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 those sweet, tender bites of roasted carrots with a glossy honey coating—it's like a hug for your taste buds. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is simple yet brings out a deep, warm flavor that makes even the pickiest eaters smile.

A white bowl filled with cooked carrot pieces that are cut into thick slices and small sticks, showing a shiny, slightly glazed orange surface. On top, small green parsley leaves are scattered, adding a fresh touch of color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a few fresh parsley branches nearby. The lighting is bright, highlighting the carrots' glossy texture and the contrast between the carrots and the fresh herbs. 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 this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe countless times, especially when I want a side dish that feels fancy but is effortless. The combination of honey and warm spices turns ordinary carrots into something really special.

Simple and Quick: You can whip this up in about 25 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.
Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with a subtle kick of cinnamon and ginger—comfort food at its best.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted chicken to a cozy vegetarian meal.
Easy to Customize: You can swap herbs or add a touch of heat if you like a little twist.

The image shows a silver baking tray filled with sliced carrots that have been roasted. The carrots are cut into oblique pieces, some round and some with sharp angled ends, displaying a bright orange color with slightly darker roasted edges. The tray has brown roasted bits and some oily spots scattered unevenly across its surface. In the top part of the tray, a black spatula rests on the edge. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays a crucial role. I always find that using fresh garlic and good quality honey makes a big difference. Plus, cinnamon and ginger add a cozy warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Flat lay of fresh whole peeled carrots with bright orange skin, three uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, another small white bowl holding melted yellow butter, a small white bowl containing clear golden olive oil, a tiny white bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon, a tiny white bowl with pale beige ground ginger, a tiny white bowl with fine white salt, a tiny white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley and thyme sprigs 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: Choose firm, sweet carrots—if they’re fresh and tender, your glaze will shine even more.
Honey: Use a good quality honey for the richest flavor and beautiful caramelization.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness.
Melted butter or ghee: Adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the carrots.
Olive oil: Helps with roasting and gives a subtle fruity background.
Cinnamon: Just the right amount of warmth and earthiness.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that awakens your palate.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the honey’s sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds just a touch of bite to keep things interesting.
Parsley, thyme, or other herbs (optional): Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add color and a burst of freshness.

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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 to tweak this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. It’s one of those recipes that invites your creativity, and you’ll enjoy making it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a subtle spicy kick, which my family really enjoys.
Dietary Modifications: To keep it dairy-free, I use extra olive oil in place of butter or ghee without losing any of the rich flavor.
Seasonal Twist: In colder months, swapping parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary really amps up the coziness.

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

Step 1: Prep the Carrots Just Right

First things first: peel your carrots and slice them on a diagonal about 1 to 1.5 inches long. I find diagonally sliced carrots roast more evenly and show off a nice surface area, soaking up that glaze beautifully. If your carrots are thick, halve them lengthwise so they cook evenly without turning mushy.

Step 2: Toss with the Sweet & Savory Glaze

In a large bowl, I combine the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Then I toss in the sliced carrots, making sure every piece is shimmering with that delicious glaze. You want them well-coated but not swimming in sauce.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a sheet pan — crowding makes them steam instead of roast. Pop them into a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through. If you want those edges extra caramelized like I do, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully so they don't burn!

Step 4: Serve with a Fresh Herb Finish

Once roasted, transfer your honey glazed carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top. It adds that lovely pop of color and a fresh bite to balance the sweetness.

Top Tip

After making this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it up a notch—these tips should make your cooking easier and tastier.

Choose Carrots Wisely: Thicker carrots hold up better during roasting, so pick ones that aren’t too skinny and fragile.
Coating is Key: Make sure every carrot piece is well coated with the honey-glaze mixture for the best caramelization and flavor.
Don’t Skip the Tossing: Toss the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
Watch the Broil: If you broil for extra caramelization, keep a close eye—it can change from perfect to burnt in seconds.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I add a few toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch and a nutty contrast — it’s a lovely touch for dinner parties.

Side Dishes

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a grain bowl featuring quinoa or wild rice. I also love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a herbaceous green salad for a full balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I arrange the carrots artfully in a shallow wooden serving bowl, sprinkle fresh microgreens, and drizzle a little extra honey just before serving. It makes the dish look and feel festive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover honey glazed roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last happily for about 3-4 days. They’re still delicious cold or at room temperature, which makes them great for lunch sides.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these carrots a couple of times with decent results. To freeze, spread cooled carrots on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to revive that lovely roasted texture.

Reheating

The best way I've found to reheat is to spread carrots on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, just until warmed through. This keeps their edges crisp rather than soggy like the microwave tends to do.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Maple syrup works well as a substitute, adding a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Keep the quantity the same for the glaze.

How do I make sure the carrots roast evenly?

Cut carrots into uniform pieces, preferably diagonally sliced around 1 to 1.5 inches. Also, spread them out in a single layer without crowding on the pan to help even roasting.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and toss the carrots in the honey glaze a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just roast them fresh when ready to serve to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What herbs pair best with honey glazed carrots?

Fresh parsley and thyme are my go-to herbs because they add freshness that cuts through the sweetness. Rosemary also works beautifully if you prefer a more piney aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe holds a cozy spot in my recipe collection—it’s one of those side dishes that just feels like home. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself making it again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a celebratory meal. So go on, give it a whirl and enjoy that sweet-salty goodness with your loved ones!