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 downright magical about the way sweet honey combines with tender roasted carrots in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe. The warm spices and golden caramelization make it a side dish that feels special but comes together so easily. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

The image shows a white plate filled with shiny cooked carrots that are cut into medium-sized pieces with a smooth, glossy texture. The carrots have a bright orange color with some darker, slightly caramelized spots. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of fresh color. A silver spoon is partially visible at the bottom left of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots more times than I can count — and the best part is how simple ingredients turn into something utterly delicious and comforting. It’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spice that makes me reach for this recipe season after season.

Effortless Flavor Boost: Honey and warm spices transform plain carrots into a side dish with so much depth.
Perfect Texture: Roasting caramelizes the carrots, giving them a tender inside and slightly crisp edges.
Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Make Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare and store, so you can save time on busy days.

A white bowl filled with two layers of cooked carrots, each carrot piece cut on a slight angle showing a bright orange color with a glistening texture that looks like it is coated in a light sauce or seasoning, small green parsley leaves scattered across the top adding a fresh contrast. The background is a white marbled surface with a few sprigs of parsley visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays a crucial role—honey gives natural sweetness and helps with caramelization, while the warm spices add complexity. Using fresh garlic adds depth, and the butter plus olive oil combination locks in richness and prevents sticking. Let me walk you through why I love each ingredient.

Flat lay of fresh whole peeled carrots sliced diagonally into thick pieces, a small white bowl of golden honey, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl with olive oil, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with ground ginger powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme neatly arranged, 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Carrots: Choose firm, fresh carrots—they roast beautifully and soak up the glaze.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze on the carrots.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides a savory punch contrasting the honey.
Butter or Ghee: I prefer butter for richness, but ghee works great for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: Helps with roasting, adds flavor, and prevents sticking.
Cinnamon: A little warmth and sweetness that beautifully complements the honey.
Ground Ginger: Adds subtle spice and brightens the flavor.
Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing flavors together.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme): Optional, but adding fresh herbs at the end lifts the dish with fresh, herbal notes.

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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’m a fan of tweaking this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe based on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to play with the glaze or add mix-ins. You can make it your own easily, which keeps this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Variation: I sometimes swap the cinnamon and ginger for a sprinkle of cumin and smoked paprika for a savory twist—try it and see what you prefer!
Dietary Modifications: Use ghee or your favorite plant-based butter to keep this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Flair: Toss in some chopped fresh rosemary or sage during roasting for a wintery vibe.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Like a Pro

Start by peeling your carrots—removing that outer skin makes a big difference for the final texture. I like to slice them diagonally into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces; it increases surface area, so they glaze nicely and roast evenly. If your carrots are thick, halving lengthwise gives you that perfect roast every time.

Step 2: Toss Them in Honey, Spices & Oil

Place the cut carrots in a large bowl, then add the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss so every carrot piece is coated in this lovely glaze. I usually use my hands — it’s messy but totally worth it!

Step 3: Roast To Golden Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a heavy-duty sheet pan—it’s key to use a sturdy pan to prevent warping in the hot oven. Roast them at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization. For a little extra pop, I sometimes broil the last 2-3 minutes to get that beautiful, slightly crisp edge that makes everyone swoon.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs & Serve

Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. The herbs add a fresh brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly. And voilà — you’ve got an irresistibly delicious Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots side ready to impress.

Top Tip

Through cooking this recipe many times, I’ve noticed a few little tricks that really elevate the Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe — simple things that make your life easier and the end result tastier.

Even Cuts: Cut the carrots into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and finish roasting at the same time.
Use a Heavy-Duty Pan: This prevents bending or warping in a hot oven, which can interfere with even roasting.
Toss Halfway: Make sure to turn the carrots halfway through roasting for perfectly caramelized edges on all sides.
Don’t Skip Broiling: If you want that extra wow factor, a minute or two under the broiler enhances the glaze beautifully—just watch closely so nothing burns.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for freshly chopped parsley or thyme to finish off these roasted carrots. Not only do they add color, but the fresh herbs brighten up the richness of the honey glaze. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a few crumbled goat cheese bits can turn it into something extra special.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a cozy lentil stew. One of my favorite pairings is roasted garlic mashed potatoes for an all-around comforting meal. The naturally sweet and savory flavors complement so many main dishes, making it a versatile winner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to nestle these honey glazed carrots on a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. It turns a simple side into a stunning dish that everyone will remember. Serving them in a rustic wooden bowl also adds a cozy, inviting vibe at holiday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I like to put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The carrots hold up well and even taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these glazed carrots with success—just spread them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through or pop them in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 10 minutes to bring back a little crispness. I avoid the stovetop because the glaze can burn if you’re not watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While fresh carrots roast best for this recipe, you can use thawed frozen carrots if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware they may be softer and won’t caramelize as well. Adjust roasting time accordingly.

What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes if you want to avoid honey. They provide a similar sweetness and will still create a lovely glaze on the carrots.

How do I avoid burning the honey glaze during roasting?

To prevent burning, toss the carrots halfway through roasting and watch closely during the last few minutes, especially if you broil to caramelize. Using a combination of butter and oil helps stabilize the glaze too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter or ghee for a plant-based alternative and make sure to use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep it fully vegan while still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s both simple and impressive. I’ve brought it to family dinners, weeknight meals, and holiday spreads, and it always disappears quickly. Give it a try next time you want an effortless side with a beautiful balance of flavor and texture — I think you’ll be coming back to it again and again, just like I do!