Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots Savory and Simple Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb baby carrots, peeled; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme; to taste salt; to taste pepper; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

November 27, 2025April 2, 2025 by Chef Evan

Looking for a simple yet tasty side dish? My Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots recipe brings sweet and savory flavors to your table in no time. With just a few ingredients like baby carrots, honey, and garlic, you’ll create a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Follow my easy step-by-step guide to make roasted carrots that steal the spotlight at every meal. Let’s dive in and brighten up your plate!

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Why I Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Sweet: The combination of honey and garlic creates a delightful sweet and savory flavor that complements the natural taste of carrots.
Healthy Side Dish: Carrots are packed with nutrients, and this dish is a great way to add more vegetables to your meal.
Versatile Garnish: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor, enhancing the overall dish.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– Baby carrots

– Honey

– Garlic

– Olive oil

– Fresh thyme

– Salt and pepper

– Optional garnishes

To make honey garlic roasted carrots, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, grab 1 pound of baby carrots. They are sweet and tender, perfect for roasting. Next, you will need 3 tablespoons of honey. This adds a lovely sweetness that balances the garlic.

You also need 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives a strong flavor and works well with honey. For richness, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the carrots roast nicely.

For an herby touch, get 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Thyme adds warmth and depth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a crunchy finish.

These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory dish that you will love. Enjoy making this easy recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the Oven

First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the best temperature to roast the carrots. Let the oven preheat for about 10 minutes. This helps the carrots cook evenly and get nice and tender.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Mixture

In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, toss in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients well until they mix smoothly. The mix should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a touch more olive oil.

Coating the Carrots

Take 1 pound of peeled baby carrots and add them to your honey garlic mix. Toss them gently but thoroughly. Make sure each carrot gets a nice coat of the mixture. This step is key for great flavor in every bite.

Roasting the Carrots

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. Roast the carrots in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, take them out and toss them around. This ensures they brown evenly.

Finishing Touches

Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, take them out of the oven. If you like, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. Serve the carrots warm. They make a great side dish!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Carrots

When picking carrots, baby carrots are sweet and tender. They cook quicker than regular carrots. Look for bright colors and smooth skins. Fresh carrots should feel firm, not soft. If they have green tops, that means they are fresh. Avoid carrots that look dull or have dark spots.

Adjusting Flavor Profiles

You can change the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want a bit of spice, try red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a nice twist. Experiment with flavors to make the dish your own. Remember, just a small change can make a big difference.

Ensuring Perfect Roasting

Place your baking sheet in the middle of the oven. This ensures even heat for roasting. Check the carrots after 20 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized. If they need more time, roast them a little longer. Toss them halfway through for even cooking.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh baby carrots will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant colors and firm skin when selecting your carrots.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey before roasting.
Check for Doneness: Roast the carrots until they are tender but still have a slight bite. You can test this by piercing them with a fork.
Experiment with Herbs: While thyme works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.

Variations

Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots with Thyme

You can switch up the flavor by adding thyme. Fresh thyme brings a bright taste. Dried thyme works well, too, and is easy to use. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger. Use half the amount if you choose dried thyme. This little change can elevate your dish.

Adding a Spicy Kick

Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also try using chili powder or cayenne pepper. These options can add depth and warmth. Adjust according to your spice preference for the best result.

Vegan Options

If you want a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a sweet flavor that works great. Agave nectar is another good choice. Both options keep the dish sweet while making it plant-based. Enjoy the same tasty carrots without any animal products.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After you enjoy your honey garlic roasted carrots, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. They can stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Reheating Guidelines

When you reheat your carrots, aim to keep them tender and not soggy. The best method is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid excess moisture.

Freezing Carrots

To freeze your honey garlic roasted carrots, first let them cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavor intact.

FAQs

What is the cooking time for honey garlic roasted carrots?

The cooking time for honey garlic roasted carrots is 20 to 25 minutes. You roast them at 425°F (220°C). Toss the carrots halfway through to ensure even cooking. This helps them get soft and slightly caramelized.

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots instead of baby carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Baby carrots are tender and sweet, but regular carrots work well, too.

Is there a way to make honey garlic roasted carrots ahead of time?

You can prepare honey garlic roasted carrots ahead of time. Mix the honey, garlic, and oil, then coat the carrots. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just roast them when you are ready to serve.

What can I serve with honey garlic roasted carrots?

