There’s something truly magical about roasted carrots — the way they caramelize in the oven, turning tender and golden while soaking up every bit of flavor from butter, honey, and garlic. These Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are everything a side dish should be: simple, elegant, and unbelievably delicious. With their glossy glaze and slightly crisp edges, they bring a warm, sunlit sweetness to any table — perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Every bite delivers that dreamy mix of savory garlic, rich butter, and sweet honey. And the best part? They’re made with just a handful of pantry staples and take under 30 minutes in the oven. Whether you serve them alongside roast chicken, lamb, or a spring quiche, these carrots will steal the show with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden finish. This is one of those recipes that makes everyday dinners feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love It

Simple ingredients: You only need butter, honey, garlic, and carrots to make something truly special.
Beautifully caramelized: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and creates a glossy, golden glaze.
Perfect for spring: Fresh, light, and vibrant — ideal for Easter or Mother’s Day.
Easy yet elegant: A side dish that looks restaurant-worthy but is so easy to make.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters can’t resist that buttery honey-garlic flavor!

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the carrots Peel and slice the carrots evenly so they roast uniformly. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
Make the glaze In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fragrant.
Coat and roast Pour the honey garlic mixture over the carrots and toss to coat. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and golden around the edges.
Serve with a touch of elegance Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful finish.

Variations to Try

Maple Twist: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a cozy fall variation.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-spicy flavor.
Citrus Zest: Stir in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a fresh springy touch.
Brown Butter Upgrade: Brown the butter first for a deeper, nutty flavor.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use evenly cut carrots so they roast consistently and caramelize beautifully.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — space helps the carrots roast instead of steam.
For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (but watch closely!).
This recipe can easily double for larger gatherings — just use two baking sheets.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 170
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugars: 15g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 220mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast the carrots up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Q: Can I use baby carrots?
A: Definitely. Baby carrots work great — just adjust the roasting time by a few minutes since they’re smaller.
Q: How do I prevent burning the honey?
A: Roast at 400°F and stir halfway through to coat evenly and prevent over-caramelizing.
Q: What pairs well with honey garlic carrots?
A: They’re perfect with roast chicken, salmon, lamb, or as part of an Easter brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are the kind of side dish that makes your whole table pause for a “wow” moment. Golden, glossy, and infused with buttery sweetness, they bring a comforting elegance to any meal. Whether for Easter, Sunday supper, or a simple family dinner, this recipe is pure springtime joy on a plate. Save this recipe to your Spring Recipes board so you can make it again and again!