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; 1/4 cup honey; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Parsley, thyme, or other herbs for garnish (optional)

There's something incredibly comforting about the sweet, warm aroma of honey mingling with roasted carrots. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe turns simple veggies into a delightful side dish that’s both cozy and elegant—perfect for any meal!

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

I have to admit, roasted carrots used to be pretty basic in my kitchen—until I tried glazing them with honey and warming spices. This combo brings out the carrot’s natural sweetness and adds layers of flavor that make the dish feel special without any fuss.

Sweet & Savory Harmony: The honey glaze perfectly balances the earthy flavor of roasted carrots for an irresistible taste.
Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you'll have a side dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Flexible & Customizable: You can easily swap herbs or spices to match your meal or preferences.
Great for Any Season: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these carrots add a touch of warmth and sweetness.

A white plate is filled with bright orange cooked carrots that are cut into thick, uneven diagonal pieces. The carrots have a shiny, slightly oily surface that shows small bits of seasoning and herbs. Green parsley leaves are scattered on top and around the carrots, adding a fresh contrast to the orange color. The whole plate rests on a white marbled surface, and some fresh parsley leaves are placed above the plate as decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe leans on simple, wholesome ingredients that play off each other beautifully. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the spices add warmth and complexity. Here’s a bit more on why each one makes these roasted carrots sing.

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, peeled carrots are the star—choose ones that are firm and brightly colored for the best flavor and roasting texture.
Honey: Adds that luscious glaze and caramelizes during roasting for a perfect golden finish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a subtle savory kick that balances the sweetness.
Melted Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and helps the glazes stick to the carrots nicely.
Olive Oil: A touch to help with roasting evenly and enhancing flavor.
Cinnamon: Provides a gentle warmth that makes this dish cozy and inviting.
Ground Ginger: Adds a slight zing to complement honey’s sweetness.
Salt: Needed to bring all the flavors alive and balance the sweetness.
Black Pepper: Just a hint to add depth without overpowering.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme sprinkled on top freshen the dish and add a hint of brightness.

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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 tweaking this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand—you can really make it your own! Experimenting with spices or herbs is an easy way to add your personality.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out cinnamon and ginger for smoked paprika and cumin for a more savory, smoky twist that’s fantastic with grilled meats.
Herb Swap: Rosemary or sage works beautifully too, especially in the fall and winter months.
Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the honey amount if you prefer a lighter glaze or want it sweeter.
Make It Vegan: Simply use olive oil in place of butter or ghee and you’re good to go.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Just Right

Start by peeling your carrots, then slice them diagonally into 1-to-1.5-inch pieces. I find the diagonal cuts create more surface area, which means more caramelized edges. If you’ve got big, thick carrots, feel free to halve the pieces so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Toss with a Magical Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, minced garlic, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, then toss the carrots in this glorious mix until they’re fully coated. This step is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Roast to Glorious Caramelization

Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget to toss them halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking. For an extra caramelized touch, broil the last 2-3 minutes—I know it sounds fiery, but watch them closely!

Step 4: Serve with Fresh Herbs

Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle some chopped parsley, thyme, or your favorite herbs on top. The fresh herb finish cuts through the sweetness and adds a lovely pop of color.

Top Tip

Roasting honey-glazed carrots is simple, but a few tricks can take your dish from great to unforgettable. I've learned these over time, and they consistently make a difference in my kitchen.

Use a Heavy-Duty Baking Sheet: This prevents warping and ensures even heat distribution, so your carrots roast beautifully every time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving your carrots space lets them brown and caramelize instead of steam. This is key for that irresistible glaze.
Broil for a Caramelized Finish: Just 2-3 minutes under the broiler at the end creates those perfect crispy edges—just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Fresh Garlic Only: Using fresh minced garlic (not powdered) gives a subtle aromatic pop without overpowering the sweetness.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley or thyme as a garnish because they bring brightness and a lovely herbal note that contrasts with the sweet glaze. For a festive touch, a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or pistachios adds crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed roasted carrots recipe pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or pork, as the sweetness complements savory meats. I’ve also served it alongside a creamy risotto or quinoa salad for a balanced vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the carrots on a festive platter with a bed of fresh greens and sprinkle edible flowers or pomegranate seeds on top. It looks stunning and elevates a simple vegetable to the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always pop leftover honey glazed carrots into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor really well, making them a great option for quick lunches or dinner sides.

Freezing

While fresh is best, I’ve successfully frozen these carrots for up to 3 months. Just cool completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually zap them in the microwave until warmed through for convenience, or spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for about 10 minutes to refresh their crispy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

While fresh carrots roast best and caramelize beautifully, you can use frozen carrots if you thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess. You might need to reduce roasting time slightly.

What type of honey works best for this recipe?

Any natural honey works well here, but I prefer a mild honey so that it doesn’t overpower the spices and carrot flavor. Clover or wildflower honey are great options.

Can I make this recipe without garlic?

Absolutely! You can omit the garlic if you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the honey and spices.

How do I prevent the honey from burning while roasting?

Tossing the carrots halfway through roasting helps prevent burning. Also, roasting at 425°F is high enough to caramelize without burning if you keep an eye on the tray and don’t broil for too long.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want an easy side that feels just a little bit fancy. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the humble carrot and bring out its best qualities. Trust me, once you try it, these roasted carrots will find their way into your regular meal rotation too—enjoy making it your own!