If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with natural sweetness, this Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender roasted carrots coated in a luscious honey and cinnamon glaze bring a perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice that transforms simple vegetables into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a festive holiday table, these carrots will brighten up the plate and delight every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. These simple components work beautifully together to create a wonderful mix of flavors and textures—from the creaminess of the butter to the subtle spice of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of honey, every element plays a vital role.
- Carrots (2 pounds): Fresh, peeled carrots provide the base with their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the glaze stick, enhancing the roasted flavor.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): The star of the glaze, giving the carrots a glossy, irresistible sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, turning simple roasted carrots into a comforting treat.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavors of the carrots.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the glaze, rounding out the dish perfectly.
How to Make Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting carrots to a tender texture while helping the glaze caramelize beautifully on the surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel the carrots and arrange them evenly in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keeping them in a single layer ensures they roast evenly without steaming.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture is what transforms your carrots, imparting a glossy shine and an irresistible blend of sweet and warm flavors.
Step 4: Coat the Carrots
Using a pastry brush, generously brush the honey butter glaze all over the carrots, making sure every side is covered. If you prefer, you can spoon the glaze over them instead, just be sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 20 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized on the edges.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and serve them right away for the best flavor and texture. The warm honey glaze will be at its most delicious, making every bite delightful.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few toasted pecans on top for a pop of color and a delightful crunch. A light dusting of flaky sea salt also adds a subtle burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This honey glazed roasted carrots recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or alongside grain bowls and salads. It’s a versatile side that brings balance to hearty mains and complements a variety of cuisines.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, arrange the carrots on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. You could also chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a warm quinoa or couscous salad, letting the honey glaze infuse the whole dish with a touch of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The carrots will keep their flavor nicely, though the glaze may thicken as it cools.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted carrots, but it’s best to do so without the glaze. Freeze the plain roasted carrots in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and toss them with the honey glaze fresh before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the carrots gently in a warm oven or microwave until heated through. To refresh the glaze, you might want to brush a little extra honey butter on top before warming, so that lovely shine and flavor return.
FAQs
Can I use different types of carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you choose standard orange carrots or more colorful varieties like purple or baby carrots, each will bring a slightly different sweetness and texture, but all will work beautifully with the honey glaze.
Is cinnamon necessary in the honey glaze?
While cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic note that complements the honey perfectly, you can experiment by substituting it with other spices like nutmeg or ginger if you want a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the melted butter for a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. The honey can also be replaced with maple syrup for a completely vegan-friendly glaze.
How do I know when the carrots are perfectly roasted?
You’ll want the carrots to be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. The edges should have a slight caramelized browning that indicates the glaze has roasted to perfection.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just spread the carrots on two baking sheets or use larger pans to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper roasting and caramelization of the honey glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe is a simple yet spectacular way to turn humble carrots into a luscious side dish full of flavor and warmth. It’s perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple on your table. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
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Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious honey glazed carrots roasted to perfection with a sweet and spiced butter glaze, making a simple yet flavorful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots (peeled)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the carrots evenly.
- Prepare Carrots: Arrange the peeled carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet to allow even roasting on all sides.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful, sweet and spiced glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Use a pastry brush to generously coat all sides of the carrots with the honey butter glaze, or spoon the glaze evenly over the carrots for full coverage.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy their warm, glazed flavor.
Notes
- Make sure carrots are cut in similar sizes for even roasting if you decide to cut them.
- Use fresh peeled carrots for the best texture and sweetness.
- You can adjust seasoning like salt and pepper to taste.
- For a vegan version, substitute melted butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
