There’s something so special about the combination of sweet and savory when it comes to vegetables. For me, carrots are one of those underrated sides that can really shine when given the right treatment — and these Honey Glazed Carrots are proof of that.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted a quick vegetable dish but didn’t feel like steaming or boiling anything. Roasting them on a sheet pan with honey, garlic, butter, and warm spices turned simple carrots into something that felt restaurant-worthy.

The natural sweetness of the carrots caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the honey glaze adds a glossy, slightly sticky coating that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re versatile enough for everyday dinners but also elegant enough for a holiday table.

Every time I serve them, I get asked for the recipe — and I love that it’s this easy to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, while garlic, cinnamon, and ginger keep the flavor grounded and complex.
Effortless Sheet Pan Method: Just toss everything together, roast, and you’re done — no complicated steps or babysitting required.
Perfectly Caramelized Edges: A quick broil at the end makes the carrots slightly crisp with golden, sticky edges.
Flexible for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight meals, but also impressive enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers store and reheat beautifully, and you can even freeze them for future meals.

Ingredients

2 pounds carrots, peeled
1/4 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Parsley, thyme, or other herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Carrots

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Peel carrots and cut them on a diagonal into 1″–1.5″ slices.
If carrots are extra thick, slice them in half lengthwise for even roasting.

Step 2 – Make the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, butter (or ghee), olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Toss the carrot slices in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 3 – Roast

Spread carrots in a single layer on a heavy-duty sheet pan.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through for even caramelization.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to get crispy, golden edges.

Step 4 – Serve

Transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or your favorite herbs.

Mistakes to Avoid

Crowding the pan: If the carrots overlap too much, they’ll steam instead of roast. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
Skipping the toss halfway: Turning the carrots ensures even caramelization and prevents burning on one side.
Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened or melted so it blends smoothly into the glaze.
Cutting uneven pieces: This leads to some carrots being undercooked while others are too soft. Aim for uniform slices.

Expert Tips

Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a deeper, richer flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Use rainbow carrots for a colorful, festive presentation.
For extra glossy carrots, drizzle a little raw honey over them right before serving.
Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or salmon — these carrots complement almost any protein.

FAQs

1. Can I make honey glazed carrots ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast them a few hours in advance and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.

2. Can I use baby carrots instead?
Definitely. Baby carrots work well, though they may take slightly less time to cook.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze honey glazed carrots?
Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

5. How do I reheat them without drying out?
Reheat in the microwave for convenience or in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to keep them moist.

6. What sheet pan is best for roasting?
Use a heavy-duty sheet pan to prevent warping at high heat and ensure even roasting.

Notes

Broiling at the end adds extra caramelization and a slight crispiness.
Adjust spices to taste — more cinnamon for warmth, or more garlic for savory depth.
Leftovers are great added to salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
Double the recipe for holidays — they disappear quickly!