Some side dishes quietly steal the spotlight—and these Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are one of them. With glossy caramelized edges, buttery richness, and a hint of garlicky sweetness, this simple dish transforms humble carrots into something truly special. Whether served for Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy Sunday dinner, these golden gems never fail to impress. It’s one of those easy, no-fuss recipes that make your kitchen smell amazing and your table feel complete. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love It
- Sweet & savory perfection: The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a luscious glaze that coats every carrot.
- Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples transform everyday carrots into an elegant side dish.
- Perfect for any season: Works beautifully for Easter brunch, Thanksgiving dinner, or cozy weeknight meals.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can roast them ahead and reheat before serving—still tender and glossy!
- Beautiful presentation: The caramelized sheen and sprinkle of herbs make these carrots look straight out of a bistro kitchen.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the buttery sweetness!
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish or sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the glaze In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic until smooth and fragrant.
- Toss the carrots Place the carrots in the baking dish. Pour the honey garlic butter mixture over them and toss until each piece is well coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Roast until tender Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The carrots should be tender with caramelized edges and a glossy finish.
- Garnish & serve Remove from oven, drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan, and top with extra thyme or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and watch them disappear fast!
Variations to Try
- Maple twist: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, autumn flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a sweet-heat contrast.
- Citrus glaze: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, festive touch.
- Garlic herb butter: Mix in rosemary or sage for a savory holiday feel.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Cut the carrots evenly so they roast at the same speed.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—space allows for that beautiful caramelization.
- Use real butter for richness, but olive oil can be used for a lighter version.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the carrots with a touch more honey right before serving.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
A: Absolutely! Baby carrots roast faster—check them around 20 minutes. - Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast ahead and reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving. - Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, swap the butter for vegan butter or extra olive oil—it’s still delicious! - Q: How do I make them extra caramelized?
A: Turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of roasting for deep golden edges.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are everything you want in a side dish—sweet, buttery, garlicky, and golden. They look gorgeous on any table and pair beautifully with chicken, turkey, or beef. It’s one of those easy, unforgettable recipes that turns a simple veggie into the star of the meal. Save this recipe to your holiday or weeknight dinner board so you’ll have it ready when you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing side!
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Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots – Sweet, Buttery & Irresistible Side Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender, glossy Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots coated in a buttery honey-garlic glaze. Sweet, savory, and irresistible—perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish.
- Whisk together melted butter, honey, olive oil, and garlic.
- Toss carrots in the glaze and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Drizzle with pan glaze, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
Cut carrots evenly for perfect roasting. Don’t overcrowd the pan for caramelized edges. Make ahead and reheat before serving for an easy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: honey garlic roasted carrots, sweet roasted carrots, glazed carrots, Easter side dish, holiday carrots