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Simple Honey Roasted Carrots — Golden, Glazed & Oven-Perfect at 400°F

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of roasted vegetables wafting through the kitchen — and these Simple Honey Roasted Carrots are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. 🍯✨ This recipe turns ordinary carrots into something magical: tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and coated in a glossy honey glaze infused with garlic, lemon, and thyme. Roasted at 400°F, the high heat helps the carrots develop those irresistible golden edges while the honey and olive oil combine to form a beautiful glaze. The garlic adds depth, the lemon adds brightness, and the thyme ties it all together with an earthy, aromatic finish. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with everything — from roasted chicken and grilled fish to your favorite holiday meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥕 Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs carrots peeled and cut into sticks (about 3 inches long)
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet or roasting pan
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional for easy cleanup)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small whisk or spoon
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2 – Prepare the Carrots
  1. Peel and trim the carrots, cutting them into even-sized sticks or halves so they roast evenly.
Step 3 – Make the Glaze
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4 – Coat the Carrots
  1. Add the carrots to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the honey mixture.
Step 5 – Roast the Carrots
  1. Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet — make sure they’re not overlapping, so they roast rather than steam.
  2. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized at the edges.
Step 6 – Garnish & Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, savory, and citrusy perfection of every bite.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave gently until heated through.
Freezer: Not recommended — carrots may lose their texture.
💡 Tip: Reheat on a baking sheet for best results to bring back that lovely roasted texture.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Honey Carrots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for heat.
Herb Lovers: Try using rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a different herbal touch.
Balsamic Glaze: Add 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar for a tangy, caramelized depth.
Maple Twist: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a cozy fall version.
Garlic Butter Carrots: Mix melted butter into the glaze for a richer flavor.
Lemon Zest Finish: Add lemon zest after baking for a fresh, zippy flavor boost.
Vegan-Friendly: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based option.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes! Just adjust roasting time to about 20–25 minutes, since baby carrots cook faster.
2. Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Absolutely — use about 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves for every teaspoon of dried.
3. How do I keep the glaze from burning?
Avoid overcrowding the pan and don’t roast above 400°F — honey burns easily at higher temperatures.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, roast the carrots, then reheat in the oven before serving.
5. Can I skip the lemon juice?
You can, but it adds brightness that balances the sweetness of the honey.
6. What’s the best way to cut carrots for roasting?
Cut them into even sizes — either sticks or diagonally sliced coins about ½ inch thick.
7. Can I roast other vegetables with the carrots?
Yes! Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through roasting.
9. How do I make them extra caramelized?
Roast on the top rack and don’t stir too often — this helps edges brown nicely.
10. What can I serve these with?
They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, salmon, steak, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Simple Honey Roasted Carrots are proof that the best dishes are often the easiest. 🥕✨
With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you get perfectly roasted carrots — tender, sweet, and beautifully glazed. The honey and garlic create a caramelized coating, the lemon adds brightness, and the thyme gives a cozy, herbal note.
It’s a side dish that fits any occasion — from weekday dinners to elegant holiday spreads. Quick, wholesome, and irresistibly flavorful, these roasted carrots are sure to become a favorite on your table.