I used to struggle finding a simple side dish everyone in my family would enjoy—something quick, tasty, and fuss-free. These honey glazed carrots became my go-to, especially on busy weeknights and holidays when stress is already high. Today, I’m sharing two foolproof methods to make the best honey glazed carrots ever, so you can pick the one that fits your mood and schedule perfectly.
Table of Contents
honey glazed carrots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dice carrots into 1-1.5 inch pieces on a diagonal.
- In a mixing bowl, toss carrots with honey, garlic, butter, oil, and spices.
- Spread carrots on a sheet pan and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for caramelization.
- Transfer carrots to a serving dish and garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These Honey Glazed Carrots
- Two Methods, Your Choice: You can choose to roast the carrots for deep caramelization or use the stovetop for a quicker, saucier finish.
- Perfectly Balanced Taste: The glaze is sweet but not overpowering, with a touch of warmth from cinnamon and ginger.
- Foolproof for Holidays: Make-ahead tips help save time, making this dish stress-free for special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients: fresh carrots, honey, garlic, butter or ghee, olive oil, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. These staples make the recipe approachable and perfect for busy cooks.
A Note on Honey
Different types of honey—like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom—each bring their own subtle flavor notes. Feel free to experiment; some honeys add floral sweetness, while others lean earthier. It’s a small change that can make your glaze uniquely yours.
Roasted vs. Stovetop: Which Method Should You Choose?
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted | Rich caramelization, hands-off roasting, deeper flavor | Takes longer (20–25 mins) |
| Stovetop | Faster (under 20 mins), saucier glaze, great for weeknights | Requires more attention and stirring |
If you want that golden, caramelized edge and have some extra time, roasting is your best bet. For quick dinners or when you want a sauce-like finish, stovetop glazing is perfect. The University of Missouri Extension offers a simple recipe for honey glazed carrots that demonstrates the basic technique, which can be adapted for either method.
How to Make Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots (Method 1)
This method gives you those deliciously tender carrots with golden edges and a rich honey glaze.
Step 1: Dice Carrots
Cut the peeled carrots diagonally into 1″–1.5″ pieces. For larger carrots, slice them in half lengthwise. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Toss Carrots
In a mixing bowl, combine carrots with honey, minced garlic, melted butter or ghee, olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Roast
Spread the coated carrots evenly on a sheet pan. Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through. For added caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer carrots to a dish and garnish with parsley, thyme, or your favorite fresh herb.
How to Make Stovetop Honey Glazed Carrots (Method 2)
This quicker option is perfect for busy nights when you want that honey glaze without heating the oven.
- Slice carrots diagonally, about 1″ long, ensuring even size.
- Simmer in a skillet with a little water over medium heat until tender-crisp (about 7–10 minutes).
- Drain any excess water, add honey, melted butter or ghee, minced garlic, olive oil, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring frequently for 3–5 minutes, until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots well.
Pro Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots Every Time
- To keep the honey from burning during roasting, use a light-colored baking sheet; dark pans absorb more heat and can scorch the glaze.
- Cut carrots to uniform size for even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan—give carrots space to roast properly, so they crisp up instead of steaming.
- If using fresh herbs, add them just before serving to keep their flavor bright.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
| Variation | How to Make It | Pairs well with… |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy | Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze. | Roast Chicken, Tacos |
| Tangy | Stir in 1 tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar at end. | Grilled Steak, Pork Chops |
| Savory & Herby | Toss with 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting. | Roast Turkey, Lamb |
| Warm-Spiced | Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon. | Holiday Ham, Pork Loin |
To make this recipe vegan, swap butter/ghee for vegan butter or coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey. For a paleo version, use ghee and omit any refined sugars (though this recipe contains none beyond honey). Many university extension sites, such as the University of Michigan, offer resources for adapting recipes to dietary needs.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Carrots
These carrots complement a range of main dishes beautifully. Try pairing them with:
- Roast Chicken for a classic, comforting meal.
- Baked Ham to accentuate holiday flavors.
- Weeknight Pork Chops for a quick, savory dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Guide
Make-Ahead Instructions
Peel and chop carrots the day before; store in a sealed container filled with water in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Storing Leftovers
Place cooked carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat
For best texture, spread carrots on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, baby carrots work well but roast or cook a little less time since they’re smaller and tender.
How do I fix a glaze that is too thin or too thick?
If too thin, simmer longer to reduce and thicken. If too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen.
How do I keep my honey glazed carrots from getting mushy?
Cut carrots evenly and avoid overcooking. For roasting, don’t crowd the pan, and for stovetop, remove when tender-crisp.
Can I make this recipe without refined sugar?
Absolutely, honey is the only sweetener here, so it’s already free of refined sugars.
Can I freeze honey glazed carrots?
Freezing is possible but may affect texture. For best results, freeze raw cooked carrots without glaze, then reheat and glaze fresh.
Share Your Success!
This recipe is so simple yet so satisfying—I hope it brings comfort and ease to your table like it did mine. I’d absolutely love to see how your carrots turned out! Which method did you try—roasted or stovetop? Let me know your favorite in the comments below!
