If you’re looking for a simple, colorful side dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, these Honey Roasted Carrots are exactly what you need. Naturally sweet, lightly caramelized, and perfectly tender, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, and healthy meal planning. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ll have a vegetable side everyone actually wants to eat.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Roasted Carrots
These honey roasted carrots check all the boxes for a reliable side dish. They’re easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients, and roast beautifully in the oven. The honey brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness, while olive oil and spices add depth and balance. Best of all, this recipe is family-friendly and flexible enough to pair with almost any main course.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or serving guests, this dish adds warmth, color, and comfort to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe shine. Here’s what you’ll use:
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika, smoked paprika, or cinnamon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Each ingredient plays a role in creating that irresistible sweet-savory glaze and roasted texture.
How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel the carrots and cut them into even pieces. If the carrots are thick, slice them lengthwise so they roast evenly.
Step 3: Toss with Flavor
Place the carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, honey, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of spice. Toss until every piece is well coated.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized on the edges.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly deeper, earthy sweetness
- Add warmth with cinnamon for fall and holiday meals
- Go savory with smoked paprika for a richer roasted flavor
- Make it extra tender by covering the carrots loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes
- Add texture with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts before serving
Serving Ideas & Storage
Honey roasted carrots pair beautifully with roasted chicken, baked fish, meatless mains, or grain bowls. They’re also perfect for holiday spreads alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.
To store leftovers, let the carrots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain their caramelized texture.
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Easy Honey Roasted Carrots for Any Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Honey Roasted Carrots are tender, caramelized, and coated in a sweet-savory honey and olive oil glaze with warm spices. A quick, colorful side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
2 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed (cut into even sticks or thick coins)
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika, or cinnamon)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease).
2. Prep carrots: cut into even pieces so they roast at the same speed.
3. In a large bowl, toss carrots with honey, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or smoked paprika/cinnamon) until well coated.
4. Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet (don’t overcrowd).
5. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized on the edges.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cut carrots evenly for consistent roasting.
For a smoky-savory twist, use smoked paprika. For a cozy holiday vibe, use cinnamon.
If your carrots are very thick, slice lengthwise so they roast through.
Leftovers keep well and reheat best in the oven or a skillet to bring back the roasted edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | ~400mg |
(Values are estimates and may vary.)
Final Thoughts
These Honey Roasted Carrots prove that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Sweet, savory, and beautifully roasted, this dish earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a festive gathering, this easy vegetable side never disappoints.