There’s something irresistible about oven-roasted carrots, especially when coated in a glossy honey garlic butter glaze.
This Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for everyday dinners or festive holiday meals.
With just a handful of ingredients, these carrots roast up tender, golden, and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Roasted Carrots
Sweet & Savory Glaze – Buttery, garlicky, and kissed with honey
Perfect Texture – Carrots roast until caramelized and tender
Quick to Prep – Just 10 minutes of hands-on time
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners
Simple Ingredients – Made from pantry and fridge staples
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Carrots – Choose firm, fresh ones for best texture
Butter – Adds richness and helps the carrots brown beautifully
Garlic – Sautéed for a savory, aromatic depth
Honey – Balances out the garlic with natural sweetness
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance flavor
Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and freshness at the end
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut Evenly – Diagonal slices help carrots cook faster and look great
Don’t Burn the Garlic – Keep it golden, not brown
Use Fresh Garlic – Avoid pre-minced for the best flavor
Preheat Your Oven – High heat is key for caramelized edges
One Even Layer – Spread carrots out for even roasting
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.
Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel and slice the carrots diagonally into 2–3 inch pieces.
This gives more surface area for the glaze and helps them roast evenly.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly browned.
Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully blended.
Step 4: Coat the Carrots
Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the honey garlic butter over them.
Season with salt and black pepper, then toss until all the carrots are well coated.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the centers are fork-tender.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
What to Serve With These Carrots
Roast Chicken or Turkey – A perfect sweet-savory pairing
Grilled Steak or Pork Chops – Adds balance to hearty mains
Mashed Potatoes – For a full comforting meal
Holiday Dishes – An easy side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas
Quinoa or Couscous – For a healthy, filling plate
Variations & Substitutions
Use Maple Syrup – Swap honey for a deeper sweetness
Add Herbs – Try rosemary or thyme for an earthy note
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes
Baby Carrots – No peeling or chopping needed
Vegan Version – Use plant-based butter instead
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat – Warm in a skillet or oven until heated through
Freeze – Not recommended; texture will be mushy after thawing
Meal Prep Tip – Make the glaze ahead and keep it refrigerated until needed
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes! Just make sure to pat them dry and slice any thicker ones in half for even cooking.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any kind works, but raw or local honey adds the best flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Will this recipe work with other veggies?
Yes! Try it with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Can I prepare the carrots ahead of time?
You can slice them and make the glaze in advance. Roast right before serving for best texture.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or be generous with the cooking spray.
Are these carrots suitable for holidays?
Yes! They’re a festive side dish that goes beautifully with holiday entrees.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a go-to side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
With just a handful of ingredients and a quick roasting time, they transform humble carrots into something really special.
Sweet, buttery, and perfectly tender—they belong on your table any day of the week.
