Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are such a simple, delicious side dish that really brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots. The honey adds a lovely glaze that caramelizes as the carrots roast, while the garlic gives it a nice little kick of flavor. You get tender, slightly crispy edges, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
I love making these carrots whenever I want something easy but impressive. The smell of garlic and honey roasting together fills the kitchen and makes everything feel cozy. One little tip I like: toss the carrots in a bit of olive oil before roasting so they get that perfect golden color without drying out.
These honey garlic roasted carrots go great with just about any meal, especially a simple weeknight dinner or a holiday feast. I usually serve them warm right out of the oven, letting everyone enjoy that caramelized goodness while it’s fresh. Plus, they’re a great way to get more veggies on the table without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are great for even roasting and bite-sized pieces. If you can’t find them, peel and cut whole carrots into sticks or chunks that roast evenly.
Honey: Honey gives a natural, sticky sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are good plant-based swaps.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers a bold flavor. Garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available but add it towards the end to avoid burning.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds subtle earthiness. Dried thyme works too—just use half the amount because it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil: This helps the carrots roast evenly and adds richness. You can use avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor or something with a high smoke point.
How Do I Get the Carrots Perfectly Tender and Caramelized?
Roasting carrots until tender with caramelized edges is key for great flavor. Here’s how:
- Coat carrots evenly with oil and honey; this helps with browning.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
- Roast at a fairly high heat (400°F/200°C) to encourage caramelization.
- Turn the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even color.
- Check tenderness with a fork near the end; they should be soft but not mushy.
By following these steps, you get that lovely balance of soft inside and slightly crisp, golden edges. It’s simple but makes a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A rimmed sheet helps keep the carrots and glaze from sliding off and catches any drips.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowl – To toss the carrots evenly in the honey garlic glaze.
- Measuring spoons – For accurate amounts of honey, oil, and spices.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For trimming and peeling carrots if needed.
- Spatula or tongs – To turn the carrots halfway through roasting without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different herb note that pairs well with honey and garlic.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes before roasting for a gentle spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
- Mix in some chopped fresh parsley or basil after roasting for a fresh, bright finish.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts like almonds after cooking for added texture and nuttiness.
Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Carrots and Glaze:
- 1 lb (about 450g) baby carrots or peeled whole carrots, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Garnish:
- Optional: coarse sea salt for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, in total, you’ll spend roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the carrots from sticking.
2. Mix the Honey Garlic Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme leaves. Stir it well until you have a smooth glaze.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the carrots to the bowl and toss them around so each carrot gets coated evenly with the honey garlic glaze.
4. Roast the Carrots:
Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, toss the carrots to ensure they roast evenly. Roast until the carrots are tender and have caramelized edges.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, transfer the carrots to a serving dish, sprinkle with a bit of coarse sea salt if you like, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid extra moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels for the best caramelization.
How Should I Store Leftover Roasted Carrots?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I Substitute Honey with Another Sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar work well as alternatives to honey. Just use the same amount and adjust to taste if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No worries! You can use dried thyme instead—just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, rosemary or oregano also pair nicely with honey garlic flavors.
