Roasted Carrots Honey Glaze

My grandmother used to say that carrots were the most underrated vegetable in the kitchen. She had this way of transforming them into something extraordinary, and this honey roasted recipe reminds me of her simple wisdom about letting good ingredients shine.

I first made these for a dinner party where I completely forgot about a side dish until twenty minutes before guests arrived. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I felt like Id pulled off a magic trick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carrots: Try to find carrots that are roughly the same thickness so they roast evenly
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the honey glaze coat every surface perfectly
• 2 tbsp honey: The real magic ingredient that creates that gorgeous glaze
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the sweetness just enough
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Dont be shy here, it balances all the flavors
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little warmth and depth
• Fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds: Optional but they make everything look restaurant quality

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Make the glaze:

Toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until every piece is coated

Arrange for roasting:

Spread carrots in a single layer on your prepared sheet, giving each piece room to caramelize

Roast to perfection:

Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and golden brown at edges

Finish and serve:

Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds if you want to make it pretty

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These carrots have become my go to for holiday dinners because they look impressive but free up oven space for the main dish. Plus, the honey lemon combo works with pretty much any protein.

Making Ahead

You can cut and coat the carrots up to a day in advance, then just pop them in the oven when ready. The glaze actually benefits from sitting a bit.

Flavor Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the glaze for a totally different vibe. Maple syrup works beautifully instead of honey if you need it to be vegan.

Serving Ideas

These pair beautifully alongside roasted chicken or as part of a grain bowl with quinoa and chickpeas.

• Try them with a dollop of yogurt on top
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a skillet
• The glaze is also amazing on roasted sweet potatoes

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Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that end up surprising us the most.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve perfectly tender roasted carrots?

Roasting at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, ensures carrots become tender and caramelized at the edges.

→ Can I substitute honey in the glaze?

Yes, maple syrup works well as a vegan alternative while maintaining the glaze's sweetness and texture.

→ What additional spices enhance the flavor?

Adding cumin or smoked paprika to the glaze introduces warm, smoky notes that complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

→ Is it necessary to peel carrots before roasting?

Peeling helps achieve a tender texture and smooth glaze coating, but thoroughly washed carrots with intact skin can also be used for additional texture.

→ How do the garnishes affect the dish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both taste and presentation.