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 truly magical about a simple side dish that can brighten up your whole meal, and this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe does just that. The combination of sweet honey and warm spices caramelized on tender roasted carrots is a comforting treat that just about anyone will appreciate.

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 can’t count how many times I’ve made this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe when guests are coming over or when I just want a cozy, flavorful vegetable side without fuss. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that feels both special and homey.

Effortless flavor boost: The honey and warm spices transform ordinary carrots into something irresistible with minimal prep.
Sheet pan simplicity: Toss everything together and roast — easy cleanup makes it a weeknight winner.
Versatile pairings: Works beautifully alongside so many mains, from roasted chicken to grilled tofu.
Customizable: You can tweak spices or herbs based on what you love in your kitchen.

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

This recipe brings together simple pantry staples that highlight carrots’ natural sweetness while enhancing it with honey and a cozy spice blend. Each ingredient plays a role in flavor or texture, so it’s worth understanding their parts before you start.

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 and firm carrots roast beautifully, sweetening as their edges caramelize.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to the carrots.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a slight pungency that balances the honey’s sweetness.
Butter or ghee: Adds richness and depth; I love ghee because it deals well with high heat.
Olive oil: Helps the glaze coat the carrots evenly and promotes browning in the oven.
Cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes that pair beautifully with honey and carrots.
Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and aromatic quality that lifts the dish.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing natural flavors.
Black pepper: Gives a mild bite to complement the sweet glaze.
Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley, thyme, or your favorite herbs offer freshness and color when garnishing.

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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

What’s fun about this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up the spices or toss in nuts or seeds for crunch. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to suit what you have or what tastes suit you best.

Variation: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat which contrasts nicely with the honey’s sweetness.
Herb swaps: If thyme isn’t your thing, fresh rosemary or even a bit of tarragon adds a different but delicious flavor.
Diet tweak: Use coconut oil instead of butter or ghee for a dairy-free version that still roasts beautifully.
Seasonal twist: Toss in diced sweet potatoes or parsnips alongside the carrots for a more substantial, autumnal side.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Like a Pro

Start by peeling your carrots, then cut them on a diagonal into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces – it helps them cook evenly and look a bit fancier. If your carrots are super thick, slicing them lengthwise in half gives you the perfect bite-sized pieces. Trust me, this little prep step makes a big difference in texture and roasting time.

Step 2: Mix Up the Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with honey, minced garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every carrot slice is coated well — this is where the magic starts! The honey and butter will caramelize, and the spices infuse flavor.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated carrots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Roast in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through so they brown evenly.

If you want that extra caramelized edge I adore, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn. You’re looking for tender carrots with beautiful golden edges that glisten.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or your choice of herbs. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this honey glazed roasted carrots recipe shine every time. These tips have saved me from bland or burnt batches and ensure a perfect balance of flavor.

Uniform Cutting: Make sure your carrot pieces are cut roughly the same size to roast evenly—no one likes half-burnt, half-crunchy veggies.
Don’t Skip Tossing Midway: That halfway toss ensures caramelization on all sides without burning, and a more consistent glaze.
Broil With Caution: When broiling to brown the edges, just a few minutes is enough—stay close by to prevent quick burns.
Fresh Herbs Last: Add your herbs right before serving to keep their brightness and prevent them from wilting.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often garnish with fresh parsley simply because it adds a fresh, herby pop against the sweet carrots—and the green contrast looks so inviting on the plate. Thyme works great too if you want something a bit earthier. Sometimes a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pistachios is a fun crunchy surprise.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed roasted carrots recipe pairs beautifully with classic roast chicken, whole grain pilafs, or even pan-seared salmon. For vegetarian meals, I love serving it alongside quinoa bowls or lentil stews—it adds a wonderful sweetness to balance robust flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these carrots on a long platter, drizzled extra honey glaze on top, and sprinkled pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like sparkle. It’s both simple and elegant—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover honey glazed roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well and keep their flavor, but I recommend warming them gently to avoid drying out.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen these often because they’re so good fresh, I’ve successfully frozen leftovers before. Just flash cool the carrots, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze separately, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the carrots juicy when reheating, I pop them in a 350°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for about 10 minutes. This helps melt the glaze again without drying them out like microwaving sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes. They’ll impart a slightly different flavor but still create that lovely glaze effect.

Should I peel the carrots before roasting?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture and to help the glaze coat the carrots nicely, but if your carrots are very fresh and thin-skinned, a good scrub can suffice.

How do I prevent the honey from burning during roasting?

Tossing the carrots halfway through roasting helps prevent the honey from burning by distributing the glaze evenly. Also, broil only for the last few minutes and watch carefully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and toss the carrots with the glaze a few hours before roasting, then roast just before serving. Leftovers also reheat well and make a great ready-to-go side.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want a simple side that feels a bit special. The sticky-sweet glaze, the warmth of cinnamon and ginger, and those tender, caramelized edges always bring a smile around the table. I really hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do—cooking this feels like giving yourself a little homemade hug!