Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe | Sweet Easy Holiday Side

I recently made these Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe, and honestly, they were even better than I expected. As I peeled and cut the bright orange carrots, I could already tell this dish was going to shine. When the honey glaze started bubbling and the aroma of garlic, butter, and warm spices filled my kitchen, I knew it was something special.

The final result was glossy, tender carrots with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This simple recipe has officially become one of my favorite side dishes—it’s quick, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser, just like this slow cooker creamy white bean noodle soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect honey glazed carrots. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that delicious balance of sweetness and depth.

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled – Fresh, firm carrots are best for texture and color. Avoid frozen ones as they can turn mushy.
• ¼ cup honey – Real honey provides natural sweetness and a shiny glaze that coats the carrots beautifully.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic balances the sweetness with a subtle savory note.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee – Adds richness and helps caramelize the carrots as they roast.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning and ensures even cooking.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings warmth and enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the glaze.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle bite that rounds out the flavor.
• Optional: parsley or thyme for garnish – Adds color and freshness right before serving.

Note: This recipe serves several people—perfect as a side dish for family dinners or festive gatherings.

Variations

Want to customize your honey glazed carrots? Try these easy twists to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Dairy-free: Replace butter with ghee or a quality plant-based butter alternative.
• Sugar-free: Swap honey for pure maple syrup or a sugar-free honey substitute.
• Zesty twist: Add a splash of orange juice or sprinkle in some orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
• Spiced-up version: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can add a warm, smoky edge.
• Crunchy add-in: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving for texture and flavor contrast.

You can also enjoy this recipe alongside rich main courses like french onion short ribs recipe for the ultimate comforting dinner combination.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

A fast and easy side dish that comes together in under half an hour!

Equipment You Need

• Baking sheet: For even roasting without overcrowding the carrots.
• Mixing bowl: To toss carrots evenly in the glaze.
• Sharp knife: For slicing carrots into uniform pieces.
• Spatula or tongs: For turning the carrots halfway through roasting.
• Oven with broiler option: Optional but great for caramelizing the glaze at the end.

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots

Making this recipe is quick, easy, and so rewarding. Here’s how I do it every time.

Slice the Carrots

Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them diagonally into 1 to 1½-inch pieces. If some are thick, cut them lengthwise too. Uniform pieces help them roast evenly and look more elegant when served.

Toss in the Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the carrot pieces and toss well until every piece is evenly coated in that glossy, flavorful mixture.

Roast Until Tender

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the glazed carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through. For that beautiful golden caramelization, you can broil them for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness and color. Serve them immediately while warm and glistening.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish several times, here are my personal tips for getting perfect results every single time:

• I always make sure to cut the carrots evenly—this prevents some from turning too soft while others stay firm.
• I like using a thick, heavy baking sheet; it heats evenly and helps the carrots caramelize without burning.
• If the honey glaze feels too thick before roasting, I add a teaspoon of warm water or extra olive oil to thin it slightly.
• I’ve found that broiling for just 2 minutes makes the glaze richer and stickier—just don’t walk away from the oven!
• Always serve these carrots fresh out of the oven for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots

These carrots are as pretty as they are tasty! I love serving them on a long white platter so their bright orange color really stands out. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of green. For extra flair, sprinkle with toasted nuts or a few pomegranate seeds—perfect for the holidays.

They pair beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes. They add a sweet, glossy touch to any dinner spread.

Nutritional Information

Each serving offers a healthy balance of nutrients and natural sweetness.

• Calories: ~244 kcal
• Protein: ~2 g
• Carbohydrates: ~41 g
• Fat: ~10 g

A light yet satisfying side dish that fits almost any meal plan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage (Fridge): Once cooled, store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. They reheat beautifully while staying flavorful.

Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating: Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave gently until hot. I like reheating them in a skillet for a few minutes—it brings back that glossy glaze perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still wondering why this dish deserves a spot on your table, here are a few irresistible reasons:

• Quick and simple: You only need 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes.
• Balanced flavors: The sweetness of honey, warmth of cinnamon, and savory garlic make each bite deliciously complex.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice, or even turn it vegan or dairy-free with simple swaps.
• Beautiful presentation: These carrots look stunning on any table—vibrant, shiny, and festive.
• A crowd-pleaser: Even people who aren’t big fans of carrots usually love this dish once they taste that buttery honey glaze.

Ben Carraoli

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

I recently made these Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe, and honestly, they were even better than I expected. As I peeled and cut the bright orange carrots, I could already tell this dish was going to shine. When the honey glaze started bubbling and the aroma of garlic, butter, and warm spices filled my kitchen, I knew it was something special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds carrots peeled – Fresh, firm carrots are best for texture and color. Avoid frozen ones as they can turn mushy.
• ¼ cup honey – Real honey provides natural sweetness and a shiny glaze that coats the carrots beautifully.
• 3 garlic cloves minced – Fresh garlic balances the sweetness with a subtle savory note.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee – Adds richness and helps caramelize the carrots as they roast.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning and ensures even cooking.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings warmth and enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the glaze.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle bite that rounds out the flavor.

Method

 

1. Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them diagonally into 1 to 1½-inch pieces. If some are thick, cut them lengthwise too. Uniform pieces help them roast evenly and look more elegant when served.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, melted butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the carrot pieces and toss well until every piece is evenly coated in that glossy, flavorful mixture.
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the glazed carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through. For that beautiful golden caramelization, you can broil them for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch closely so they don’t burn.
4. Once out of the oven, transfer the carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness and color. Serve them immediately while warm and glistening.

Notes

• I always make sure to cut the carrots evenly—this prevents some from turning too soft while others stay firm.
• I like using a thick, heavy baking sheet; it heats evenly and helps the carrots caramelize without burning.
• If the honey glaze feels too thick before roasting, I add a teaspoon of warm water or extra olive oil to thin it slightly.
• I’ve found that broiling for just 2 minutes makes the glaze richer and stickier—just don’t walk away from the oven!
• Always serve these carrots fresh out of the oven for the best texture and flavor.