Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze

Name: Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

I absolutely love making Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze! This dish has become a favorite not only for its vibrant color but also for its irresistible sweet and savory flavor. The glossy finish from the honey glaze allows the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine through, making it a perfect addition to any meal. I often serve this dish during family gatherings and the response is always overwhelming. It’s so easy to prepare, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:21:36.308Z

As I started experimenting with different ways to prepare carrots, I discovered that roasting brings out their natural sweetness in an incredible way. The honey glaze is a game-changer, as it adds a delightful stickiness and slight caramelization to the carrots that elevates the dish. I also believe that tossing the carrots in a bit of olive oil before roasting creates a beautiful golden hue that makes them visually appealing.

My favorite tip for this recipe is to choose carrots that are uniform in size so they cook evenly. I often mix in a few different types of carrots, like rainbow or baby carrots, not just for the flavors, but to create an inviting presentation. It’s this little extra touch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of savory notes
Brightens up any meal with its vibrant colors
Simple ingredients make it an accessible side dish

      

Choosing the Right Carrots

When selecting carrots for this dish, opt for those that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored. Avoid any with cracks or soft spots, as these may indicate age and can affect the final texture. You don’t need to buy the most expensive variety; standard orange carrots work beautifully. However, if you can find fresh heirloom or baby carrots, they can add a delightful visual appeal and slightly different flavor profiles to your roasted dish.

It's also worth mentioning that the size of the carrot sticks matters. Cutting them into uniform pieces, about 1/2 inch thick, ensures they roast evenly. If you have particularly large carrots, you may want to slice them into quarters. This way, your roasted carrots won’t end up with some being perfectly tender while others are undercooked.

Mastering the Honey Glaze

The honey glaze is key to achieving that irresistible caramelization on the carrots. When combining honey with olive oil, you're not just adding sweetness; the oil helps to coat the carrots evenly, which prevents burning and promotes even cooking. If you're looking for a deeper flavor, consider using a darker honey, such as buckwheat honey, which has a more robust flavor than lighter varieties.

In addition, you can experiment with different herbs to complement the sweetness of the honey. Rosemary or even a dash of cumin can elevate the flavor profile significantly. If you'd like to keep it simple, the fresh thyme adds a lovely earthiness that pairs well with the sweetness, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the natural flavors of the carrots.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze can be served alongside a variety of main dishes. They pair exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or as part of a vegetarian spread. For a more festive touch, try sprinkling crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top just before serving for added creaminess and tang.

If you're looking for a way to mix things up, consider making a spiced version by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the glaze. This will introduce a delightful warmth that counteracts the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile. Alternatively, you could toss the carrots with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans just before serving to add some crunch.

Ingredients

Gather the items you'll need to create this delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start roasting!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare the Carrots

In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using) until well coated.

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the carrots evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.

Roast the Carrots

Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized. Stir halfway through for even roasting.

Once roasted, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other root vegetables to the mix, like sweet potatoes or parsnips, for added flavor and variety.

Storage and Reheating

Once you’ve made your Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights. Just be sure to allow the carrots to cool completely before sealing them to avoid excess moisture inside the container.

To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to retain their texture, keeping them slightly crisp rather than soggy, which can happen if they are microwaved directly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For larger gatherings, simply multiply the ingredient amounts while maintaining the same proportions. If you are preparing a smaller batch, you can cut the ingredient list in half, but you may need to adjust baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the carrots and use a fork to test for tenderness.

If you are feeding a small crowd, I recommend roasting the carrots in a large, shallow dish. This allows for optimal caramelization since the carrots will have more surface area exposed to the heat, resulting in beautifully roasted edges that are packed with flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your carrots are not caramelizing properly, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer with space between each piece. If they are too close, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in a mushy texture instead of that desired caramelization.

Another common issue might be the type of honey used. Some honey varieties are thinner than others, so if your glaze seems too runny, try using a less liquid honey or consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to help thicken it before combining with the carrots.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use baby carrots instead?

Absolutely! Baby carrots work well, but adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.

→ What can I serve with roasted carrots?

These roasted carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grains like quinoa, or even atop a salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative.