Honey Glazed Carrots. Easy Sweet & Savory Holiday Side

These golden, caramelized carrots are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them an ideal side dish for holiday feasts or simple weeknight dinners. Roasted to tender perfection with honey, butter, and garlic, they transform a humble vegetable into a standout dish that even picky eaters will love. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can have this vibrant, crowd-pleasing recipe ready in under 30 minutes.​

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Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it highlights the natural sweetness of carrots while adding a rich, buttery glaze that feels indulgent without being complicated. Roasting the carrots caramelizes their edges, creating a depth of flavor that boiling or steaming simply can’t match. It is an incredibly versatile side that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, holiday ham, turkey, or beef. Plus, it is a “set it and forget it” oven method that frees up your stove top for other dishes during busy meal prep.​

How To Make Honey Glazed Carrots

Making these carrots is as simple as tossing them in a flavorful glaze and letting the oven do the work. You start by peeling and cutting the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Then, you toss them directly in a mixture of melted butter, honey, garlic, and seasonings until every piece is well-coated. Finally, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at high heat until they are fork-tender and caramelized, tossing them halfway through to get that perfect golden finish.​

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch diagonal pieces​
• 1/4 cup honey​
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (or ghee)​
• 1 tablespoon olive oil​
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced​
• 1 teaspoon salt​
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper​
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)​
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish​

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).​
2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If you have very thick carrots, cut them in half lengthwise first.​
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot slices with the melted butter, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).​
4. Toss everything together until the carrots are thoroughly coated in the glaze mixture.​
5. Pour the carrots onto a large baking sheet and spread them out in a single even layer so they roast rather than steam.​
6. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing the carrots halfway through cooking with a spatula to ensure they brown evenly.​
7. Remove from the oven when the carrots are tender and have caramelized edges.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.​

How To Serve Honey Glazed Carrots

Serve these carrots piping hot directly from the oven for the best texture and flavor. They make a stunning addition to a holiday table alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. For a weeknight meal, they are an excellent companion to grilled chicken breast, pork chops, or pan-seared salmon. You can also serve them over a bed of farro or quinoa for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly meal bowl.​

How To Store Honey Glazed Carrots

Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for short intervals or warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or a little extra butter to bring back the glossy glaze. While you can freeze them, the texture may become slightly mushy upon thawing, so they are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.​

Tips To Make Honey Glazed Carrots

Cut your carrots into uniform sizes to ensure they all finish cooking at the same time; otherwise, you might end up with some mushy pieces and some crunchy ones. If you are using rainbow carrots, be aware that the purple ones might bleed color onto the orange and yellow ones, so you may want to toss them separately if presentation is key. Don’t skimp on the oil and butter mixture; the fat is essential for transferring heat evenly and achieving that delicious roasted caramelization.​

Variation

For a citrusy twist, whisk in a tablespoon of orange juice or add some orange zest to the glaze before roasting. If you prefer a stovetop method, you can simmer the carrots in water until tender, drain them, and then finish them in the pan with the butter, honey, and seasonings until glazed. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey mixture to contrast the sweetness.​

FAQs

Do I have to peel the carrots?
While peeling is recommended for the best texture and appearance, especially for older carrots with tough skin, you don’t strictly have to. If you use young garden carrots or organic carrots with thin skin, simply scrubbing them well is sufficient.​

Can I use baby carrots instead?
Yes, baby carrots work great for this recipe and save you prep time since they are already peeled and cut. However, keep in mind they might not have the same depth of flavor as whole carrots, and you may need to adjust the roasting time slightly depending on their thickness.​

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can peel and chop the carrots a day in advance and store them in water in the fridge. However, it is best to roast them just before serving to maintain their perfect texture. Reheated roasted carrots are delicious but will be softer than freshly roasted ones.

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