Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring tender, caramelized carrots coated in a rich, buttery glaze infused with honey and garlic. This easy-to-make recipe pairs perfectly with any meal, adding a touch of natural sweetness and savory depth. Whether served for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these roasted carrots are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly caramelized with a sweet and savory glaze
- Easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients
- Pairs well with a variety of main dishes like chicken, beef, or fish
- Healthy and nutritious while still tasting indulgent
- Great for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots (whole or baby carrots)
- Butter (melted)
- Honey
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Carrots: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots if needed. Slice larger carrots in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Carrots: Toss the carrots with the honey garlic butter mixture until fully coated.
- Roast: Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Carrots: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Lemon Herb Carrots: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and add thyme or rosemary.
- Maple Glaze Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots work great and require no peeling. Adjust roasting time if needed.
How do I get extra caramelization?
Roast at a higher temperature (425°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the carrots and reheat before serving. Add fresh parsley after reheating.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and richness.
What main dishes pair well with these carrots?
They go great with roasted chicken, steak, pork tenderloin, or salmon.
Do I have to peel the carrots?
No, but scrubbing them well is recommended if leaving the skin on.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
How can I make them vegan?
Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
Can I add nuts for crunch?
Yes! Toasted pecans or walnuts add great texture.
What’s the best way to cut carrots for even roasting?
Slice them lengthwise if they’re thick or cut into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a delicious, easy side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich, flavorful glaze. Whether for a holiday spread or a simple weeknight meal, these caramelized, buttery carrots are always a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and elevate your veggie game!
PrintHoney Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are tender, caramelized, and full of flavor. Roasted in a rich honey-garlic butter glaze, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This easy side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or simple weeknight meals!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs whole carrots (peeled and trimmed)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Coat the carrots: Place the carrots on the baking sheet and drizzle with the honey garlic butter. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use baby carrots for a quicker version (reduce roasting time to 20 minutes).
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2 minutes.