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Honey roasted carrots are a sweet and tasty side dish that everyone loves. They are simple to make with just honey, butter, and a sprinkle of salt, turning crunchy carrots into golden bites of yum!

I always find myself munching on these carrots right off the baking tray! They look so good, it’s hard to resist sneaking a few before dinner. Plus, they make my kitchen smell amazing!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Carrots: Baby carrots are great for this recipe, but if you have regular carrots lying around, just peel and cut them into sticks. The key is to make sure they’re all a similar size for even cooking.

Honey: Raw honey adds a lovely natural sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup works well too. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Olive Oil: This is perfect for roasting, but you can switch it out for melted butter or coconut oil if you want a different flavor. Butter will add richness to the carrots.

Herbs: Fresh thyme brings great flavor, but if you don’t have it, feel free to use dried thyme or even swap it for dried oregano or rosemary. Fresh parsley is a lovely touch for brightness!

How Do I Get My Carrots Perfectly Roasted?

Roasting the carrots properly is key for bringing out their sweetness and achieving that delicious caramelization. Follow these steps for success:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for high heat cooking, which helps soften the carrots quickly.
• Make sure you coat the carrots well with the honey and oil mix. This ensures they roast evenly and develop that golden color.
• Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast.
• Toss them halfway through cooking to make sure all sides get that lovely char and sweetness.
• Drizzle lemon juice right after they come out of the oven to enhance flavors and add brightness!

Honey Roasted Carrots

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound baby carrots (or peeled and cut regular carrots into sticks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious side dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, you can have warm, honey roasted carrots on your table in about 40 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature is perfect for roasting the carrots, making them sweet and slightly caramelized.

2. Prepare the Carrots:

In a large bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece gets well coated with the mixture for the best flavor.

3. Spread on the Baking Sheet:

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the coated carrots out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they roast well. This prevents them from steaming!

4. Roast the Carrots:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, tossing them halfway through. You want them to be tender with beautiful caramelization on the edges.

5. Add Some Brightness:

Once they’re done roasting, take the carrots out of the oven and drizzle with lemon juice if you’re using it. Toss them again to mix in that zesty flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve:

For a pretty finish, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Serve these warm as a delightful and sweet side dish!

Enjoy your sweet, tender, and slightly caramelized honey roasted carrots! They’re sure to be a hit at any meal!

Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?

Absolutely! While baby carrots are convenient, you can use regular carrots by peeling and cutting them into sticks. Just make sure they are all a similar size for even cooking.

What If I Don’t Have Honey?

No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just use the same quantity, and feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.

How Can I Store Leftover Carrots?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes! Just replace the honey with maple syrup or another vegan-friendly sweetener. Additionally, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.