Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are the perfect side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a lovely garlicky twist. The carrots get tender and a little caramelized in the oven, while the honey adds a gentle glaze that makes every bite just a tiny bit special. It’s simple but packed with flavor, thanks to a few basic ingredients like garlic, honey, and a bit of olive oil.
I love making this dish when I want something easy yet impressive to serve alongside a weeknight dinner or even a holiday meal. The garlic and honey combo is an old favorite of mine because it adds just the right balance of sweet and savory without any fuss. Plus, roasting carrots like this brings out such a deep flavor that you’d hardly believe they’re so simple to prepare.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these carrots is to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and freshness. They’re great with chicken, pork, or even as part of a larger veggie spread. I find that the leftovers also taste delicious cold or warmed up, which makes them perfect for lunch the next day. If you want a dish that feels cozy and bright all at once, these honey garlic roasted carrots will definitely deliver.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, making roasting quick and easy. If you only have large carrots, peel and cut them into evenly sized sticks or chunks for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best aroma and flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work too—just use about 1 teaspoon instead.
Honey: Honey provides a lovely natural sweetness and glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good vegan-friendly swaps that also work well here.
Olive Oil: Used to help roast and caramelize the carrots. If you prefer, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can add a nice twist in flavor.
Thyme: Adds an earthy herb note that pairs wonderfully with honey and garlic. Rosemary or sage works well as alternatives if you want a different herb profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Roasted Carrots with a Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze?
The key is in coating and roasting the carrots evenly, and timing it right to get tender carrots with some caramelized edges.
- Toss carrots well with oil, honey, garlic, and seasoning for full flavor coverage.
- Spread them out single-layer to avoid steaming and ensure roasting.
- Roast at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) so the honey caramelizes without burning.
- Halfway through, stir or shake the pan to brown all sides evenly.
- Watch towards the end—carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly golden on the edges.
This careful roasting brings out natural sweetness while the honey forms a sticky glaze that clings deliciously to every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough for a single layer of carrots so they roast evenly without steaming.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing carrots with honey, garlic, and oil to coat them well.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right balance of honey, oil, and seasonings.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – helps you stir the carrots gently without breaking them.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot pan when taking carrots in and out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet heat that brightens the dish.
- Mix in chopped fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a pine-like aroma.
- Try tossing carrots with balsamic vinegar alongside honey for a tangy glaze.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 2 pounds baby carrots, peeled if needed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or additional thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 25 to 30 minutes to roast the carrots until tender and caramelized. Altogether, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish including preparation and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easy and prevent the carrots from sticking.
2. Toss Carrots with Honey Garlic Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Mix everything well so each carrot is fully coated with the honey garlic sauce.
3. Arrange and Roast:
Spread the coated carrots out evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly without steaming. Roast in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, stir or shake the pan to brown the carrots evenly.
4. Finish and Serve:
Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish, spoon any leftover delicious glaze from the pan over the carrots. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme sprigs on top if you like, then serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture. This helps the carrots caramelize better in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftover Roasted Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain their texture and flavor.
Can I Substitute Honey with Another Sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar make great vegan-friendly alternatives and still provide a lovely sweetness and glaze to the carrots.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Instead of Thyme?
Rosemary or sage are excellent substitute herbs that pair well with the honey and garlic, adding a different but delicious flavor profile to the dish.
