This Honey Glazed Carrots recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate a humble vegetable into a standout side dish.
The natural sweetness of honey combined with roasted garlic and butter creates a luscious glaze that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes.
Carrots are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in dietary fiber and beta-carotene—a precursor to vitamin A, supporting eye health and immunity.
This recipe is low in saturated fat and carbs while providing good fats from butter, making it a wholesome choice for everyday meals.
Its straightforward preparation, requiring minimal hands-on time, suits busy schedules and meal-prep routines alike.
Whether served alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, these carrots bring color, texture, and a burst of natural sweetness to the table, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Rimmed Baking Sheet
Essential for roasting the carrots evenly without spills, it ensures optimal caramelization and prevents messes. This versatile sheet is perfect for baking, roasting, and even making sheet pan meals.
Small Saucepan
Used to gently melt butter and infuse it with garlic, this saucepan allows precise control of heat to develop rich flavors without burning. A kitchen staple for sauces, melting, and small-batch cooking.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Key for peeling, trimming, and cutting carrots uniformly, this tool ensures even cooking and professional presentation. A high-quality chef’s knife elevates all your chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks.
Mixing Bowl
For tossing carrots with the honey glaze and seasonings evenly, a sturdy mixing bowl makes combining ingredients effortless and mess-free. An indispensable kitchen essential for mixing, marinating, and serving.
Citrus Juicer or Reamer
To extract fresh lemon juice easily and efficiently, enhancing the dish’s brightness. A handy tool for any kitchen that brightens dressings, marinades, and finishing touches.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Oven and Carrots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the oven rack in the center. Peel the carrots, trim the ends, and cut them into roughly 2-inch sections. For carrots thicker than 1 inch, slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters so each piece is about ½ to ¾ inch thick, ensuring they roast evenly. Arrange the carrot pieces in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Infuse Butter with Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir gently, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat, then whisk in the honey until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Coat Carrots with Honey Butter Glaze: Pour half of the warm honey-butter mixture over the carrots. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the carrots, then toss once more to distribute the seasoning.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for 15 minutes, then carefully toss them to promote even browning. Return the carrots to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender and golden on the edges.
- Final Glaze and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and drizzle the remaining honey glaze over them. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice on top and toss everything together gently. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Advance Preparation: You can peel and chop the carrots up to one day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save prep time on the day you plan to cook.
- Storage Tips: Leftover glazed carrots keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently to preserve their texture and flavor.
Chef’s Top Tips For Success
Achieving perfectly glazed carrots is all about balancing heat and timing.
When roasting, be sure to cut your carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking—thicker pieces will take longer to soften, while thinner ones might burn if left too long.
Infusing the butter with garlic gently over medium heat helps release the best flavor without bitterness, so avoid cooking it too long.
Tossing the carrots halfway through roasting encourages caramelization on all sides, which adds that rich, deep flavor and gorgeous color.
Finally, adding the fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish, cutting through the sweetness and making the flavors pop.
Feel free to experiment by swapping honey for maple syrup or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.
Delicious Serving Ideas And Pairings
Honey Glazed Carrots make a versatile side that complements a wide range of dishes.
Serve them alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon for a colorful and nutritious addition.
They also pair beautifully with plant-based mains like lentil loaf or quinoa-stuffed peppers.
For a more casual meal, toss the glazed carrots into a warm grain bowl with farro or brown rice, some toasted nuts, and crumbled feta for texture and richness.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a refreshing herbal note that brightens each bite.
Leftovers are fantastic chopped and mixed into salads or wraps for an easy flavor boost.
Best Practices For Storing Leftovers
To keep your Honey Glazed Carrots fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They’ll stay good for up to five days, making them an excellent option for meal prep and quick weeknight sides.
When reheating, do so gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and taste.
If you want to prepare in advance, consider roasting the carrots fully, then adding the honey glaze and lemon juice fresh just before serving to preserve the bright citrus flavor.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?
A1: While fresh carrots roast best for caramelization and texture, frozen carrots can be used in a pinch. Thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, then reduce roasting time accordingly.
Q2: Is there a substitute for unsalted butter?
A2: Yes, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version. Olive oil will add a slightly different flavor but still complements the honey glaze nicely.
Q3: How do I make the carrots more tender?
A3: Cutting the carrots into smaller, uniform pieces helps them cook evenly. Also, roasting at 425°F allows the heat to soften the carrots while developing a caramelized crust.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! Peel and cut the carrots up to one day ahead, then store them refrigerated. It’s best to roast and glaze the carrots the same day to maintain freshness.
Q5: What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemon?
A5: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, but if unavailable, a small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can provide a similar acidic balance.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by thekitchn. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.