There’s something magical about roasting carrots. They go from being just another vegetable to something deeply caramelised, slightly crispy, and bursting with natural sweetness. And when you add honey? Game over. Honey-roasted carrots strike that perfect balance between sweet and savoury, making them the ultimate side dish for just about any meal.
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and makes you look like a pro in the kitchen, this is it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
● Super simple: Only a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and no complicated steps.
● Pairs with anything: Serve alongside roasted meats, grain bowls, or even as a snack on their own.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
● 500g carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if they’re small
● 2 tbsp honey (runny honey works best)
● 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
● 1 tsp salt
● ½ tsp black pepper
● 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, but highly recommended)
● ½ tsp garlic powder (for a savoury twist)
● ½ tsp paprika (for a touch of smokiness – optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep Your Carrots
- If using large carrots, peel and cut them into even-sized sticks.
- If using baby carrots, leave them whole—no extra chopping needed.
3. Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Olive oil (or melted butter)
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder, paprika, and herbs (if using)
This creates a sticky, flavour-packed coating that’ll help the carrots caramelise beautifully.
4. Toss & Coat
- Place the carrots on your lined baking tray.
- Drizzle the honey mixture over them.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots out so they’re not overlapping—this helps them roast instead of steam.
5. Roast to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through.
They’re done when they’re tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the edges. If you want extra caramelisation, leave them in for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Transfer the roasted carrots to a plate and finish with:
- A final drizzle of honey (because why not?)
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of colour
- A dash of sea salt for contrast
Then dig in! Your carrots are now sweet, savoury, and completely irresistible.