things up depending on the season or the main dish I’m serving. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is so forgiving, you can play with it and still end up with something delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky layer that complements the honey beautifully. It’s a small twist that really wakes up the flavor.
Make it vegan: Swap out butter for more olive oil or use coconut oil for a tropical twist.
Seasonal change: Toss in some diced sweet potatoes or parsnips to make it heartier during cooler months.
Spicy kick: A dash of cayenne can add a surprising heat contrast to the sweet glaze.

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

Step 1: Slice and Prepare the Carrots

Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them diagonally into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. This diagonal cut gives a nice surface area for roasting and glaze absorption. If your carrots are extra thick, halve them lengthwise so they roast evenly. Trust me, uniform sizing makes all the difference to get that perfect tender texture.

Step 2: Toss with Honey and Spices

In a big mixing bowl, combine the honey, garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Then toss in your carrot pieces, stirring well so each one is luxuriously coated. This part smells incredible, and it’s where the magic starts.

Step 3: Roast to Caramelized Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots out on a sheet pan so they aren’t overcrowded (this helps them roast instead of steam). Pop them into your preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway so they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden caramelization.

If you’re like me and can’t resist a little extra crisp, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end to get edges that are almost caramel candy-like. Just watch carefully so they don't burn.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your honey glazed carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top. The herbs add a beautiful pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the sticky sweetness perfectly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe dozens of times, and a few small tricks have really helped me nail it every time. These little habits can save you from common pitfalls and make the process smooth and foolproof.

Use a heavy-duty sheet pan: This prevents warping in the oven, so your carrots roast evenly without sliding around.
Don’t crowd the pan: Giving the carrots space helps them roast rather than steam, leading to those crispy edges you want.
Use fresh spices: Ground cinnamon and ginger lose their potency over time; fresh spices bring out the best flavor here.
Broil carefully: If you add that broil step for extra caramelization, keep a close eye so they don’t burn in the last minutes.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish these carrots with fresh parsley or thyme because their bright, herbal notes cut through the sweetness so nicely. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, which adds a delightful texture and nuttiness that surprises guests in the best way.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed carrot dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. It’s also a lovely complement to a hearty grain bowl or alongside mashed potatoes for a classic holiday plate. I’ve even served it with quinoa and grilled salmon for a lighter but still satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the roasted carrots on a rustic wooden board lined with fresh herbs, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tartness. It instantly makes the humble carrot feel festive and almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for a quick and healthy side when you need it.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for this recipe. Just let the carrots cool completely, pack into a freezer-safe container, and they keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in the microwave for convenience, but if you want to bring back some crispiness, a quick zap in a hot skillet over medium heat works wonders. Just toss them around until warmed through and slightly caramelized again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots roast best in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe because they caramelize better. Frozen carrots tend to release extra water and might steam rather than roast, resulting in a softer texture.

How do I avoid burning the honey glaze during roasting?

To avoid burning, make sure you toss the carrots midway through roasting and keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, especially if broiling for extra caramelization. Using a moderate oven temperature and distributing the carrots in a single layer also helps prevent scorching.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the carrots with the glaze ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before roasting. However, I recommend roasting just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have cinnamon or ginger?

While cinnamon and ginger add lovely warmth, if you don’t have them on hand, you can simply omit and rely on the honey, garlic, and butter for plenty of flavor. A little nutmeg or allspice could work as a substitute if available.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is one of those delicious, simple dishes that has become a favorite in my kitchen—and I’m confident it will be one of yours, too. It’s sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly roasted. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get some extra veggies on the table with minimal effort. So next time you want a side that feels both cozy and impressive, you know exactly what to do!