These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a buttery glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and the ideal side dish for any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these carrots bring a touch of elegance and a lot of deliciousness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and simple: A few basic ingredients turn humble carrots into a show-stopping side dish.
- Naturally sweet: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, perfectly balanced by the honey and garlic.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the buttery, caramelized glaze.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to whip up these roasted carrots (full list of ingredients is below):
- Fresh carrots
- Butter
- Honey
- Garlic
The complete ingredient list and measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prep the carrots: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. If they’re thick, slice them in half lengthwise.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Toss the carrots: Place the carrots on a baking sheet and toss them in the honey garlic butter mixture until well coated.
- Roast: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Uniform size: Cut the carrots into similar sizes to ensure even roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between the carrots so they roast rather than steam.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or replace it with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Line the pan: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Add spices: Sprinkle cinnamon or smoked paprika over the carrots for a unique twist.
- Use baby carrots: They’re great for convenience, but be sure to adjust the roasting time.
- Add a crunch: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a versatile side dish. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a juicy steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of roasted carrots can become mushy after thawing.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and roast the carrots, then reheat in the oven just before serving. - Do I have to peel the carrots?
It’s optional, but peeling removes the tougher outer layer for a smoother texture. - Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Absolutely! Olive oil works well and gives a slightly different flavor. - How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Mince the garlic finely and ensure it’s well-coated in the butter mixture. Stir it halfway through roasting to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple yet impressive side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Their sweet and savory glaze, paired with the caramelized goodness from roasting, will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give them a try—you’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetable
- Method: Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. Roasted to perfection with honey, garlic, and butter, they make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450g) baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks. If using baby carrots, simply trim the ends.
- Make the Honey Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, garlic, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Carrots: Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the honey garlic butter mixture. Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the carrots in an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- You can also use a mix of different colored carrots for a more vibrant dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th of the recipe
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 140-180mg
- Fat: 9-11g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3-4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20-25mg