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 undeniably cozy about these sweet, tender carrots kissed with a warm honey glaze. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is a total game-changer for any meal—simple, beautiful, and packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A white plate piled with bright orange cooked carrot pieces, each cut into thick, uneven chunks and covered in a shiny glaze with tiny bits of seasoning. Small green parsley leaves are scattered across the carrots, adding contrast. A silver spoon is partially visible at the edge of the plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The carrots look soft and well-coated, showing some texture on their surfaces. 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

From the first time I made this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe, I knew it was a keeper. The balance of sweet honey and warming spices, combined with the natural earthiness of roasted carrots, just can’t be beat. It’s one of those sides that elevates any dinner, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special occasion.

Effortless flavor: The simple ingredients come together with minimal prep for maximum deliciousness.
Perfect texture: Roasting brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness and gives them a tender yet slightly caramelized finish.
Versatile side dish: It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to hearty grain bowls.
Customizable spices: You can tweak the warmth or sweetness to fit your mood or menu.

A white plate is filled with bright orange cooked carrots that are cut into thick, uneven diagonal pieces. The carrots have a shiny, slightly oily surface that shows small bits of seasoning and herbs. Green parsley leaves are scattered on top and around the carrots, adding a fresh contrast to the orange color. The whole plate rests on a white marbled surface, and some fresh parsley leaves are placed above the plate as decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect sweet-and-spicy vibe. Here’s a quick rundown to help you understand how they come together and what to look for when shopping.

Flat lay of peeled whole carrots with a few cut on a diagonal, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley and thyme, all perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, 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: Fresh, firm carrots are best—look for bright color and smooth skin without spots for the sweetest taste.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible glaze during roasting.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings a subtle savory punch that complements the honey beautifully.
Butter or ghee: Using melted butter or ghee enriches the carrots and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Olive oil: It helps with roasting and crisping up the edges without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cinnamon: A warming spice that brings a cozy aroma and pairs wonderfully with the honey.
Ground ginger: Just a hint adds brightness and subtle zing to balance the sweetness.
Salt & black pepper: These seasonings elevate the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley, thyme, or rosemary make a fresh, fragrant garnish to finish the dish beautifully.

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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 how flexible this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe is—you can tune the spices or swap out the butter for ghee or olive oil depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika to give it a subtle smoky twist—totally delicious with grilled meats.
Herbs swap: Thyme works great in fall, but fresh dill or cilantro makes it bright and summery.
Sweetness level: Adjust the honey if you prefer it less sweet—you can even substitute maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds a nice bit of heat if that’s your 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 and slicing them on a diagonal into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If your carrots are particularly thick, I like to slice them in half lengthwise to make sure they roast evenly and get that perfect tender-crisp bite.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrot pieces with honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated in that lovely glaze—that’s where the magic begins.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated carrots on a sturdy, heavy-duty sheet pan in a single layer. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through so they cook and caramelize evenly. If you want that extra caramelized edge, I like to broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye—they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve warm and enjoy all the compliments coming your way!

Top Tip

From my many batches of roasted carrots, these tips really made a difference—trust me, little details go a long way with this recipe.

Heavy-duty sheet pan: I’ve learned the hard way that flimsy pans can warp at high heat, making tossing tricky, so invest in a sturdy roasting pan for even cooking.
Don’t skip the toss: Tossing the carrots halfway ensures they roast evenly and get glazed on all sides, resulting in that crave-worthy caramelization.
Watch the broil: When broiling your carrots, stay close by—those edges can go from beautifully caramelized to burnt in a flash.
Fresh garlic addition: I add the minced garlic at the start with the honey and butter—it roasts down to a mellow, sweet flavor rather than sharp raw garlic taste.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing these carrots with fresh, vibrant herbs—parsley brings a bright freshness, while thyme adds an earthy note. A small sprinkle of toasted nuts, like sliced almonds or pecans, also adds a wonderful crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed roasted carrots dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey, and it’s a fantastic complement to grain bowls and quinoa salads. I especially love it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta for a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try arranging the roasted carrots on a platter with a drizzle of extra honey and a scattering of pomegranate seeds—it adds a festive pop of color and sweetness that guests adore. Another favorite is serving them with a dollop of whipped goat cheese or ricotta on the side for a creamy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey glazed roasted carrots store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually warm just what I need, so the carrots keep their fresh texture and flavor.

Freezing

I've frozen these carrots a few times—just pop the cooled carrots into a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months without losing too much flavor. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming leftover carrots in the microwave for a quick fix or roasting them briefly in a hot oven to regain some caramelized edges. This helps keep them just as tasty as freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Fresh carrots really shine in this recipe because roasting helps concentrate their natural sweetness and texture. Frozen carrots can become mushy during roasting, so I recommend using fresh carrots whenever possible for the best results.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the butter or ghee for more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a completely vegan-friendly glaze.

How can I make the carrots more caramelized?

To get extra caramelized edges, roast the carrots at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) and toss them halfway through cooking. For a final touch, broil the carrots for 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Can I prepare the carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the carrots by peeling and slicing them a day ahead and storing them in water in the fridge to keep them fresh. Mix them with the glaze right before roasting to keep the texture and flavors optimal.

Final Thoughts

This honey glazed roasted carrots recipe is one I find myself coming back to time and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and somehow manages to feel special even on busy nights. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it really brings a touch of warmth and sweetness to every table.