
Glazed roasted carrots are my favorite quick fix when I want a colorful side dish that feels special but is secretly low effort. These carrots turn soft and silky inside and have a glossy sweet coating that wakes up any plate from weeknight chicken to holiday roast. Simple ingredients transform this everyday veggie into a dish that always gets devoured.
The first time I brought these to a family gathering even my carrot-averse nephew took seconds. Now I make them every Thanksgiving and people always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Carrots: bright sweet flavor and beautiful color slice them evenly for best roasting
- Butter: rich taste helps the glaze cling to each carrot go for European style if possible
- Garlic: gives the glaze warm savoriness always pick fresh firm cloves
- Honey: adds a glossy coat and subtle sweetness try to use local or pure honey for flavor
- Salt: seasons the carrots and helps caramelization use fine sea salt
- Fresh ground black pepper: a touch of heat and complexity freshly ground has best punch
- Chopped fresh parsley: optional but brings a fresh color pop flat leaf is my favorite
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Carrots:
- Peel and slice carrots on the diagonal into even pieces about two to three inches long. Aim for similar thickness so every piece roasts to the same tenderness.
- Make the Glaze:
- Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it gently sizzle three minutes until just golden for mellow flavor without bitterness. Pull pan off heat and stir in honey so it dissolves into a sticky glaze.
- Toss and Season:
- Add carrot slices to a big mixing bowl. Pour over the warm honey garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper then stir and toss until everything glistens and no carrot looks dry.
- Arrange and Roast:
- Spread carrots in a single layer on a greased rimmed baking sheet to give room for browning the edges. Slide into a 425 degree oven and roast about twenty two to twenty five minutes flipping halfway. Carrots are done when their edges are golden and insides are just tender.
- Finish and Serve:
- Pull pan out and test for seasoning. If needed add another sprinkle of salt or pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter parsley on top as a fresh finishing touch.

I love how the honey brings out the carrot’s natural sweetness and how sticky the glaze gets as it roasts. My favorite part is scraping up those caramelized bits from the baking sheet and adding them to my plate. Sharing these always brings back memories of laughter and everyone reaching in for just one more.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the glaze shiny. They can also be eaten cold in salads or grain bowls.
Ingredient Substitutions
Maple syrup works instead of honey for a different sweetness. Use olive oil instead of butter for dairy free guests. Baby carrots can be swapped in but watch time as they cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these carrots with pork chicken or beef dishes or alongside vegetarian mains like lentil loaf. They also make a colorful addition to holiday spreads and potlucks.

Cultural Context
Roasted glazed carrots are a classic in American cooking popular because they elevate simple vegetables into something special. The sweet savory honey garlic glaze is inspired by classic comfort flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should I cut the carrots for even roasting?
Cut the carrots on a diagonal into evenly sized pieces, about 2-3 inches long, to promote uniform cooking and browning.
- → Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work well but cook a little faster. Start checking for tenderness after 18-20 minutes in the oven.
- → What gives the glaze its flavor?
The glaze combines melted butter, gently sautéed garlic, and honey, creating a sweet, rich, and aromatic finish for the carrots.
- → How do I know when the carrots are done?
The carrots are ready when they are golden brown on the edges and easily pierced with a fork. Roasting typically takes 22-25 minutes.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glazed carrots in advance and gently reheat before serving, preserving their tender texture and flavor.