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 deeply satisfying about the caramelized goodness of roasted carrots, and the way a simple drizzle of honey brings out their natural sweetness is pure magic. This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is one of those dishes I make time and again—it’s quick, comforting, and somehow manages to feel fancy without any fuss.

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

There’s just something about this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe that elevates an everyday veggie side into a star on your plate. I remember the first time I made it; the house smelled amazing, and the kids couldn’t stop sneaking bites before dinner was even served!

Super simple prep: Just toss everything together, no special skills required.
Incredible flavor: The honey, butter, and spices create a perfect sweet-savory balance.
Versatile side: Pairs beautifully with weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.
Everything in one pan: Easy cleanup means you’ll want to make this more often!

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 Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe plays a role in creating the best texture and flavor. Picking fresh carrots and quality honey makes a big difference, and the spices add extra warmth and complexity.

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: Look for firm, bright orange carrots—they roast beautifully and caramelize well.
Honey: I like using a mild, floral honey for sweetness that’s not overpowering.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a subtle savory punch to balance the sweet.
Melted butter or ghee: Adds richness and helps achieve that glossy glaze.
Olive oil: Keeps the carrots moist and helps with roasting.
Cinnamon: Just a touch brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and complements the honey beautifully.
Salt: Essential for highlighting the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat to finish the flavor profile.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or others): Optional, but I love how they add brightness and color when garnished on top.

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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 like to switch things up depending on what’s in season or my mood. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat or toss in fresh rosemary instead of thyme. The beauty of this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is that it’s super adaptable—you can make it your own.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a splash of balsamic vinegar right before roasting—it adds a tangy depth that’s irresistible.
Diet-friendly swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter/ghee for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Just Right

Start by peeling your carrots, then slice them on a diagonal into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If your carrots are thick, slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly. The diagonal cut gives a nice surface area for the glaze to stick to, and helps them roast faster.

Step 2: Toss with Honey, Garlic & Spices

In a large bowl, mix together the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss your carrots in this mixture until every piece is nicely coated—this is where all those flavors start coming together. It’s worth taking a minute here to really get those carrots evenly glazed.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender & Glossy

Spread the carrots out on a baking sheet in a single layer—crowding will steam them, and we want roast, not mush! Pop them in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking. If you love that extra caramelized edge, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted to tender perfection and glistening with that honey glaze, transfer your carrots to a serving dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving adds a fresh, herbaceous kick and a burst of color that makes the dish even more inviting.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe dozens of times, and here are some nuggets that make it foolproof every time.

Even Sizing: Make sure your carrot pieces are cut to similar sizes so they roast evenly—no half raw, half mushy carrots!
Don’t Skip the Tossing: Stirring halfway through roasting helps each side get that beautiful caramelization and prevents sticking.
Broil for Extra Color: If you want edges with a little extra crunch and caramelized flavor, broil for just 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on them.
Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic makes a big difference over pre-minced or garlic powder; it cooks down to a sweet, mellow flavor rather than bitter.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe

honey glazed carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped flat-leaf parsley right before serving. It brightens up the rich sweetness of the carrots and adds a little herbaceous pop of color. Sometimes, a few toasted pepitas or chopped pecans on top add an unexpected crunch that guests love.

Side Dishes

These honey glazed carrots are fantastic alongside roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or a holiday turkey. I’ve also paired them with creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa for a wholesome, well-rounded meal. They’re a winner on almost any dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these carrots arranged in neat rows on a long platter, garnished with edible flowers and a drizzle of extra honey right before serving. It makes a rustic dish feel just a little more elegant and gets people talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The carrots soften a bit more overnight but still taste wonderful reheated with a quick toss in a hot pan to revive some of that glaze.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen roasted carrots before, I personally find the texture changes a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, flash freeze the carrots on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid getting mushy.

Reheating

I like reheating these carrots in a skillet over medium heat to keep them glazed and warm without drying out. Pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but stirring halfway through helps maintain even warmth without losing that roast flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?

You can use baby carrots if you’re short on time, but I prefer fresh whole carrots sliced on a diagonal. Whole carrots caramelize better and have more flavor than the pre-cut baby ones, which can be more watery.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you want a vegan or different twist, pure maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a substitute. They have a similar sweetness and provide a lovely glaze.

How do I avoid burning the honey on the carrots?

To prevent the honey from burning, make sure to roast at 425°F and toss the carrots halfway through. If broiling, keep a close eye and limit broil time to 2-3 minutes only.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the carrots and glaze mixture earlier in the day, store in the fridge, and roast them just before serving for maximum freshness and caramelization.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s an easy, delicious side, but because it reminds me that even simple, humble ingredients can shine with a little love and attention. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Grab those carrots, and let’s get roasting—you won’t regret it.