Honey Roasted Carrots

Transform your side dish with this delicious Honey Roasted Carrots recipe. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, these carrots are roasted to perfection and coated in a buttery honey glaze with a hint of cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Fresh thyme adds a fragrant touch, making these carrots a standout dish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How Do You Make Roasted Carrots?

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that the carrots will roast nicely and develop a caramelized exterior.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into 2-inch chunks for even cooking. Toss the carrots in a large bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper to coat them evenly.
3. Roast the Carrots: Spread the carrots out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Make the Honey Glaze: While the carrots are roasting, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking until well blended.
5. Coat the Carrots: Once the carrots are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the honey glaze. Stir to coat them evenly and sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Roasted Carrots

• Cut Evenly: Ensure the carrot pieces are cut evenly to promote uniform roasting.
• Use High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (425°F) helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the carrots, giving them a deliciously sweet flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning after coating the carrots in the honey glaze. A little extra salt or pepper can enhance the overall flavor.
• Add Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley should be added after roasting to preserve their fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Baked Carrot Variations

• Maple Glazed Carrots: Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy touch.
• Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots: Skip the honey glaze and toss the roasted carrots with minced garlic and a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• Spicy Sriracha Carrots: Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick. Adjust the cayenne pepper accordingly.
• Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Replace the honey with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Add a touch of brown sugar to balance the acidity.
• Parmesan Roasted Carrots: After roasting, toss the carrots with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs for a savory variation.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Sweet, savory, and with a hint of spice, these Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal. Roasted to perfection and tossed in a buttery honey glaze, they’re simple yet full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks (see notes)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley

Directions

• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Prepare Carrots:
• In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender.
• Make Honey Glaze:
• In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add honey and cayenne pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for several minutes until the mixture is well blended.
• Coat Carrots:
• Add the roasted carrots to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the honey glaze. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

• Peeling Carrots: For a better presentation, peel the carrots before cutting them into chunks.
  Cutting Tips: Cut the carrots into 2-inch segments, halving the thick ends if necessary.
  Cayenne Pepper: A small amount of cayenne pepper adds depth of flavor without making the dish spicy.
  Roasting: Roast the carrots just until they are fork-tender for the best texture.
  Herb Substitution: Fresh thyme adds excellent flavor, but dried thyme leaves can be used in a pinch.
  Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.