These Oven Roasted Carrots with Honey Garlic Butter Glaze are roasted to tender perfection, their natural sweetness amplified, edges caramelized just right, and then slathered in a honey garlic butter glaze that’s sweet, savory, and all kinds of delicious. This dish is like that friend who always brings the best wine to the party – it’s always welcome, whether it’s a fancy holiday dinner or just a chill weeknight meal.
Need Some Quick Meal Ideas? or Need Some Serving Suggestions?
If you’re sitting there, scratching your head, thinking, “What in the world am I going to serve with these damn good Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots?” Well, I’ve got you covered! Here are some dishes that are besties with our star side dish:
Entree: Roasted Chicken – This chicken is roasted to perfection, it’s juicy, flavorful, and struts its stuff right alongside our honey-glazed carrots.
Side: Roasted Garlic & Onion Mashed Potatoes – These potatoes are smoother than Bruno Mars’ vocals, with a roasted garlic and onion flavor that’s gonna make your taste buds do the twist.
Salad: Caesar Salad– This is one salad that never goes out of style. Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and those crunchy croutons.
Drink:Lemon-Basil Mojito – This drink is refreshing, it’s zesty, and it’s got that hint of basil that’s gonna make your palate sing.
Honey Baked Carrots With A Hint Of Garlic
Need a new veggie obsession? Well, I’ve got to tell you about these Oven Roasted Carrots with Honey Garlic Butter Glaze, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Carrots, really?” But hear me out.
Imagine biting into a carrot that’s been roasted to perfection, its natural sweetness amplified, edges caramelized just right, and then slathered in a honey garlic butter glaze that’s sweet, savory, and all kinds of delicious. The texture? It’s got that perfect tender-crisp bite that’s just so satisfying.
If you’re like me and love honey roasted carrots, then this dish is going to be your new favorite. They’re absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect side for any meal, whether it’s a fancy holiday dinner or just a chill weeknight meal.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
- Carrots – We’re talking about 12 medium-sized beauties here. Peel ’em, cut ’em on a 1-inch thick bias.
- Unsalted Butter – It’s gonna melt down and mingle with the honey to create that mouthwatering glaze.
- Honey – This is the sweet to our savory, the yin to our yang. It’s gonna caramelize beautifully in the oven and give our carrots that irresistible sweetness.
- Kosher Salt – Just a touch to balance out the sweetness and bring out the natural flavors of the carrots.
- Black Pepper – For that subtle kick.
- Garlic – Mince it up nice and fine. This is gonna infuse our glaze with a savory depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and carrots perfectly.
- Lemon – We’re using both the zest and the juice here. The zest adds a bright, citrusy note, while the juice gives us a bit of acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- Olive Oil – This is gonna help our carrots roast to perfection and get that beautiful caramelization we’re after.
How To Make Garlic Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Remember, for more detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
5. Serve: Drizzle any remaining glaze, sprinkle some lemon zest, and serve warm.
Picking The Right Carrots
Type of carrots? Well, whole carrots work wonders, just like I’ve done here. But don’t be afraid to experiment with baby carrots or even some colorful varieties.
When selecting you want carrots that are firm and flawless. Say no to any cracks, blemishes, or soft and limp carrots. Now, the color is key. Seek out carrots that boast a deep orange hue, radiating with vibrancy. Trust me, the deeper the color, the more nutrients and flavor they’ll pack.
Oh, and here’s a nifty trick: check the tops of the carrots. If they’re fresh and green, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. Wilted or brown tops? Not so fresh, my friend.
Uniformity matters too. Choose carrots that are roughly the same size, ensuring they roast evenly and prevent any pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Make Ahead, Storage, & Reheating Recommendations
Make-Ahead:
- Peel and cut the carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the honey garlic butter glaze separately and refrigerate. When ready to roast, simply toss the carrots in the glaze.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: After roasting, let the carrots cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish.
Reheating:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the roasted carrots on a baking sheet, and warm them for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated to your desired temperature.!
Meiko’s Recipe Tips For Success
- Pan Size Matters: For the best roasting results, use an extra-large sheet pan. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy carrots. Give those beauties plenty of room to caramelize and develop a caramelized texture.
- Uniformity is Key: Select evenly sized carrots to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cutting Consistency: Aim for even-sized cuts to ensure they finish cooking at the same time and all result in perfectly tender carrots. It may be a bit tricky with those tiny root ends, but strive for approximate uniformity.
- Stir for Perfection: Give your carrots a gentle stir once or twice during each cooking segment. This fosters even cooking, prevents burning, and encourages more caramelization. It’s all about achieving that tantalizing flavor!
