Roasted Carrots Honey Glaze

The smell of honey hitting hot pan always pulls me into the kitchen like nothing else. I started making these glazed carrots during a tiny apartment dinner party when my budget couldn't stretch to anything fancier than root vegetables. My friend Sarah actually asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her first bite, which might be the highest compliment a simple side dish has ever received in my kitchen.

Last winter I made a triple batch for a family gathering and watched my nephew tentatively try his first roasted carrot. His eyes went wide and he immediately asked if there were more, which is saying something for a kid who usually treats vegetables like toxic waste. Now they're requested at every Sunday dinner, even by the carrot skeptics.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carrots: Try to find bunches with their green tops still attached and choose similarly sized ones for even cooking
• 2 tbsp honey: Local honey gives the best flavor but whatever you have in your pantry will work beautifully
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the glaze coat evenly and prevents sticking on the baking sheet
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: The butter adds that rich restaurant-quality finish you can't quite get with oil alone
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Flaky salt is lovely here but regular sea salt works perfectly fine
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: This isn't just for looks, it adds a fresh bright note that cuts through the sweet glaze
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds: Toast them in a dry pan for just 30 seconds beforehand for the best nutty flavor

Instructions

Heat your oven:

Crank it to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later

Whisk the glaze:

In a large bowl, combine honey, olive oil, melted butter, salt, and pepper until they're completely blended

Coat the carrots:

Add carrots to the bowl and toss them gently with your hands until every piece is glossy

Arrange for roasting:

Spread carrots in a single layer with space between each piece so they caramelize instead of steam

Roast to perfection:

Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and gorgeous golden brown

Finish with flair:

Transfer to your serving platter and scatter parsley and sesame seeds on top while they're still warm

Save

These carrots have saved more weeknight dinners than I care to admit. There's something about that sweet glaze that makes people forget they're eating vegetables at all.

Making It Your Own

I've discovered that a pinch of smoked paprika in the glaze adds this incredible depth that people can't quite put their finger on. Maple syrup works beautifully instead of honey if that's what you have, especially in fall when you want that cozy caramel flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These pair surprisingly well with roast chicken but they're also substantial enough to stand as part of a vegetarian main course. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sweetness perfectly if you're serving wine.

Timing Is Everything

You can prep the carrots and whisk the glaze hours before you need to cook them. Just toss everything together right before they hit the oven for the best texture.

• Leave the glaze at room temperature so it pours easily
• Cut carrots into similar sizes so they finish cooking at the same time
• Don't skip the parchment paper unless you love scrubbing pans

Save

These honey glazed carrots prove that the simplest ingredients can create something truly special when you give them a little attention and heat.

Recipe Q&A

→ What is the best way to prepare carrots for roasting?

Peeling and cutting carrots into sticks or leaving thin ones whole helps ensure even cooking and caramelization.

→ Can I substitute honey in the glaze?

Yes, maple syrup works well as a vegan alternative and provides a similar sweet depth.

→ How do I achieve a glossy glaze on the carrots?

Whisking honey with olive oil and melted butter before tossing the carrots helps create a smooth, shiny coating.

→ What herbs complement roasted carrots best?

Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note, enhancing the glaze’s sweetness without overpowering.

→ Can I add spices to the glaze for extra flavor?

Yes, adding ground cumin or smoked paprika boosts the flavor profile with subtle warmth and complexity.

→ How do I know when the carrots are done roasting?

Carrots should be tender inside with caramelized edges after 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C).