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These easy Honey Roasted Carrots are tender, caramelized and so versatile. Coated in a simple honey glaze and then baked, this 30 minute recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a healthy holiday dish.
Oven roasting is my favorite way to prepare vegetables. When you bake glazed carrots in an oven, they caramelize and taste sweet like candies. That happens because roasting brings out their natural sweetness. Seasonings will add a savory flavor that perfectly marries with the glaze. Everyone will love carrots and honey roasted together, picky eaters and kids included.
Oven-roasting not only enhances the flavor of carrots but also helps preserve their nutritional benefits. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body can convert into vitamin A. Additionally, this vegetable is packed with fiber, minerals and other nutrients that are good for you. This sweet and tasty carrot honey recipe is a great way to make your kids eat more vegetables.
Recipe ingredients
Carrots. This recipe works with any type of carrots, but for the best results, I recommend medium-sized and small carrots. If you’re using medium vegetables, it’s best to cut them into sticks — thin enough to roast evenly, but not so thin or they may burn. Small carrots, on the other hand, can be baked whole, as they roast quickly and retain more sweetness. Avoid large carrots, as they aren’t as flavorful and may end up tasting wooden. Similarly, steer clear of pre-cut baby carrots, as they taste bland and are overpriced.
There is no need to peel the carrots. Just wash them thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and impurities, then trim and proceed with the recipe. The choice comes down to your preferences, however, as the skin can add an extra layer of texture and a slightly earthier flavor. I personally prefer the rustic feel that the skin adds to carrots roasted with honey.
Olive oil. Choose high quality extra virgin oil. Two tablespoons of olive oil make a flavorful carrot glaze and help the vegetables caramelize. As an alternative you can substitute olive oil with butter or avocado oil. Seed and vegetable oil are not recommended, as they aren’t as flavorful and nutritious.
Honey. The best glaze for roasted carrots is made with high quality runny honey. Differently from thick honey, runny honey will easily mix with olive oil and seasonings, giving your glaze the perfect consistency. As a replacement you can use maple syrup, brown sugar or coconut sugar. Calorie-free sweeteners are not recommended, as they may add a strong aftertaste.
Seasonings and herbs. This simple honey roasted carrots recipe uses just salt and ground black pepper, plus chopped cilantro to garnish. You can add other ingredients such as minced garlic, onion powder, thyme, chives and dill. For a sweeter touch, make this roasted carrots recipe with honey and cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice mix.
How to make honey roasted carrots
Step 1 – Prepare baking tools. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As an alternative you can also use a large baking dish greased with olive oil.
Step 2 – Prepare carrots. Wash and trim the carrots, there is no need to peel them. If you are using medium or large sized carrots, chop them into sticks about 2 inches thick. If you are starting with small carrots instead, you can also roast them whole.
Step 3 – Toss and coat. Place the prepared carrots into a large bowl, then add olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat all carrots with honey glaze. You can also add the glaze later, when the vegetables are already on the baking sheet. But tossing carrots with honey and oil in a bowl ensures even coating.
Step 4 – Line baking sheet. Arrange your honey-glazed carrots over the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them apart. To ensure even roasting, do not overlap them.
Step 5- Bake glazed carrots. Bake carrots in hot oven for 25-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The precise baking time may vary based on the size of the carrots. You know they are ready when tender and browned. Before serving, toss with chopped parsley, salt and pepper if it is necessary.
Success tips
- Choose high quality ingredients. I recommend small to medium carrots, extra virgin olive oil and runny honey for the best honey glazed carrots recipe. Steer clear of large or pre-cut baby carrots, seed oil and thick honey.
- Marinate carrots in advance. For extra taste, marinate the carrots with honey glaze ahead of time. Just mix them with the glaze in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. This helps the vegetables soak up all flavors.
- Roast with other veggies. Mix in other vegetables like parsnips, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are great too.
- Adjust baking time to your needs. This recipe should take about 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, but the precise roasting time may change. Small carrots tend to cook much faster than larger sticks. You will also need to bake them more, in 5 minute increments, if you want softer honey carrots.
Recipe variations
- Balsamic honey roasted carrots – Mix 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey for a rich flavor.
- Honey maple carrots – Swap out 1 tablespoon of honey for 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Honey garlic carrots – Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the honey glaze for a savory kick.
- Fall spiced carrots – Mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the honey glaze for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Spicy honey carrots – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze for a punch of spiciness.
How to store honey roasted carrots
Allow the baked glazed carrots to cool to room temperature, then place into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them up in hot air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes or in hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
To freeze baked honey carrots, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Serving ideas
Oven baked glazed carrots are perfect as an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or for holiday meals like Thanksgiving. They pair well with a protein like chicken and baked chicken wings, baked salmon fillets, or crispy air fryer tofu. You can also add honey glazed carrots to pasta dishes such as Greek yogurt pasta sauce, cottage cheese Alfredo, or creamy salmon pasta.
Baked glazed carrots can also be served with other vegetables such as air fryer Brussels sprouts, fire roasted tomatoes, carrot fries and salads. Their caramelized, savory flavor makes pairings so good.
Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) carrots, trimmed, cut into sticks or whole
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- parsley, chopped, optional to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and trim carrots, there is no need to peel them. If using medium-large carrots, chop into sticks. If using small carrots, you can roast them whole.
- Place carrots into a large bowl, then add olive oil, honey, salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat the carrots with honey glaze.
- Arrange honey-glazed carrots over the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them apart. For even roasting, do not overlap carrots. If there is any honey glaze left in the bowl, drizzle it on top of the lined carrots.
- Bake carrots in hot oven for 25-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Precise baking time depends on the size of the carrots, they are ready when tender and browned.
- Before serving, toss with chopped parsley, salt and pepper if necessary.
Notes
Storage Directions
- To store. Allow the baked glazed carrots to cool to room temperature, then place into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them up in hot air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes or in hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
- To freeze. Allow carrots to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Honey Roasted Carrots Delicious as snack!
Hey dear Liza,
thanks a lot for your comment! I’m so glad that you liked these honey glazed carrots baked in the oven 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo