With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can learn the secrets to making perfectly roasted carrots every time. Delicious and healthy, these carrots make the perfect side dish for any meal.
First, the carrots are drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, they are roasted to perfection to bring out their natural sweetness and glazed with butter, honey, and a little cayenne pepper.
Discover the secrets to perfectly roasted carrots with a variety of tasty seasoning options. This recipe and great tips will help you create the most flavorful and delicious side dish. Honey-roasted carrots are the ultimate side dish for roasted turkey, grilled chicken, and pan-fried pork chops. I love to serve them at Easter with baked ham, pineapple casserole, zucchini au gratin, and roasted asparagus.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Carrots: uniform in size if possible
- Olive: Extra virgin
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, ground cayenne pepper, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley
- Butter: salted or unsalted. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.
- Honey: pure
How to make Honey Roasted Carrots
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Start by peeling and slicing your carrots diagonally into thick slices. Then, add the carrot chunks to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them in a single layer on a large sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Roast for about 20 minutes or until fork tender.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the honey and cayenne pepper and stir to combine, cooking for several minutes. Add the roasted carrots to the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle the carrots with fresh thyme.
Preparations Tips
- Peel the carrots for aesthetic purposes. You will appreciate that you did. The bright orange color is aesthetically pleasing. Don’t peel them if baby carrots are used.
- Cut the carrots into 2-inch segments. Cut thick ends in half.
- The little bit of cayenne pepper in this recipe does not make it spicy or hot. It adds a bit more flavor dimension.
- Roast the carrots just until they are fork-tender.
- Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and rosemary take these carrots over the top, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch.
Recipe Variations
- Spices: kick it up a few notches with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, or ground cloves.
- Nuts: add some toasted pine nuts, chopped pecans, or almond slivers
- Sweeteners: substitute maple syrup, brown sugar, or even Mirin (which is sweetened sake) for the honey
- Colorful Carrots: look for bright, beautiful colored carrots like Lunar White Carrots, Solar Yellow Carrots, Cosmic Purple Carrots, and Atomic Red Carrots.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat at reduced power in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
More Vegetable Recipes
Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks see notes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large bowl, stir together the carrots and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Roast for 20 minutes or until fork tender.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the honey and cayenne pepper and stir to combine, cooking for several minutes. Add the roasted carrots to the skillet and stir to coat. Sprinkle the carrots with fresh thyme. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For aesthetic purposes, peel the carrots. You will appreciate that you did.
- Cut the carrots into about 2-inch segments. Cut thick ends in half.
- The little bit of cayenne pepper does not make it spicy or hot, it adds a little more flavor dimension.
- Roast the carrots just until they are fork-tender.
- Fresh thyme really takes these carrots over the top, but in a pinch, you can substitute dried thyme leaves.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat at reduced power in the microwave.
Nutrition
Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Tammy
I love roasted carrots! Such a simple yet delicious recipe…these are so good. A perfect side for any Autumn dish.
Laura
Honey roasted carrots are the BEST! I love them so much!
Beth Pierce
So true!
Melanie E
I really love honey roasted carrots. It’s got to be one of my favorite sides. I sometimes make mine with sea salt and fresh rosemary too
Victoria
Great recipe. We loved them! Thank you for the inspiration!
Samantha Donnelly
I do love these honey roasted carrots. They are delicious with so many entrees.
Linda
I love this recipe. Good for any diet.Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth Williams
I love roasted carrots especially honey roasted but do not often do them but this recipe inspired me to make them tonight and they were divine, thanks.
Beth Pierce
Thanks. Elizabeth! So glad that you liked them!
Yaya
I think these look quite simple but absolutely delicious. I think I may give these a try this Thanksgiving.
Sherry
You have some of the ‘best’ recipes … I have a folder in my favorites with just your recipes and use them often. I made the honey roasted carrots today and they are delicious!!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Sherry! That is so sweet. You made my day.
Jennifer Prince
Ooh! I love honey-roasted carrots but have only had them at restaurants. I need to make these!
Sarah M
This recipe is delicious and quick to make. The best thing is all the ingredients are easily available and good for your health.
Jack
I’ve never thought of something like this but this looks so good. Thank you for sharing!
Heather
Lovely way to add sweetness to carrots. I love recipes with honey. Yum!
Kelly Bolen
Carrots are my favorite vegetable! And they sound amazing in this recipe! Pinned for later!!!
Melanie Edjourian
This is such a yummy recipe. I do love roasted carrots with meals.
Sheeba
This is such a great side dish will definitely give it a try.