Roasted Carrots with Honey

I was hosting a last-minute dinner for friends and had nothing but a bag of carrots in the crisper drawer. The honey glaze saved me that night, turning what felt like a sad side dish into something everyone kept reaching for across the table.

My grandmother always said carrots should taste sweet, like candy from the earth. This recipe honors that wisdom while adding just enough brightness to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) carrots: Peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if they are thin, the size affects roasting time so keep pieces uniform
• 2 tbsp honey: The star of the show that creates that beautiful caramelized finish, use a mild honey if you prefer subtler sweetness
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the glaze coat evenly and promotes even roasting
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the sweetness and adds a bright note that wakes everything up
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Essential to balance the honey and bring out the carrots natural sweetness
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to keep things from being one note
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Optional but adds fresh color and a herbal finish
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts: For texture and a pretty finish, totally optional but nice

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Prep the carrots:

Arrange them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, giving them space to roast properly

Make the glaze:

Whisk together the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth

Coat the carrots:

Drizzle the honey mixture evenly over the carrots and toss them gently until every piece is glazed

Roast to perfection:

Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and those beautiful caramelized spots appear

Finish and serve:

Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds or nuts if you are using them

Pin it

These carrots became my go-to for holiday dinners because they pair with literally everything and look stunning on a platter.

Flavor Variations

Sometimes I add half a teaspoon of ground cumin or smoked paprika to the glaze for a smoky depth that surprises people.

Choosing the Best Carrots

Rainbow carrots make this dish absolutely gorgeous on the table, but regular orange carrots work perfectly too. Look for carrots that feel firm and heavy, without any soft spots or wilting.

Make Ahead Tips

You can peel and cut the carrots up to a day in advance and store them in cold water. Drain and pat them completely dry before roasting, or the glaze will not stick properly.

• Double the glaze recipe and keep the extra in the fridge for quick weeknight vegetables
• These reheat beautifully at 350°F for about 10 minutes if you need to make them ahead
• The roasted carrots are also delicious cold, added to salads or grain bowls

Pin it

Simple, sweet, and somehow special enough for company while easy enough for Tuesday dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure carrots roast evenly?

Arrange carrot sticks or whole thin carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and turn halfway through roasting for uniform tenderness and caramelization.

→ Can I substitute honey in the glaze?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey, maintaining sweetness while keeping a similar consistency.

→ What does the lemon juice add to the glaze?

Lemon juice provides brightness and balances the sweetness of honey, enhancing the overall flavor depth.

→ Are toasted sesame seeds necessary?

They add a nutty crunch and visual appeal, but chopped nuts or simply parsley can be used if preferred.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Carrots can be glazed and prepared in advance, then roasted just before serving to retain freshness and texture.