Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze

Name: Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Highlighted under: Special Food

I absolutely love the sweet and earthy flavor that Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze brings to my table. Each bite feels like a warm hug, and the luscious glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness that elevates this simple vegetable to something truly special. I often make this recipe when I want to impress guests or simply savor a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course. It's a quick and easy recipe that never fails to garner compliments and spark joy around the dinner table.

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:17:34.244Z

When I first made Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze, I was surprised by how such simple ingredients can create a symphony of flavors. The trick is to choose fresh, vibrant carrots and roast them until they’re tender and caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. The honey glaze melds beautifully with the caramelization, transforming an ordinary side into something extraordinary.

I like to experiment with different seasonings, adding a pinch of cayenne or fresh herbs for a personal touch. It’s all about balancing the sweetness and earthiness of the carrots, and I find that a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens it all up perfectly!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet honey glaze complements the natural flavor of carrots
Simple ingredients come together in a delicious way
Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings

      

Perfecting Your Carrots

Choosing the right carrots is crucial for this recipe. Opt for fresh, vibrant carrots that are firm to the touch. If you can find heirloom or rainbow varieties, they can enhance both the flavor and presentation. When cutting them into sticks, aim for uniformity in size; this ensures they roast evenly and develop a similar level of caramelization. If you encounter any woody ends, simply trim them off to achieve a more tender bite.

It's important to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet when roasting your carrots. If they are too close together, they will steam rather than roast, preventing that delicious caramelization from occurring. Use two baking sheets if necessary. Keep a close eye on the carrots during the last few minutes of roasting—look for golden edges and a slight char, which indicates that the sugars have caramelized nicely.

The Art of the Glaze

The honey glaze in this recipe is more than just a finishing touch; it enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a delightful contrast with their earthy flavor. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth that balances the sweetness, and the garlic powder introduces a savory note that rounds out the profile. I recommend using high-quality honey for the best flavor—local honey often contains unique floral notes that can elevate the dish even further.

If you can't find balsamic vinegar, a good substitute is apple cider vinegar. While it won't provide the same depth, it will still add acidity that complements the sweetness. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your glaze—this will create a sweet and spicy contrast that keeps your palate excited. Always taste your glaze before drizzling it on the carrots and adjust as necessary, whether that’s adding more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Carrots:

1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Glaze:

1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Make sure to adjust the quantities based on your serving needs! Fresh ingredients truly make a difference.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the carrots roast perfectly.

Prepare the carrots

In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.

Roast the carrots

Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Make the glaze

While the carrots are roasting, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Glaze the carrots

Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the honey glaze over them, tossing to coat evenly.

Serve

Return the glazed carrots to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the glaze set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the glaze ingredients to make it sweeter or more tangy according to your taste!

Pro Tips

You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during roasting to enhance flavor. For a spicier kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze make a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses—from roasted chicken to grilled fish. For a complete meal, serve them alongside quinoa or a hearty grain salad. If you're hosting a gathering, these glazed carrots can also serve as a delightful component of a seasonal vegetable platter, adding color and flavor to the spread.

To add a festive touch, consider garnishing the glazed carrots with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. The herbs not only introduce a fresh burst of flavor but also elevate the visual appeal of the dish, making it an eye-catching addition to your table.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, be mindful that the glaze may become a bit sticky upon refrigeration. To refresh the texture, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, drizzling a touch of olive oil if necessary to help restore moisture and shine.

For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted carrots. Allow them to cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the oven or sauté them in a pan with a splash of water until heated through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use baby carrots instead of regular ones?

Yes, baby carrots can be used, but they may require less roasting time. Check for tenderness earlier.

→ Is the recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can roast a larger batch and refrigerate them. They reheat well and make for a great side dish.

→ What can I serve with roasted carrots?

They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled meats, or can be added to salads for extra flavor.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, just substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a delicious vegan glaze option.