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)

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet, caramelized magic of the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe. It’s a simple side that brings warmth and a touch of elegance to any meal, with that perfect balance of honey sweetness and a hint of spice that lingers on your taste buds.

A white bowl is full of cooked carrot pieces, each sliced into thick diagonal chunks with a shiny orange glaze, showing a slight texture of seasoning and small bits of garlic or spices. The carrots are sprinkled with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly on top and around the sides. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a few whole parsley sprigs placed nearby. The lighting highlights the rich color and slight gloss of the carrots, making them look warm and fresh. 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 can honestly say this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become one of my go-to side dishes whenever I want something that feels just a little special but is so easy to throw together. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, and it makes the humble carrot shine like never before.

Simplicity at Its Best: You only need one sheet pan and a handful of ingredients to get a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
Sweet & Savory Harmony: The honey glaze perfectly balances the natural earthiness of the carrots, with just a subtle hint of warm spices.
Quick and Versatile: Ready in under 30 minutes, it can easily adapt to your flavor preferences or seasonal herbs.
Beautiful Presentation: Those golden, caramelized edges and a sprinkle of herbs make it just as nice to look at as it is to eat.

The image shows a close-up of several roasted carrot pieces in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The carrots are cut into uneven chunks with a bright orange color and a shiny, glazed texture indicating they are coated with a sauce or seasoning. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the carrots for garnish, adding a touch of contrast. A silver fork is partly visible at the bottom left corner, partially under the carrots. The carrots have a slightly caramelized look with hints of spices coating their surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create a harmonious glaze that’s bursting with personality. When you shop, look for fresh, firm carrots and quality honey that’s floral and not overly processed, to get that lovely depth of sweetness.

Flat lay of peeled whole carrots with vibrant orange color and green tops trimmed, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey glistening under the light, another small white bowl containing melted butter with a rich creamy yellow tone, a third small white bowl holding clear golden olive oil, a neat pile of warm brown ground cinnamon, a small heap of pale beige ground ginger, a pinch of fine white salt crystals arranged neatly, a scattering of coarse black peppercorns, and fresh sprigs of green parsley and thyme herbs, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 and firm carrots are essential—they roast up tender with a natural sweetness that the honey complements beautifully.
Honey: Adds rich, sticky sweetness that caramelizes during roasting, creating those irresistible golden edges.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory punch that balances the sweetness and adds depth.
Melted Butter or Ghee: Brings luscious richness and helps carry the flavors evenly over the carrots.
Olive Oil: Keeps the carrots moist and aids in roasting, giving them a lovely roasted texture.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs wonderfully with honey.
Ground Ginger: Offers a subtle zing that lifts the flavor profile.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—to elevate and balance all the sweetness and spices.
Parsley, Thyme, or Other Herbs (Optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and 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

One of the things I enjoy most about this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists that add a little something extra depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry.

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complemented the sweetness perfectly—my family loved the extra kick!
Herbal Touch: Fresh rosemary or sage work beautifully instead of parsley or thyme if you want a woodsy, earthy flavor.
Maple Honey Substitute: Sometimes I swap regular honey for maple syrup for a deeper, richer glaze that’s excellent in fall and winter.
Roasting Time: Adjust the roasting a few minutes longer if you like your carrots a bit more caramelized and tender, just keep an eye so they don’t burn.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Like A Pro

Start by peeling your carrots, then slice them diagonally so each piece is about 1 to 1.5 inches long. This cut not only looks elegant but helps each piece roast evenly. If your carrots are particularly thick, slicing them in half lengthwise helps them cook through without drying out.

Step 2: Toss with the Honey Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, add your carrots along with honey, minced garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so every carrot is coated in that luscious glaze. Don’t be shy to use your hands here—it’s the best way to ensure even coverage.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway to get even caramelization. If you love that extra glazed char, broil for a couple of minutes at the end—but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted, transfer your carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or your favorite herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness!

Top Tip

After making this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe multiple times, I discovered a few simple tips that really elevate the dish and keep it foolproof.

Even Slicing: Cutting carrots into uniform pieces ensures they roast evenly without some pieces overcooking while others are underdone.
Don’t Skip Tossing: Tossing halfway through roasting helps caramelize all sides, giving you those irresistibly crispy edges and tender centers.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic bakes differently than powdered—adding it before roasting lets it mellow without burning.
Watch the Broil: If you choose to broil at the end for extra color, keep a close eye—caramelized doesn’t mean burnt, and it happens fast!

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for fresh parsley because its bright, grassy flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze. Sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pistachios for a crunch—totally optional, but it adds a lovely texture.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, or even a simple quinoa salad. I also love serving it alongside mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the carrots on a long platter, garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs, to impress guests visually. It’s amazing how a humble side can look so festive when plated thoughtfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey glazed carrots keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find they actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld further.

Freezing

I’ve frozen roasted carrots before, but with the honey glaze, it’s best to freeze them raw in the glaze for best texture after reheating. Once thawed, roast or reheat in the oven to regain that lovely caramelization.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes to warm through and bring back some crispness. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that roasted texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

You can definitely use baby carrots if that's what you have on hand. Just keep in mind they might cook a bit faster due to their size, so check them a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

How do I get the carrots to caramelize evenly?

Tossing the carrots halfway through roasting is key for even caramelization. Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer on your sheet pan to avoid steaming, which can prevent browning.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the butter or ghee with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

What herbs work best as garnishes?

Parsley and thyme are classics, but I've also loved using fresh rosemary or even chopped chives for a different note. Choose what complements your main dish best!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns simple carrots into something you look forward to eating again and again. It’s the kind of dish I recommend to friends who want easy, flavorful cooking that still feels a little indulgent. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite side on your table too!