Glazed Roasted Honey Carrots

Glazed roasted carrots are my go-to when I need a vibrant, sweet side that wins over kids and adults alike at the dinner table. The honey butter glaze brings out their natural sweetness, and roasting gives them those irresistible browned edges. Whether for everyday dinners or holiday feasts, these carrots never last long in my house.

I whipped this up for a potluck once and got so many requests for the recipe that it is now a staple whenever I host holiday dinners.

Ingredients

• Carrots: choose firm carrots with a bright orange color and no cracks for best texture and flavor
• Butter: gives richness and rounds out the sweet glaze opt for good quality unsalted butter if you can
• Garlic: adds a savory edge that balances out the honey sweetness look for plump fresh cloves without any green shoots
• Honey: offers just the right amount of natural sweetness use real honey for best depth of flavor
• Salt: enhances the carrots flavor and keeps the dish from being flat so go for fine sea salt
• Black pepper: brings a little warmth and contrast freshly ground gives the most aroma
• Parsley: brings fresh color and a little grassy flavor to finish wash and chop just before serving for vibrant green flecks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Cut Carrots:

Start by heating your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your baking sheet. Peel your carrots and cut them diagonally into two or three inch pieces making sure they are all roughly the same size for even roasting.

Make the Honey Butter Sauce:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat then add the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook gently for about three minutes until you smell a nutty aroma and the garlic looks lightly golden but not brown. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the honey until you get a fragrant glossy sauce.

Toss Carrots in Sauce:

Place your carrot pieces in a large bowl. Pour the honey butter sauce over the carrots sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss until every piece is glossy and coated on all sides.

Roast the Carrots:

Spread the coated carrots out onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer making sure the pieces do not overlap. You want space around them so they roast and brown not steam. Slide the pan into the hot oven and roast for twenty two to twenty five minutes stirring once halfway through until the carrots are golden and tender when pierced with a fork. The edges should have a little caramelization for the best flavor.

Finish and Serve:

Once out of the oven give your carrots a taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if you like. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.

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My favorite part about these glazed carrots is watching my little niece sneak a piece from the baking tray before dinner is even served. No matter how many times I double the recipe there are never any leftovers to pack away the next day.

Storage Tips

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat nicely in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat. If you want to prep ahead you can roast the carrots a day in advance and warm them up just before serving. Add fresh parsley only after reheating for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use baby carrots if you are short on time just remember they cook a bit faster so check them at the twenty minute mark. Maple syrup can stand in for honey giving the carrots a deeper warmth. Vegan butter makes this recipe dairy free without any loss of richness.

Serving Suggestions

These carrots shine next to roast chicken turkey or ham. Toss them into a bowl of cooked grains for a hearty lunch or add to a salad for something a little fancy. I sometimes add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as a finishing touch for extra brightness in the flavor.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Glazed carrots are a classic comfort side with roots in both European and American kitchens. The sweetness appeals to all ages and the colorful presentation makes it a favorite for celebratory meals. This version with honey and garlic brings together old fashioned simplicity and modern flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep roasted carrots from drying out?

Coating carrots in a butter and honey glaze before roasting helps retain moisture and enhances caramelization.

→ Can I prepare glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes, roast the carrots in advance and gently reheat before serving. Add fresh parsley just before serving for best flavor.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup is a delicious substitute and adds a subtle, earthy sweetness to the glaze.

→ How do I ensure even roasting?

Cut the carrots into uniform pieces and arrange them in a single layer, giving each piece space to brown.

→ Will baby carrots work for this dish?

Baby carrots can be used, but watch for a shorter roasting time so they stay tender and don't overcook.