Name: Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds carrots (peeled); ¼ cup honey; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; parsley, thyme or other herbs for garnish (optional)

There's something utterly comforting about the simple sweetness of roasted carrots, and this Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe is one of my favorite go-tos when I want a side dish that's both easy and impressive. The combination of honey, warm spices, and a little garlic makes these carrots sing with flavor every time.

This image shows a white round bowl filled with about two layers of cooked carrots. The carrots are cut into thick, uneven oval shapes and have a shiny, orange-glazed look. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top and among the carrots, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some parsley sprigs near the top right. A silver spoon and white cloth are partially visible near the bottom right. The lighting is bright, emphasizing the warm colors of the carrots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This honey glazed carrots recipe hits that sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication. I've served it at casual dinners and holiday meals, and it always gets compliments. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleaning up a breeze.

Effortless flavor: A handful of pantry ingredients transform simple carrots into a deliciously sticky, spiced side.
Handy sheet pan method: Toss, roast, and done—it's that easy to get perfect caramelization.
Customizable spice blend: Cinnamon and ginger add warmth, but you can tweak spices to suit your taste.
Great make-ahead potential: Prepping this dish ahead makes weeknight dinners or holiday spreads stress-free.

The image shows a white bowl filled with about two layers of cooked carrot pieces. The carrots are cut into thick, angled chunks and have a shiny, slightly glazed surface with a rich orange color. Small specks of seasoning are visible on the carrots, adding texture. There are bits of fresh green herbs scattered on top and mixed in, giving contrast to the orange. A silver spoon is placed inside at the bottom left corner of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balancing the natural sweetness of carrots with a honey glaze that’s enhanced by warm spices and savory garlic. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Flat lay of fresh peeled whole orange carrots with green tops removed, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter glowing softly, a small white ceramic bowl of rich olive oil, a neat pile of warm brown cinnamon powder, a small heap of light beige ground ginger, white ceramic bowls containing fine white salt and coarse black peppercorns, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley and thyme, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Carrots: Fresh and firm carrots roast beautifully, releasing their natural sugars for a perfect glaze.
Honey: The star sweetener that creates the sticky glaze; go for a mild honey so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Garlic cloves: Adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.
Melted butter or ghee: Gives a rich, silky texture and depth to the glaze.
Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a touch of fruitiness.
Cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and pairs beautifully with the honey.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing to brighten the dish.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
Parsley, thyme, or other herbs: Fresh herbs are optional but add a lovely freshness and color as a garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this honey glazed carrots recipe depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Don't be afraid to add your own spin—it keeps the dish fresh and exciting.

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle kick, and it totally lifted the dish to the next level. You can also swap the cinnamon and ginger for thyme and rosemary if you're leaning towards an herbier vibe.
Make it vegan: Just replace the butter or ghee with extra olive oil or a plant-based spread, and you’re good to go.
Chunk size: Cutting carrots larger or slicing them thinly will change the roasting time, so adjust accordingly for your preferred texture.
Sweetener swap: Maple syrup works beautifully here too, offering a deeper, earthy sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Just Right

Start by peeling the carrots and slicing them on a diagonal about 1 to 1.5 inches long. If the carrots are thick, cut them in halves or quarters lengthwise so they roast evenly. This shape helps the glaze cling and lets them caramelize beautifully.

Step 2: Toss Carrots in the Honey Glaze

In a large mixing bowl, add your carrots along with honey, minced garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, and your spices: cinnamon, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything until the carrots are thoroughly coated. This step is essential for that glossy, sticky finish.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Roast in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure even caramelization. If you want a bit more char, pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on them because it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the carrots to a serving dish and scatter chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve warm, and enjoy the incredible smell wafting through your kitchen.

Top Tip

When I made honey glazed carrots the first time, I learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These tips will help you get perfectly tender, caramelized carrots without any fuss.

Use fresh carrots: Older carrots tend to be woody and won’t roast as tenderly, so choose firm, bright orange ones.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the carrots room to roast; if they’re too crowded, they steam instead of caramelize.
Mix the glaze well: Make sure every piece gets coated to ensure even flavor and color.
Watch the broiler: It’s tempting to broil for caramelization, but a minute or two is all it needs – or it’ll burn fast.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually reach for fresh parsley or thyme to garnish, which adds vibrant color and a bit of brightness that complements the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed for an unexpected crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Honey glazed carrots make a fantastic side for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a cozy lentil stew. I also love serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ll present these carrots on a large wooden board with fresh sprigs of herbs, a drizzle of extra honey, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It turns a simple side dish into a showstopper centerpiece that guests always admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3-4 days. When you reheat, just warm them gently to keep the glaze intact and the carrots tender.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with decent results. Just cool the carrots completely, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to avoid losing that glossy honey glaze.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a low oven (around 300°F) or a gentle skillet toss with a little butter or oil. Microwaving works in a pinch, but sometimes it dulls the shine and softens the carrots too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use baby carrots for this Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe?

Yes, baby carrots work just fine! You might want to reduce the roasting time slightly since they tend to cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-softening.

How do I prevent the honey from burning while roasting?

To avoid burning, toss the carrots well with olive oil or butter to help dilute the honey's sweetness and roast at 425°F, not higher. Also, stirring once halfway through helps prevent hotspots that can burn.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and toss the carrots in the glaze the night before, keep them covered in the fridge, and then roast fresh when you’re ready to eat. This makes weekday meals super easy.

What herbs pair best as a garnish for honey glazed carrots?

Parsley and thyme are my favorites because they add a fresh, green contrast to the sweet, warm flavors. Rosemary can be lovely too, but use it sparingly since it’s quite strong.

Final Thoughts

Making these honey glazed carrots has become a small joy in my kitchen. They’re one of those dishes that’s simple, yet when done right, feel just a little special—sweet, warm, with a touch of savory. I’m sure once you try this Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe, you’ll find yourself adding it to your regular rotation too. Give it a whirl and see how a humble vegetable can brighten up your meal in the best way.