Looking for a side dish thatβs easy and delicious? Youβre in the right place! Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots are not just simple to make; they burst with flavor. With just a few ingredients like honey, garlic, and carrots, you can create a healthy treat your family will love. Join me as I guide you through this tasty recipe that will elevate any meal. Letβs get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it easy to whip up even on busy days.
- Health Benefits: Carrots are packed with vitamins and nutrients, and roasting them enhances their natural sweetness without adding excess calories.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a deliciously sweet and savory glaze that elevates the humble carrot to a gourmet side dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: These roasted carrots pair well with a variety of main dishes, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Baby carrots or regular carrots
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional garnish
You need simple, fresh ingredients to make these honey garlic roasted carrots. Start with baby carrots, or use regular carrots. If you choose regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks.
Next, grab some honey. This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots. You will also need olive oil. It helps the carrots roast well and adds flavor.
Donβt forget garlic! Minced garlic gives a strong, tasty kick. Fresh thyme adds a nice touch too. You can use dried thyme if fresh is not available.
Finally, have salt and black pepper handy. These will enhance the flavors. If you want to make it pretty, fresh parsley can be the optional garnish.
With these ingredients, you are set to make a tasty side dish that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This heat will help the carrots roast nicely. While the oven heats, measure out your ingredients. You will need 1 pound of baby carrots or regular carrots. If you use regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks. Next, gather 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves. You will also need 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, or Β½ teaspoon if you prefer dried thyme. Lastly, have salt and black pepper ready to taste.
Mixing the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme. Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This sauce will give your carrots a wonderful flavor.
Coating and Roasting the Carrots
Now, add the carrots to the bowl with the honey garlic mixture. Toss them well so every carrot gets coated. This step is key for flavor. Once coated, spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lining the sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy.
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Stir them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them to be tender and caramelized when done. After roasting, take the carrots out and let them cool slightly. If you like, you can garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Roast
To get the best honey garlic roasted carrots, you need even caramelization. This means all the carrots should cook at the same rate. Make sure to cut any large carrots into similar-sized pieces. I often use baby carrots since they are already bite-sized and cook evenly.
The oven temperature is key. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This high heat helps the carrots caramelize and become sweet. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Enhancing Flavor
You can easily change the flavor of these carrots. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. You can also switch honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
When it comes to seasoning, fresh herbs really shine. If you donβt have thyme, try rosemary or oregano. You can also add a dash of lemon juice for some brightness. Donβt be afraid to taste and adjust as you go!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baby carrots will provide the best flavor and texture for this dish. If using regular carrots, make sure they are crisp and vibrant in color.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of honey used. For a less sweet flavor, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme works beautifully, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect Caramelization: Ensure that the carrots are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even caramelization and prevent steaming.

Variations
Different Carrot Options
You can use two types of carrots: baby carrots or regular carrots. Baby carrots are small and sweet. They cook fast and are easy to handle. Regular carrots need peeling and cutting. They can be thicker, which may take longer to roast. Either option works well in this recipe. Choose what you like or what you have on hand.
Flavor Additions
Want to spice it up? Add chili flakes to the honey garlic mix. This gives the dish a nice kick. If you prefer sweeter, use maple syrup instead of honey. It adds a rich, warm flavor. Experiment with these options to find your favorite taste!
Dietary Adaptations
This dish can fit many diets. For a vegan option, swap honey with agave syrup. The taste will still be great! If youβre watching sugar, use less honey or agave. You can also try using a sugar substitute like stevia. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover honey garlic roasted carrots, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the carrots fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to use a freezer-safe container. You can keep frozen carrots for about three months.
Reheating Recommendations
Reheating honey garlic roasted carrots can be simple. You can use the oven or microwave. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and firm. If you use a microwave, place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Heat them in short bursts, about one minute at a time. Stir in between to avoid overcooking. This way, you keep the taste and texture intact.
FAQs
How long do roasted carrots last in the fridge?
Roasted carrots last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. You should store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If you notice any signs of spoilage, itβs best to throw them away.
Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other vegetables! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and bell peppers work well. Just cut them into similar sizes. This ensures they roast evenly. Each vegetable will give a unique flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
No, you do not have to peel the carrots. Baby carrots are often ready to cook right out of the bag. If you use regular carrots, a quick wash is enough. Peeling is optional. I like to keep the skins for added flavor and nutrients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! You can roast the carrots and store them in the fridge. Reheat them before serving for the best taste. This can save time on busy days or special occasions.
Youβve learned how to make delicious roasted carrots with a simple honey garlic sauce. We covered the best ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfecting the roast. You can also try different kinds of carrots and flavors. Remember, leftovers store well and can be reheated easily. With these ideas, you can impress anyone with this tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking and let those carrots shine on your tabl

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
IngredientsΒ Β
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- optional fresh parsley for garnish
InstructionsΒ
- Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Add the carrots to the bowl and toss them in the honey garlic mixture until they are fully coated.
- Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
- Remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.


