These honey roasted carrots are sweet, caramelized, and super easy to make! Just toss fresh carrots in honey and a bit of olive oil, then roast them until they’re tender.
I love serving these as a side dish because they turn any meal into a special occasion. Plus, who can resist the sweet glaze? They’re a hit on my dinner table! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect for this dish since they’re sweet and tender. If you can’t find them, use regular carrots cut into 2-inch pieces. I often go for rainbow carrots for fun colors and extra flavor!
Honey: Pure honey is the best for a nice glaze. If you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup works really well too. It gives a different but delicious sweet profile.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for roasting. If you want a lighter taste, you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute here, but fresh really shines in this recipe. Adjust based on your family’s taste!
How Do You Get Your Carrots Perfectly Roasted?
The secret to perfectly roasted carrots lies in the roasting time and temperature. Roasting at a high temperature allows the carrots to caramelize, bringing out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and helps them brown nicely.
- Stir them halfway through to promote even cooking. Check for tenderness by poking with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end! It brightens the flavors beautifully.
Try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist on the flavor. Enjoy your cooking and happy roasting!
Easy and Delicious Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 ½ pounds baby carrots (or peeled whole carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to roast, giving you a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delightful side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the carrots caramelize nicely, bringing out their natural sweetness. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing.
2. Prepare the Carrots:
In a large bowl, combine the baby carrots, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated in the mixture. This is where the magic happens, so make sure every carrot gets a good hug of that sweet goodness!
3. Spread and Roast:
Carefully spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they roast evenly. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir them halfway through so they brown nicely on all sides.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the carrots are tender and caramelized, take them out of the oven. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice all over the top and give them a gentle toss to coat. The lemon juice adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the beautiful honey roasted carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you’d like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. These carrots are not only delicious but also make a wonderful addition to any meal!
Enjoy your sweet and savory honey roasted carrots! They are sure to delight everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but keep in mind they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as fresh ones. If you go this route, increase the roasting time slightly and ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating and roasting.
How Long Can Leftover Honey Roasted Carrots Be Stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them from drying out.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the carrots and coat them in oil, honey, and seasonings a day in advance. Simply cover and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just roast them in the oven as directed.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add to This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor. You might also try sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick or using different sweeteners like maple syrup for variety. Have fun experimenting!