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 incredibly comforting about the sweet, caramelized notes of roasted carrots kissed with honey — it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites smiles around the table. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice, making it a standout side that I reach for again and again.

A white plate filled with a single layer of roasted baby carrots that are bright orange with a light glossy coating from seasoning. The carrots are cut into small pieces, some angled and some round, showing a soft texture with slight browning on edges. Green parsley leaves are scattered evenly on top, adding fresh green color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with some fresh parsley sprigs visible at the top right corner and a silver spoon near the bottom right. 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 truly love this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe because it transforms simple, humble carrots into a decadent side with layers of flavor and texture. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress guests.

Effortless Sweet & Savory Flavor: The honey and warm spices create a beautiful glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Crisp-Tender Texture: Roasting at a high temp gives you tender insides with perfectly caramelized edges every time.
Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge, making it a breeze to whip up.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted chicken to hearty grains, making it a go-to addition to any meal.

The image shows a silver baking tray filled with carrot pieces that are sliced into a mix of thick rounds and long diagonal shapes. The bright orange carrots are spread evenly across the tray with some pieces showing a light browning from cooking and bits of spices and oil coating them. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, and a metal fork and knife are placed above the tray, partly visible in the top area of the image. The lighting is bright, highlighting the fresh, cooked texture of the carrots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, from enhancing the carrots’ sweetness to adding depth with warming spices. Here’s a quick rundown to help you understand why they work so well together—and a few tips for choosing the best ones.

Flat lay of fresh whole peeled carrots sliced diagonally, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground ginger powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh 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, firm carrots are key. I love using bright, polished carrots—peeling is optional but it gives a nicer texture and appearance.
Honey: The star of the glaze, it adds rich sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots beautifully. Use your favorite variety for a subtle flavor difference.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a gentle savory punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Melted Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and helps with roasting, giving a lovely golden color. Ghee works great for a slightly nutty note.
Olive Oil: Helps coat the carrots evenly and creates crisp edges while roasting.
Cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and highlights the honey’s sweetness without overpowering.
Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the dish.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—we often forget this little step, but don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Brings mild heat and complexity.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, etc.): Optional, but their freshness is the perfect finishing touch that adds color and a pop of flavor.

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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 my favorite things about the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the spice, swap in different herbs, or even add a squeeze of lemon, it’s flexible and forgiving.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist that pairs perfectly with the honey glaze—try it if you want a bit more depth.
Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary or sage works beautifully if you don’t have parsley or thyme on hand, giving it a woodsy aroma.
Plant-Based Option: Use olive oil instead of butter or ghee to keep it vegan-friendly while staying rich and flavorful.
Extra Crunch: For a contrast in texture, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.

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

Step 1: Prep and Slice with Care

Start by peeling your carrots if you want that smooth texture (I usually do), then cut them on the diagonal into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. If your carrots are really thick, slice them lengthwise as well, so everything cooks evenly. This step makes a huge difference in roasting evenly and getting those gorgeous caramelized edges without sacrificing tenderness.

Step 2: Toss with Honey and Spices

In a large bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss the carrots gently but thoroughly in this aromatic mixture so every piece is coated in that luscious glaze. I like to use my hands for this—makes sure everything’s well covered and is oddly satisfying!

Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Glazed

Spread the glazed carrots out on a sheet pan in a single layer—crowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, so give them room. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization. For extra browning, I like to broil them for a final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender inside with browned, sticky edges.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted, transfer the carrots to your serving dish and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top. The fresh herbs add that little pop of color and brightness that makes the dish shine in both flavor and presentation.

Top Tip

After making this recipe numerous times, I’ve realized a few key tricks that really elevate the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe. These little insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and get consistently delicious results.

Uniform Sizing: Cutting carrots into similar sizes ensures even cooking—and avoids some pieces being mushy while others are underdone.
Don’t Skip the Toss: Toss the carrots halfway through roasting to help the glaze coat evenly and develop that beautiful caramelization on all sides.
Broil at the End: A quick broil step gives you those irresistibly crispy and golden edges that really make this dish pop.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a delicate aroma and flavor; garlic powder doesn’t quite capture the same magic here.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish these carrots off with freshly chopped parsley because I love the fresh, grassy lift it gives the dish, but thyme or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a fun twist. For special occasions, a little crumbled goat cheese or crispy fried shallots on top adds an unexpected burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

These honey glazed roasted carrots pair perfectly with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or farro. I like serving them alongside mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or dinner parties, I love arranging the roasted carrots on a long serving platter with whole sprigs of fresh herbs laid over the top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens gives a restaurant-quality presentation that your guests will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey glazed roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, and are great to reheat for a quick side—even better when you add a fresh sprinkle of herbs before serving again.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze roasted carrots because they’re best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Just spread them out on a tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid mushiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven or toaster oven at about 350°F for 10 minutes, which helps revive that roasted texture better than the microwave. Toss them halfway through reheating for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots work best because they roast to a perfect tender-crisp texture. Frozen carrots tend to be softer and may turn mushy when roasted, so I recommend fresh if you want the best results.

How do I prevent the honey from burning during roasting?

To prevent burning, toss the carrots well with oil and butter to dilute the honey and roast at 425°F while keeping an eye on them. Tossing halfway through and broiling only for the last couple of minutes helps too—avoid broiling for too long.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the butter or ghee with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The honey will remain the sweetener, or you can substitute maple syrup for a fully vegan glaze.

What herbs work best as a garnish?

Fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, or even chives all complement the warm flavors nicely. Parsley is my go-to because of its bright, fresh notes, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is one of those simple but magical dishes that always feels like a little celebration on your plate. It’s dependable, delicious, and so easy that I’ve made it numerous times to rave reviews. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it just as often—I love keeping this in my recipe rotation for its perfect blend of sweet, spice, and comfort!