- Slotted Spoon Savvy: Before roasting our glorious carrots, give them a helping hand by using a slotted spoon. This nifty trick helps drain off any excess glaze, allowing the carrots to caramelize beautifully in the oven
- Browning Boost: If you desire more browning, use a dark baking sheet or consider broiling near the end of baking.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for hassle-free cleanup. We’re all about convenience in the kitchen!
Add Some Flair: Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas
Let’s take our roast carrots with Honey Garlic Butter Glaze to new heights with these delightful variations. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and explore the possibilities!
- Savor the Spices: Crave a little heat? Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to give our carrots a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of heat.
- Vegan Delights: For our vegan and dairy-free friends, substitute vegan margarine for butter, and the honey for maple syrup.
- Balsamic Elegance: Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar just before serving to lend a delightful tangy note to our roasted carrots.
- Mediterranean Magic: infuse the roasted carrots with bold, herbaceous flavors by tossing them in a vibrant pesto or zhug sauce.
- Brown Sugar Babe: For a twist on classic roasted carrots, try my Herb & Maple Glazed Carrots recipe. This delightful variation features a luscious brown sugar glaze infused with a medley of aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
More Carrot Recipes You’ll Love
- Shaved Carrot Salad with Ponzu Dressing
- Moroccan-Spiced Carrot & Radish Salad
- Garlic & Sea Salt Carrot Fries
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
Do I need to peel the carrots before roasting?
Personally, I like to peel the carrots for a consistent texture. But hey, it’s your call! If you choose not to peel, just give ’em a good scrub to remove any dirt and you’re good to go.
Can I use baby carrots?
You can but just keep in mind that they cook faster. Check them around 10-15 minutes to make sure they’re tender.
Why are my carrots not crispy?
You might have overcrowded the pan, causing them to steam instead of roast. Make sure they’re in a single layer without touching for that perfect crispiness.
Can I make carrots in the air fryer?
Sure. Line air fryer basket with foil and follow the same instructions, but to cook, spoon the coated carrots into the air fryer basket with a slotted spoon, into a single layer as much as possible. Air fry the carrots at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. The carrots are done cooking when they are fork-tender, appear slightly wrinkled and the edges are beginning to char. You may have to cook you carrots in multiple batches to given them enough space to properly caramelize.
Can I roast carrots with other veggies?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, and beets roast well with carrots. And don’t forget the classic combo of roasted potatoes and carrots!
Prep Your Tools & Ingredients
Here is a quick list of things to do before the recipe to ensure everything goes smoothly. This list may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission to help support this blog.
- Gather Your Tools:
- Vegetable peeler
- Large Baking sheet / Sheet pan (12×17)
- Slotted spoon
- Medium Saucepan
- Recipe Prep:
- Always read the recipe through at least 1 time before you start. It helps you move faster when you already know what step is coming next.
- Measure out all of your ingredients.
- Peel and slice about 2 pounds of carrots. Cut the carrots about 1 inch apart at a diagonal to increase surface area to improve caramelization.
- Prepare honey butter glaze.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a large sheet pan (12×17) with parchment paper. If you don’t have a large sheet pan use 2 baking pans.
Now Its Your Turn!
These Oven Roasted Carrots with Honey Garlic Butter Glaze are on a whole new level of flavor—tender, caramelized, and drenched in that irresistible glaze. Give this recipe a whirl and let those amazing flavors dance on your palate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors firsthand.
And hey, I would absolutely love to hear about your cooking adventures! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to help our blog grow and inspire more food enthusiasts like yourself. Oh, and if you snap a photo of your creation, be sure to tag @meikoandthedish on social media—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering recreations! Happy cooking, my friend!
Oven Roasted Carrots with Honey Garlic Butter Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 lb carrots, about 12 medium carrots, peeled and cut on a 1-inch thick on bias*
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ medium lemon, zested and juiced 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan (12×17) with aluminum foil.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the honey until the mixture combines.
- Stir garlic, salt and pepper and cook until 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and allow sauce to simmer until it begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from the heat.
- Add peeled and cut carrots to a large mixing bowl. Pour about 4 tablespoons of the sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the carrots and toss until coated.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the carrots to the prepared baking sheet. Spread out carrots into a single layer, cut side down. Do not pour on any excess sauce to allow the carrots to caramelize.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Increase oven temperature to 475°F and place carrots back in the oven for 10 more minutes or until caramelized and tender.
- Transfer roasted carrots to serving dish and drizzle and toss any remaining glaze on top. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and serve warm.
Notes
- Bias: To cut on a bias means to cut on a diagonal
- Cut all carrots to roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Add the carrots to a baking sheet that is at least 12″ x 17″ large. If you only have smaller baking sheets, use 2 instead.
- Make sure to spread the carrots evenly in one layer on a baking sheet so they roast evenly.