Honey Roasted Carrots
Carrots have never looked (or tasted) this good. These honey roasted carrots are the kind of side dish that manages to steal the spotlight from the main course. Roasted until tender with caramelized edges and a sticky-sweet glaze, they’re earthy, subtly sweet, and totally irresistible.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, weeknight dinner, or a simple Sunday roast, these carrots are a welcome addition. The balance of natural carrot sweetness with golden honey and just a touch of seasoning creates a side that’s both cozy and elevated. It’s a minimal-effort recipe with maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
It takes just a handful of ingredients to turn plain carrots into something memorable. Roasting brings out their natural sugars, and the honey glaze adds a shiny, flavorful finish. It’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory, with golden caramelized edges and a buttery interior. Best of all, it comes together with very little prep time, which makes it an ideal go-to when you’re pressed for time but still want to impress.
What Kind of Carrots Should I Use?
You can use any variety of carrots for this recipe, from standard orange carrots to rainbow ones if you want to add some visual flair. Baby carrots work too, though you’ll want to adjust the roasting time slightly. The key is to make sure your carrots are cut into even sizes so they roast uniformly. Organic carrots often have a richer flavor and less bitterness, which pairs beautifully with honey.
Ingredients for the Honey Roasted Carrots
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. These ingredients are probably already in your pantry, and together they create an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Carrots
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh thyme (optional)

How To Make the Honey Roasted Carrots
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into evenly sized sticks or rounds. This ensures they cook uniformly and get those lovely caramelized edges.
Step 2: Toss With Oil and Honey
In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated well so you get even roasting and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be fork-tender with caramelized edges.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh thyme if you like, and serve warm. The thyme adds an herby touch that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
How to Serve and Store These Honey Roasted Carrots
This recipe serves around 4 people as a side dish. You can serve them hot out of the oven or at room temperature—they taste amazing either way. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to bring back the slight crisp on the edges, or quickly warm them in a skillet.
What to Serve With Honey Roasted Carrots?
Roasted Chicken
The mild sweetness of the carrots pairs wonderfully with savory roasted chicken.
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
A great contrast to earthy herbs and tender meat.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Create a classic combo that screams comfort food.
Quinoa Pilaf
Add a nutty grain for a wholesome, balanced plate.
Baked Salmon
The honey glaze complements the richness of salmon beautifully.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
For a vegetarian meal, these carrots add a sweet touch.
Mushroom Risotto
The sweetness balances the savory depth of the mushrooms.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If you love these honey roasted carrots, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious sides:
- Cajun Potato Soup for something creamy and spicy.
- Creamy Corn Dip as a fun party addition.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a complete comfort dinner.
- Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions with a crispy edge you won’t forget.
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn to double down on sweet and savory.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use rainbow carrots or stick with the classic orange? Did you add any extra spices?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with joy.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to side dish favorites: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.
Conclusion
Honey roasted carrots are the kind of dish that proves simple is often best. With just a few pantry staples and fresh carrots, you can make a side that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy. Perfect for holidays or just making an everyday meal feel special.

Honey Roasted Carrots
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These honey roasted carrots are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Roasted to caramelized perfection with a drizzle of golden honey, they make a delicious vegetable side dish for holidays or everyday dinners. This easy roasted carrot recipe pairs beautifully with chicken, pork, or fish and is perfect for fall or Easter meals.
Ingredients
1 pound carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash and peel the carrots. Slice them into evenly sized sticks or rounds.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
4. Spread the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use rainbow carrots for a colorful twist.
If using baby carrots, adjust the roasting time by 5–10 minutes.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cumin for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


