Why You’ll Love This Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe

Let’s be honest: carrots aren’t always the most exciting vegetable on the dinner table. Many of us are often drawn to other vibrant options like zucchini fritters or creamy mashed cauliflower. However, when you toss carrots with honey and olive oil, then roast them until the glaze transforms into a syrupy, sweet, and caramelized coating… well, that’s when the magic happens. Suddenly, these humble carrots become an irresistible snack, almost like candy!

This honey roasted carrots recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. It’s a classic dish where the quality of ingredients truly shines through. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, offering a multitude of flavor possibilities. You can keep the carrots whole, slice them diagonally for maximum caramelization (my personal favorite!), or even use baby carrots if that’s what you have readily available in your fridge.

Once the carrots are oven-roasted to sweet, sticky perfection, finish them with a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a delightful salty crunch. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear, even before they make it to the dinner table! The combination of sweet and savory, tender and crunchy, makes these honey roasted carrots an absolute winner.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Honey Roasted Carrots

This recipe requires only a handful of simple ingredients, making it both quick and easy to prepare. To achieve the best results, I highly recommend using the highest quality ingredients you can find. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Carrots: You’ll need approximately 10 medium carrots for this recipe, which is about 1½ to 2 pounds. I personally prefer to wash and peel them thoroughly, but peeling is entirely optional. The key is to ensure the carrots are fresh and vibrant for optimal flavor.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for helping the carrots soften and caramelize beautifully in the oven. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. My go-to brand is Kosterina, which offers a rich and fruity flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
• Honey: The honey acts as a light glaze, enhancing the carrots’ natural sweetness and creating that irresistible sticky texture. Use just enough to coat the carrots without making them overly sweet. If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup works wonderfully as a substitute.
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings are crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural flavors of the carrots. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick, while kosher salt enhances the overall taste profile.
• Pistachios: While optional, pistachios are highly recommended! I love the delightful crunch, vibrant color, and salty contrast they add to the dish. If you don’t have pistachios on hand, crushed pecans, walnuts, or toasted pepitas also make excellent alternatives.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and exact quantities.

Note from the Test Kitchen: Tips for the Best Carrots

I highly recommend using whole orange or rainbow carrots for this recipe. They tend to have a more complex and nuanced flavor compared to baby-cut carrots, which can sometimes taste a little muted. It’s worth noting that baby carrots are essentially full-size carrots that have been trimmed down and bagged for convenience.

That being said, if baby carrots are all you have in your fridge, feel free to use them! Just be sure to start checking for doneness earlier, around the 10-minute mark, as they tend to roast faster and can quickly go from tender to mushy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

The bottom line is: use what you have readily available, but make sure to keep the carrot pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. This will guarantee that everything finishes roasting at the same time, resulting in perfectly cooked carrots every time.

How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious honey roasted carrots you’ve ever tasted. The key is to pay attention to the details and adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your oven and the size of your carrots.

1. Prep the carrots. I like to peel the carrots, trim off the ends, and slice them on the bias (chef-speak for diagonal). Cutting them this way gives you more surface area, which translates to more caramelization and enhanced flavor. Feel free to slice them as big or as small as you like, but try to keep them roughly the same size to ensure they roast evenly.

2. Toss in the honey glaze. Add the sliced carrots to a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, honey, kosher salt, and pepper until every piece is evenly coated with the glaze. A rubber spatula works wonderfully for this task.
3. Roast. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes. Then, give them a quick toss and continue roasting for another 12–15 minutes, or until they are tender, lightly browned, and beautifully caramelized.
4. Garnish and serve. Once the carrots are roasted to perfection, season them to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle generously with crushed pistachios for a crunchy and flavorful finish. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Variations: Adding Your Own Twist

This honey roasted carrots recipe is a fantastic starting point! Feel free to tweak the flavors to suit your personal preferences and match whatever mood or menu you’re in. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and nuts to create a unique and personalized version of this classic dish.

• Add warm spices. Try a sprinkle (about ¼ teaspoon) of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, or a combination of your favorite warm spices before roasting. This will enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering them.
• Go garlic-Parmesan. For a savory twist, skip the honey altogether and toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Roast as directed, then shower them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese while they’re still hot, allowing the cheese to melt right into those caramelized edges.
• Herb it up. Elevate the flavor profile by finishing off the roasted carrots with a handful of your favorite chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, chives, or parsley. The fresh herbs add a burst of aroma and a touch of elegance to the dish.
• Try maple instead of honey. For a deeper, slightly woodsy sweetness, swap honey 1:1 with pure maple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon if you’re feeling festive and want to create a cozy and comforting flavor combination.

What to Serve with Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Their sweet and savory flavor profile complements both roasted meats and vegetarian dishes, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

• Thanksgiving Turkey
• Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
• Pan Seared Steak
• Beef Teriyaki Bowls
• Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Butter
• Broccoli-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Storage Tips for Leftover Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots are undeniably at their best when served fresh out of the oven, boasting their optimal flavor and texture. However, if you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry! They can be stored and enjoyed later with a little bit of care.

To store leftover honey roasted carrots, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you have a couple of options for reheating.

You can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If they appear a little dry after reheating, add a tiny drizzle of olive oil or honey to revive their moisture and flavor.

More Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delicious side dishes, here are a few more recipes that you might enjoy:

• Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• Roasted Green Beans
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles