My grandmother, bless her heart, always knew how to make a simple meal feel like a celebration. Her secret wasn’t fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It was love, pure and simple, and a knack for coaxing the best flavors out of everyday ingredients. I remember one Thanksgiving, the turkey, while delicious, took a backseat to the bowl of glazed carrots sitting proudly on the table.
Those weren’t just any carrots; they were honey garlic carrots, roasted to perfection and glistening with a sweet and savory glaze. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water. She always said the secret was in the roasting, how it brought out the natural sweetness and allowed the honey garlic butter to caramelize into something truly special.
I’ve tried to recreate that magic over the years, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until I finally landed on something that comes close to her masterpiece. And when I finally nailed these honey garlic carrots, I served them alongside my version of blueberry buttermilk biscuits, a nod to her love for baking.
Why you’ll love this Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots with Honey Garlic Carrots
- These honey garlic carrots are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
- The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- The honey garlic butter glaze adds a beautiful shine and caramelized crust to the carrots, making them visually appealing.
- This side dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled turkey.
- Leftover honey garlic carrots can be easily reheated or used in salads and other dishes, making them a convenient option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Honey garlic carrots makes every moment feel energetic. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3
Add the carrots to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the honey garlic butter mixture.
Step 4
Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Step 6
Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic butter mixture. This will add a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory flavor of the garlic. Start with just a small pinch, and adjust to your preference.
If you prefer a different herb, try using thyme or rosemary instead of parsley. These herbs add an earthy aroma that pairs well with the roasted carrots and honey garlic butter. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
Consider adding other vegetables to the roasting pan along with the carrots. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Pairings
These honey garlic carrots are a fantastic side dish for roasted turkey or chicken. The sweet and savory flavors complement the richness of the meat, creating a well-balanced meal. A simple roasted chicken with these carrots is a comforting classic.
For a vegetarian option, serve the carrots with a hearty lentil soup or a quinoa salad. The sweetness of the carrots adds a delightful contrast to the earthy flavors of the lentils or quinoa. A sprinkle of feta cheese would also be a welcome addition.
Consider adding these honey garlic carrots to a charcuterie board for a touch of sweetness and color. They pair well with a variety of cheeses, meats, and crackers. The vibrant orange hue of the carrots will make your board look even more appealing.
Serving ideas
Serve the roasted carrots in a shallow bowl, drizzled with any remaining honey garlic butter from the baking sheet. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the carrots on a platter in a single layer. This will allow them to cool slightly and prevent them from steaming each other. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and tang.
Consider serving the carrots as part of a buffet or family-style meal. They are easy to transport and can be kept warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish. Just be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from forming. This will help them stay fresh for longer.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not be as crispy. Reheating them in a skillet with a little butter or oil will help to restore their original texture.
While you can freeze roasted carrots, they may become slightly mushy when thawed. If you do freeze them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together.
Make-ahead
You can peel and chop the carrots up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook them. Just be sure to pat them dry before roasting to ensure they caramelize properly.
The honey garlic butter mixture can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just whisk it well before using to ensure that the ingredients are evenly combined. You can even warm it slightly to make it easier to pour over the carrots.
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, consider roasting the carrots ahead of time and reheating them just before serving. This will allow you to enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. They reheat beautifully and still taste amazing!
Common mistakes when making Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Not cutting the carrots into uniform sizes: This can lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces being overcooked and others being undercooked. Make sure to cut the carrots into roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding can cause the carrots to steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy texture. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet, and use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Not flipping the carrots halfway through: Flipping the carrots halfway through ensures that they brown evenly on all sides. Set a timer for 10-12 minutes, and then use a spatula to flip the carrots before returning them to the oven.
- Overcooking the carrots: Overcooked carrots can become mushy and lose their flavor. Roast them until they are tender but still slightly firm. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
- Using too much honey or garlic: Too much honey can make the carrots overly sweet, while too much garlic can be overpowering. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your preference.
Final notes
These honey garlic carrots are more than just a side dish; they’re a taste of home, a reminder of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and happiness to your table as it has to mine.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. A little bit of ginger or a dash of cinnamon can add a surprising twist. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of honey garlic carrots. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Loved this Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots? Try these next
- Blueberry Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
- Honey Glazed Corn Casserole
- Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie
- Grinch Punch Recipe
- Dolly Parton Casserole Recipe
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. Roasting them with a luscious honey garlic butter glaze creates a caramelized, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the carrots to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the honey garlic butter mixture.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg