Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

The Sweetest Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe Ever Made

Honey glazed roasted carrots reimagine ordinary vegetables into a delightful culinary experience that sparks joy at any dining table.

Sweet, caramelized edges hint at the magical reimagineation waiting to happen in your kitchen.

These vibrant orange roots absorb flavor magnificently when kissed by heat and golden honey.

Roasting concentrates natural sugars, creating a tender interior with crisp, slightly charred exterior that delights the senses.

Simple ingredients combine to elevate humble carrots into a side dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Seasonal and nutritious, this recipe promises a delectable journey from raw vegetable to irresistible accompaniment.

Warm golden hues and subtle sweetness make these carrots impossible to resist.

Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots That Shine on Any Plate

  • Unlock Sweet-Savory Magic: These carrots transform from ordinary to extraordinary with a simple honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a perfect balance between natural vegetable sweetness and golden-brown richness.
  • Super Quick Weeknight Victory: Requiring just 30 minutes total and minimal prep, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality side dishes without complicated techniques or endless chopping, making healthy eating effortless and delicious.
  • Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The recipe offers flexible seasoning options, allowing home cooks to adjust honey levels, add herbs like parsley, or experiment with different spices, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and meal styles.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Caramelized Carrots

Vegetables:
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that becomes caramelized and tender when roasted, choose medium-sized carrots with bright orange color and smooth skin.
Liquid Sweeteners and Oils:
  • Honey, Olive Oil: Natural sweetener that helps create golden caramelization and provides rich flavor, while olive oil ensures even roasting and helps seasonings stick to carrots.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of carrots and bringing out depth of flavor, freshly ground black pepper adds more robust taste.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light herbal freshness to the finished dish, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

How to Roast Carrots Until Golden and Tender

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick roasting.

Step 2: Season Carrots

In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots with:
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Arrange Carrots for Roasting

Transfer the seasoned carrots to the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even roasting and crispy edges.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for 15 to 25 minutes, checking periodically. The carrots are done when they are fork-tender and have developed a light golden-brown color.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Remove the roasted carrots from the oven. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Tips for Preventing Burnt Edges or Mushy Bites

  • Choose Fresh, Vibrant Carrots: Select firm, bright orange carrots with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cut Carrots Uniformly: Slice carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread carrots in a single layer with space between them to help them roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
  • Watch Honey Carefully: Monitor carrots during the last few minutes of roasting to prevent burning, as honey can quickly turn from golden to burnt.
  • Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth and complexity to the honey glaze.

Storing Glazed Carrots Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover honey glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Reheating: Warm the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Drizzle a small amount of fresh honey to revive their original glaze and moisture.
  • Freezing: While possible, freezing might slightly alter the texture. If freezing, place cooled carrots in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid. Consume within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Dishes to Serve These Carrots With

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the sweet honey glaze with a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir, which balances the carrots' caramelized sweetness and earthy undertones.
  • Match with Herb-Roasted Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled lamb to create a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the carrots' natural sweetness and honey notes.
  • Create a Creamy Contrast: Add a dollop of tangy goat cheese or Greek yogurt to provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, caramelized roasted carrots, adding depth and textural interest to the dish.
  • Sprinkle with Nutty Crunch: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the honey's sweetness and the carrots' roasted character.

Variations with Herbs, Citrus, or Spices

  • Maple Spice Roasted Carrots: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor profile that brings cozy comfort to your vegetable side dish.
  • Herb-Infused Glazed Carrots: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the olive oil and honey mixture, creating an aromatic coating that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots with earthy herb notes.
  • Ginger Sesame Carrot Blend: Replace honey with a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and minced fresh ginger for an Asian-inspired version that adds complexity and depth to the roasted vegetable.
  • Balsamic Honey Glazed Carrots: Incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar into the honey glaze, which introduces a tangy richness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting and complements the carrots' natural sweetness.
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Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet honey meets earthy roasted carrots in this simple Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Caramelized edges and a glossy finish make these carrots an irresistible companion to any main course that promises pure comfort on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Produce:

  • 1 pound carrots, about 1 large or 2 medium bunches, cut into 2-inch barrels

Herbs and Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 425°F (218°C) and cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Select fresh, firm carrots and wash them thoroughly, then pat dry with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine whole carrots with extra virgin olive oil, pure honey, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, gently tossing to achieve uniform coating.
  4. Arrange the seasoned carrots on the prepared baking sheet, distributing them in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even caramelization and roasting.
  5. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, periodically checking for optimal tenderness and golden-brown edges.
  6. Carefully remove the roasted carrots from the oven, testing doneness with a fork to ensure a soft yet slightly firm texture.
  7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a light drizzle of honey to enhance flavor profile.
  8. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Elevate plain carrots into a delectable side dish that caramelizes beautifully in high heat, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
  • Choose medium-sized carrots for uniform roasting and best texture, ensuring they cook evenly without becoming too soft or remaining too crunchy.
  • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, maintaining the carrots’ perfect golden-brown edges.
  • Drizzle honey sparingly to achieve a delightful glaze that enhances natural carrot sweetness without overwhelming the vegetable’s inherent flavor.
  • Customize the dish by experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the honey’s warmth and add depth to the roasted carrots.
  • Check carrots around the 15-minute mark to prevent overcooking, aiming for a tender yet slightly firm texture that retains a gentle bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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