Are you ready to elevate your veggie game? Say hello to these irresistible honey-glazed roasted carrots! 
This recipe transforms humble carrots into a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is the secret to getting that perfect crisp-tender texture we’re after.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure each carrot piece is well-coated – we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of roast. If needed, use two baking sheets.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’re looking for carrots that are tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite to them.
- While the carrots are roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey and lemon juice. This glaze is going to take our carrots from great to absolutely irresistible!
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the honey-butter glaze. Toss gently to coat.
- Return the carrots to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to let that glaze caramelize and create a beautiful sheen.
Serving Suggestions
These honey-glazed roasted carrots are the perfect sidekick to almost any main dish. They’re especially delightful alongside a juicy roast chicken or a tender pork loin. For a stunning presentation, serve them on a large platter and sprinkle with some extra fresh thyme leaves. The vibrant orange hue of the carrots, glistening with honey glaze, will have your guests reaching for seconds before they’ve even finished their firsts!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Carrot Selection: Look for carrots that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. If you can find them, rainbow carrots can add a beautiful pop of color to this dish!
- Make it Vegan: Simply swap out the butter for vegan butter or additional olive oil.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
- Storage: These carrots are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs or spices. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy carrots!
Now, who’s ready to get roasting? Let’s turn those humble carrots into the star of your next meal!
