These honey glazed carrots are a simple yet irresistible side dish that always shines at any holiday dinner table. With their glossy caramelized finish and sweet-savory flavor, they’re the kind of vegetables even picky eaters fall in love with. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Imagine tender roasted carrots coated in a buttery glaze made of honey, garlic, and warm spices — each bite sweet, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re hosting a festive meal or just want a quick, elegant weeknight side, these glazed carrots deliver restaurant-quality flavor straight from your oven.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Glazed Carrots
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress, look no further. Here’s why these honey glazed carrots deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
1. The glaze is pure magic.
The mix of honey, butter, garlic, cinnamon, and ginger enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots while adding a rich, savory depth. The result? A sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
2. It’s incredibly easy.
All you need is a sheet pan, a mixing bowl, and 25 minutes. There’s no complicated sauce or special equipment — just toss, roast, and serve.
3. It works for every occasion.
These carrots are a favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but they’re also great for everyday dinners. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a plant-based main.
4. They look stunning on the table.
Golden, shiny, and garnished with fresh herbs — these carrots bring a pop of color and elegance to any meal without extra effort.
Honey Glazed Carrots Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Focus Keyword recipe. Simple pantry ingredients transform into something spectacular when combined and roasted just right.
- Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are key. You can use classic orange carrots or mix in rainbow varieties for extra color. Slice them diagonally into even pieces so they roast uniformly.
- Honey: This is the heart of the recipe. Use any good-quality honey — clover, wildflower, or local varieties all work beautifully.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter (for richness) and olive oil (to prevent burning) ensures the carrots roast evenly and develop that irresistible glaze.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and balances the sweetness with a hint of savoriness.
- Ground Spices: A touch of cinnamon and ginger enhances the honey flavor and gives these carrots their warm, cozy aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skip them — seasoning is what brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped parsley, thyme, or dill add a burst of freshness right before serving.
Tip: For the best texture, choose medium-sized carrots — not too thin or too thick. They’ll roast evenly and stay tender without turning mushy.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots
This Focus Keyword recipe is all about simplicity. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have perfectly roasted, caramelized carrots ready to serve.
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel your carrots and cut them on a diagonal into 1 to 1½-inch pieces.
If your carrots are thick, slice them in half lengthwise to help them cook evenly. For a fancier presentation, you can leave a bit of the green tops on — they look great on the serving platter!
Step 2: Toss with the Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced carrots and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
The glaze should cling to the carrots, creating a glossy layer that will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender
Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a heavy-duty sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding — this ensures they roast rather than steam.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through for even color.
For those irresistible golden edges, switch on the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them — they can go from caramelized to burned quickly!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for a final touch of color and freshness.
Serve warm, straight out of the oven, while they’re glossy and tender.
Mains to Serve With Honey Glazed Carrots
These Focus Keyword carrots are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, from elegant roasts to cozy comfort food. Here are some ideas:
For Thanksgiving or Christmas:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Prime rib or beef tenderloin
- Glazed ham or honey-baked ham
For Easter or Spring Dinners:
- Baked salmon or lemon herb fish
- Roasted lamb chops
- Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers (for a vegetarian option)
For Everyday Meals:
- Grilled steak or chicken breast
- Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf
- A fresh green salad with citrus dressing
These carrots bring balance to rich, savory dishes while adding a subtle sweetness to the plate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Although honey glazed carrots taste best right after roasting, you can easily make them ahead or store leftovers for later.
To store:
Let the carrots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze:
Transfer cooled carrots to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat:
Warm them gently in the microwave or on a sheet pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through. You can add a small drizzle of honey or butter to refresh the glaze.
Pro Tip: If you’re prepping for the holidays, peel and chop the carrots a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss with the glaze and roast — fresh and stress-free!
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
2 pounds (900 g) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
¼ cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons melted butter (or ghee)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Prepare the carrots: Peel and slice into diagonal pieces about 1–1½ inches long. If thick, cut lengthwise.
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Mix the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, butter, olive oil, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the carrots: Toss the carrots in the glaze until fully coated.
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Roast: Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
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Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the edges.
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Serve: Transfer to a dish, drizzle with any leftover glaze, and top with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra shine, brush the carrots with a bit more honey just before serving.
- To make it vegan, swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
- For spicier carrots, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