Honey garlic roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. They complement roasted chicken and grilled fish perfectly. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Are honey garlic roasted carrots healthy?

Yes, honey garlic roasted carrots are healthy. Carrots are rich in vitamins and fiber. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while garlic provides health benefits, like boosting your immune system. This dish is both tasty and nutritious.

In this blog post, I guided you through making honey garlic roasted carrots. We covered all the key ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and smart tips for perfect results. Remember, you can adjust flavors and even try different variations, like a spicy kick or vegan options.

Follow these methods to enjoy delicious carrots that impress. Now, you can confidently roast carrots that are both tasty and healthy! Happy cookin

$- Baby carrots - Honey - Garlic - Olive oil - Fresh thyme - Salt and pepper - Optional garnishes To make honey garlic roasted carrots, you need simple, fresh ingredients. First, grab 1 pound of baby carrots. They are sweet and tender, perfect for roasting. Next, you will need 3 tablespoons of honey. This adds a lovely sweetness that balances the garlic. You also need 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives a strong flavor and works well with honey. For richness, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the carrots roast nicely. For an herby touch, get 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Thyme adds warmth and depth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a crunchy finish. These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory dish that you will love. Enjoy making this easy recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the best temperature to roast the carrots. Let the oven preheat for about 10 minutes. This helps the carrots cook evenly and get nice and tender. In a large bowl, add 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, toss in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients well until they mix smoothly. The mix should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, you can add a touch more olive oil. Take 1 pound of peeled baby carrots and add them to your honey garlic mix. Toss them gently but thoroughly. Make sure each carrot gets a nice coat of the mixture. This step is key for great flavor in every bite. Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup. Roast the carrots in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, take them out and toss them around. This ensures they brown evenly. Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, take them out of the oven. If you like, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. Serve the carrots warm. They make a great side dish! When picking carrots, baby carrots are sweet and tender. They cook quicker than regular carrots. Look for bright colors and smooth skins. Fresh carrots should feel firm, not soft. If they have green tops, that means they are fresh. Avoid carrots that look dull or have dark spots. You can change the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want a bit of spice, try red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a nice twist. Experiment with flavors to make the dish your own. Remember, just a small change can make a big difference. Place your baking sheet in the middle of the oven. This ensures even heat for roasting. Check the carrots after 20 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized. If they need more time, roast them a little longer. Toss them halfway through for even cooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh baby carrots will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant colors and firm skin when selecting your carrots. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey before roasting. Check for Doneness: Roast the carrots until they are tender but still have a slight bite. You can test this by piercing them with a fork. Experiment with Herbs: While thyme works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor by adding thyme. Fresh thyme brings a bright taste. Dried thyme works well, too, and is easy to use. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger. Use half the amount if you choose dried thyme. This little change can elevate your dish. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also try using chili powder or cayenne pepper. These options can add depth and warmth. Adjust according to your spice preference for the best result. If you want a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a sweet flavor that works great. Agave nectar is another good choice. Both options keep the dish sweet while making it plant-based. Enjoy the same tasty carrots without any animal products. After you enjoy your honey garlic roasted carrots, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. They can stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When you reheat your carrots, aim to keep them tender and not soggy. The best method is to use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid excess moisture. To freeze your honey garlic roasted carrots, first let them cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavor intact. The cooking time for honey garlic roasted carrots is 20 to 25 minutes. You roast them at 425°F (220°C). Toss the carrots halfway through to ensure even cooking. This helps them get soft and slightly caramelized. Yes, you can use regular carrots instead of baby carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Baby carrots are tender and sweet, but regular carrots work well, too. You can prepare honey garlic roasted carrots ahead of time. Mix the honey, garlic, and oil, then coat the carrots. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just roast them when you are ready to serve. Honey garlic roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. They complement roasted chicken and grilled fish perfectly. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. Yes, honey garlic roasted carrots are healthy. Carrots are rich in vitamins and fiber. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while garlic provides health benefits, like boosting your immune system. This dish is both tasty and nutritious. In this blog post, I guided you through making honey garlic roasted carrots. We covered all the key ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and smart tips for perfect results. Remember, you can adjust flavors and even try different variations, like a spicy kick or vegan options. Follow these methods to enjoy delicious carrots that impress. Now, you can confidently roast carrots that are both tasty and healthy! Happy cooking!$