Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are a simple and delicious way to enjoy this sweet and crunchy vegetable. The carrots get a beautiful caramelized edge from roasting, while the honey adds a gentle glaze that makes every bite feel a little special. They’re colorful, naturally sweet, and have a bit of a tender bite that’s hard to resist.
I love making these carrots when I want a side dish that’s quick but feels thoughtfully prepared. The honey glaze really brings out the carrot’s natural sweetness, and roasting makes them soft with just enough crispiness on the outside. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or parsley to freshen them up, which gives the dish a little extra personality.
These honey glazed carrots are perfect alongside a roast chicken or even served cold in a salad. I often make a bigger batch because they’re great leftovers and easy to reheat or eat straight from the fridge. Whenever I serve them, they seem to disappear fast, which makes me think everyone agrees that a little honey goes a long way to making carrots feel like a treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Using a mix of orange and yellow carrots adds nice color and slightly different flavors. If you only have orange ones, that’s fine too. If you want a twist, try adding baby carrots for a sweeter, more tender result.
Honey: Honey gives the carrots a lovely natural sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave work well and add a slightly different but nice flavor.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an herby aroma that pairs wonderfully with carrots. If fresh thyme isn’t available, use dried thyme but cut the amount in half since it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps roast the carrots evenly and adds a subtle richness. You can swap it with avocado oil or any mild oil with a high smoke point.
How Do You Get Carrots Perfectly Caramelized and Tender?
The key is roasting at a high temperature and making sure carrots are evenly coated. Here’s how to get it right:
- Peel and toss carrots with oil, honey, and seasonings to coat them fully.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet so they roast, not steam.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes and turn them once halfway. This helps with even cooking and caramelization.
- Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork—it should slide in easily but carrots shouldn’t be mushy.
- For a bit of extra flavor, let carrots sit for a few minutes before serving so the glaze sticks well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I prefer a shallow one so the carrots roast evenly and get nicely caramelized.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the carrots with oil, honey, and seasonings.
- Measuring spoons – keep your ingredients accurate for perfect flavor.
- Serving dish – a nice platter or bowl to present your roasted carrots beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet note and a bit of smokiness.
- Add a sprinkle of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to boost citrus flavor.
- Stir in some roasted garlic or minced fresh rosemary for more herby or savory richness.
- Top with toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch and extra flavor.
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound whole carrots (a mix of orange and yellow carrots if possible), peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes to roast the carrots. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple and quick way to make a delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast the carrots.
2. Prepare and Season the Carrots:
Peel the carrots and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil and honey over them, then add the fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together well to make sure every carrot is coated in the sweet, herby glaze.
3. Arrange and Roast:
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them once halfway through. You want the carrots to be tender and caramelized, with slightly browned edges.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle extra fresh thyme leaves on top for a nice fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your sweet and savory honey glazed carrots!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh carrots for roasting to get that perfect tender and caramelized texture. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting.
Can I Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the carrots ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to keep them tender.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No worries! Substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme or try other herbs like rosemary or sage. Just adjust amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
