Name: Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 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 instantly comforting about sweet, tender carrots kissed with honey and a touch of spice. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is my go-to for a side dish that feels both wholesome and special without much fuss. The natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully, making even picky eaters come back for seconds.

A white shallow bowl holds a pile of cooked carrot slices, each sliced at a slight diagonal, showing their bright orange color with a shiny glaze on their smooth surface. The carrots are grouped in three or four overlapping layers, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled unevenly on top and around them for contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a soft texture to the background. 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't tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinner for me—it's quick, forgiving, and delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus, it's adaptable enough to fit any season or flavor craving.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh carrots for an easy prep.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Delicious Flavor Profile: The honey and spices bring warmth and a hint of sweetness that's irresistible.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from weeknight chicken to holiday roasts.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays its part to enhance the natural sweetness and texture of the carrots. I always look for fresh, firm carrots and good quality honey for the best results.

Flat lay of fresh whole carrots with bright orange skin, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with natural papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter glistening softly, a small white ceramic bowl of rich olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing warm brown cinnamon powder, another small white ceramic bowl with light beige ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley and thyme arranged aesthetically, 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: Fresh and firm carrots roast up tender and sweet—make sure to pick ones without soft spots.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots for that beautiful glaze.
Garlic: Minced for a subtle pungency that balances the honey’s sweetness.
Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and helps create a shiny, flavorful coating.
Olive Oil: Prevents sticking and supports even roasting.
Cinnamon: Just a hint for warmth and a little unexpected depth.
Ground Ginger: Adds a touch of zing that isn't overpowering.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to round out flavors and boost the overall taste.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme on top brightens and freshens the dish 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 love tweaking this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe depending on what’s in my spice cabinet or mood. You can really make it your own without straying too far from that comforting glaze that makes it shine.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the cinnamon and ginger for smoked paprika and cumin when I want a smoky twist—it’s delicious and unexpected!
Dietary tweak: For a vegan version, just use olive oil instead of butter or ghee—still just as tasty.
Seasonal ingredient: Adding a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice pairs beautifully during winter months.

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

Step 1: Prep the Carrots Like a Pro

First things first, peel your carrots and slice them diagonally into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If they’re on the thicker side, slicing them lengthwise in half ensures even cooking. I like this size because it’s just right for roasting—soft centers with some caramelized edges.

Step 2: Toss All the Flavors Together

In a roomy bowl, mix your sliced carrots with honey, minced garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated—the honey and butter create the magic glaze that’ll roast up beautifully.

Step 3: Roast & Broil for Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a sheet pan. Roast them in a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through so they cook and caramelize evenly. If you want bonus caramelized edges, I like to broil for a quick 2–3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Once roasted, transfer carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or your favorite herb. It adds a fresh pop that balances the sweet glaze perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years, roasting carrots like this taught me a few little tricks that make the difference between good and unforgettable. Here's what I’ve learned so you don’t have to guess.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leaving space between carrots lets them roast instead of steam, so you get that lovely caramelization.
Use quality honey: I’ve found that a runny, floral honey works best—it melts easier and brings nuanced flavor.
Toss halfway through roasting: This simple step ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
Broil at the end (optional): A quick broil adds irresistible caramelized edges, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh chopped parsley or thyme, which add a brightness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little toasted almond or pecan for crunch – it’s a lovely surprise in every bite!

Side Dishes

These honey glazed carrots are my go-to side for anything from weeknight roasted chicken and pork chops to festive dinners like turkey or glazed ham. Mashed potatoes or a simple green salad make wonderful accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve arranged these carrots around a larger platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and edible flowers for a festive touch. I also love serving them in mini cast iron skillets for casual dinner parties so they stay warm and look charming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. You might notice they get a bit softer over time but the flavor remains fantastic.

Freezing

While freezing can soften the carrots further, I’ve successfully frozen these after roasting. Just let them cool completely, freeze flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They thaw well for quick reheats when you’re in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers under the oven broiler or in a hot skillet for just a few minutes to warm through and re-crisp the edges. A quick sauté on medium heat helps revive that fresh-from-the-oven glow.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe?

Frozen carrots have more moisture, so they tend to steam rather than roast. For the best texture and caramelization, fresh carrots are recommended.

How do I prevent the honey from burning during roasting?

Toss the carrots evenly with the honey and roast at a high temperature so the honey caramelizes quickly without burning. Also, keep an eye during the last few minutes and broil only briefly if you choose to broil.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the carrots with the glaze a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to roast, or roast in advance and reheat gently before serving.

What herbs pair best with honey glazed roasted carrots?

Parsley, thyme, and rosemary all work beautifully. Parsley adds freshness, thyme brings woodsy notes, and rosemary lends a piney aroma that complements the spices.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep in my back pocket. It’s so simple, yet feels elevated with the blend of honey, warm spices, and a hint of garlic. Giving this a try means you’re adding an easy, crowd-pleasing side to your table that’s sure to brighten any meal. Trust me—once you taste those caramelized, syrupy carrots, it’ll quickly become a family favorite.