Honey-Glazed Carrots Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these honey-glazed carrots! Enjoy sweet and tender carrot slices coated in a rich honey-garlic-butter glaze – a side dish perfect for adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your table. Made in just minutes with simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe is the easiest way to transform the everyday carrot into a crave-worthy dish!

Jump to Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting vegetable dishes to go alongside our meals. It’s so easy to fall into a routine with the same old recipes, but I found that a simple twist can make a world of a difference. I used to just steam baby potatoes and add salt and pepper, but when I baked them and made crispy roasted parmesan potatoes, it made a huge difference!

It’s the same with carrots. I’ve cooked carrots the same way for the longest time – in the pan, sautéed in butter and garlic. I wanted to sweeten the dish one time so I added honey, then I popped them in the oven so the glaze would stick. The rest is history!

Now, we can’t stop having oven-roasted honey-glazed carrots.They’re deliciously sweet and savory, with a slight garlic aftertaste. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or as part of a holiday spread. Simple, delicious, and versatile!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easiest method: There are many ways to make honey-glazed carrots, but I chose the easiest, most hands-off method which is roasting them in the oven. This approach also brings out the sweetness of the carrots.
• Perfectly-balanced flavors: This recipe combines sweet honey, rich butter, and savory garlic to make a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the tender carrots.
• Kid-approved: The sweet glaze and the soft carrots are always a hit with the kids, even with the pickiest eaters!
• Versatile: This tasty side can be enjoyed year round at home or at gatherings, and can easily be paired with a wide variety of dishes.

How to Make Honey-Glazed Carrots

This recipe is the easiest way to turn carrots from simple to sensational. Once you’ve made the glaze and coated the carrots, just pop them in the oven – your oven will do most of the heavy lifting that all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the best version of honey-glazed carrots there is.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients You Need

• Carrots: The star of our dish! I use full-sized carrots cut into pieces, but you can also use whole, rainbow, or baby carrots.
• Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and gives it that nice glossy finish. I use unsalted butter since we will be adding salt separately.
• Honey: Creates the beautiful, naturally sweet glaze on the carrots. Use any variety of honey you like – clover, wildflower, or buckwheat all work great.
• Garlic: Provides a delicious savory flavor that helps balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Salt: Brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and helps round out the flavors.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the rich, buttery glaze.

Step-By-Step Instructions

These oven-roasted beauties look super impressive, but they’re actually a breeze to make. Just prep glaze, toss the carrots, then roast to perfection. That’s it – this recipe is perfect for beginners or busy bees!

Step 1: Slice

Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Peel and trim the carrots into approximately 2-inch pieces. Try to cut equal pieces so they all cook evenly. Halve or quarter them lengthwise if they are more than 1 inch thick. Each piece should be about 2 inches long and ½ to ¾-inch thick. Thinner tips are fine to leave whole.

Step 2: Toss

Once the carrots are ready, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the honey, garlic, and salt. Toss with carrots in a mixing bowl then eason with salt. 

Step 3: Bake

Next, arrange carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through the cooking time. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Substitutions

Chances are, you already have everything you need to make honey glazed carrots at home. But if not, or if you’d prefer a substitution, here’s how you can easily make adjustments.

• Butter: Ghee or 3 tablespoons of olive oil can be used to substitute butter in this recipe. If you want your honey-glazed carrots to be dairy-free, use coconut oil.
• Honey: No honey on hand? Use an equal amount of maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
• Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, substitute with fresh thyme.

Variations

Once you’ve nailed the basics of honey-glazed carrots, why not add your own twist? Here are some equally mouthwatering variations to try:

• Don’t stop at carrots! Try them combined with other veggies like sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper or a few teaspoons of hot sauce for a delicious sweet and spicy combination.
• Add a splash of orange or lemon juice to the glaze for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
• Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill, or sage for freshness and fragrance.
• Add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for a unique savory flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon for a warm, spiced variation perfect for fall and holiday meals.

Expert Tips

• Use same-sized pieces: Cut the carrots into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Thicker slices might take longer, so keep an eye on them. 
• Don’t overcook: Cook the carrots just until tender, but still slightly firm (al dente) to maintain a nice bite and avoid mushy texture.
• Adjust the glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up. If it gets too thick, a splash of water will help thin it out.
• Improvise: If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought frozen carrots or ready-made carrot coins. Make sure to come back next time and use fresh carrots!
• Garnish creatively: The sky’s the limit when it comes to garnishing honey-glazed carrots. Some of my favorite additional toppings include candied pecans, crumbled bacon, toasted sesame seeds, caramelized onions, or chopped walnuts.

How to Store This Recipe

Place leftover carrots in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm refrigerated carrots on the stovetop over low heat. 

Frozen carrots can be reheated straight from the freezer, in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Just keep in mind that frozen carrots release excess water when cooked, so expect the glaze to be thinner compared to when they were cooked fresh.

What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots make a delicious appetizer or side dish to a wide variety of protein mains. I like to serve them as a side to fried chicken cutlets, roast chicken or turkey, a pot roast, honey mustard salmon, or sautéed shrimp. My kids love them with parmesan-crusted chicken or bacon-wrapped filet mignon. 

More Easy Sides To Try

• Frozen roasted green beans
• Crispy roasted parmesan potatoes
• Slow cooker mashed potatoes
• Broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers
• Creamy pumpkin pasta

If you make this recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each 5-star rating and review comment!