If you’re looking for a simple side that brings both sweetness and a touch of savory delight to your table, this Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe will become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, soaking up the garlic and honey glaze to create a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and approachable for any meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to make carrots any other way!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey adds just the right touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the subtle garlic and earthy carrots.
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on prep time.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with a variety of mains — from roast chicken to steak or even vegetarian dishes.
Impresses Every Time: I’ve served this at family gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews for its gorgeous glaze and tender texture.

A round white plate holds a single layer of shiny roasted carrots, arranged side by side in the same direction. Each carrot is a deep orange color, with a glossy texture showing slight charred spots at the tips and edges. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled evenly across the carrots, adding a touch of color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a part of a green cloth is visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a beautiful glaze, so choosing fresh, quality components will make a big difference in the final flavor.

Carrots: I always go for long, thin ones — they roast evenly and develop a gorgeous texture when left whole.
Honey: Use your favorite type here; I like a mild wildflower honey for subtle floral notes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the glaze stick, but feel free to use a neutral oil if preferred.
Garlic Clove: Freshly minced garlic melds so well with the honey — don’t skip it!
Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is key to balance the sweetness and bring out the carrots’ natural flavor.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Rosemary): They’re optional, but I love tossing chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish or rosemary for an earthy twist.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this honey glazed carrots recipe pretty classic, but don’t hesitate to tweak it based on your taste or what you have in the pantry. A little creativity can take this simple dish to new heights.

Add Spice: I’ve tried a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick — it gives a fun depth to the glaze.
Swap the Honey: Maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute and imparts a different layer of sweetness.
Include Citrus: A squeeze of fresh orange juice before roasting brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
Make it Vegan: Using maple syrup and olive oil keeps this recipe completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ (200℃). While it heats up, peel your carrots and trim off the tops. If your carrots are the thinner, long type like mine, feel free to roast them whole — it saves time and helps maintain their natural sweetness. If your carrots are thick or chunky, slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters so they cook evenly and don’t risk being mushy on the outside but raw inside.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the honey, extra virgin olive oil, and finely minced garlic clove. Add a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper too. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This glaze is your magic touch — it coats the carrots for that sweet and savory finish.

Step 3: Coat and Arrange the Carrots

Place the carrots in a baking dish. Pour the glaze over them, then use your hands (or tongs) to toss and rub the coating evenly across every carrot. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much — spreading them out in a single layer helps them roast properly instead of steaming.

Step 4: Roast and Toss

Pop the dish into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After that, carefully take the carrots out and give them a good toss to caramelize all sides evenly. Return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your carrots, until they’re fork tender and irresistibly glazed.

Step 5: Serve with Fresh Herbs and Extra Glaze

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley or rosemary for a fresh, vibrant finish. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover glaze from the dish over the carrots — this adds an extra punch of flavor that’s hard to resist. Serve warm alongside your main dish and watch everyone dig in happily!

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe

Choose Carrots Wisely: Picking long, thin carrots makes roasting easy and yields a tender but firm bite every time.
Don’t Skip the Toss: Tossing the carrots halfway through roasting helps them cook evenly and get that lovely caramelization.
Mind Your Oven Temperature: Roasting at 400℉ is the sweet spot for balancing tenderness and glaze stickiness without burning the honey.
Be Generous with Seasoning: Honey can be sweet, so a good pinch of salt and pepper is essential to keep the flavors balanced and interesting.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe

A white plate holds a single layer of shiny roasted carrots aligned side by side, each carrot vibrant orange with a smooth roasted texture and a slight glaze reflecting light. Tiny green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly over the carrots, adding contrast to the bright orange. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always garnish mine with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Rosemary also works wonderfully if you’re after an earthy, woodsy herb note — just sprinkle a little right before serving so it doesn’t overpower the carrots.

Side Dishes

This honey glazed carrots recipe pairs so well with comforting dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and gravy — it’s how my family likes it best! But it’s equally great beside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty grain bowl for a vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving these carrots on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra glaze right before guests arrive. It looks stunning and makes the kitchen smell incredible, setting a warm, inviting tone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen the next day.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze these carrots since their texture changes after thawing, but you technically can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Just be aware they’ll be better reheated gently rather than eaten cold.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming them in a skillet over low heat or popping them back in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain their glaze and tenderness without turning them mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe?

While fresh carrots yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. Just thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, then adjust roasting time accordingly since frozen carrots tend to be softer.
What if I don’t have garlic?

Garlic adds a subtle savory note, but if you’re out, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of garlic powder. The honey glaze will still be delicious on its own!
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The result will be just as tasty and friendly for plant-based diets.
How do I know when the carrots are done?

They’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork or toothpick without resistance, and they’re tender but still hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

I really recommend giving this Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe a try because it’s one of those simple dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these carrots bring a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that everyone will notice. I always end up making extras because they disappear fast — and I bet you will too!

Honey Glazed Carrots (Sweet and Savory) Recipe

5 from 147 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish featuring tender roasted carrots coated in a sweet and savory honey, garlic, and olive oil glaze. Perfectly caramelized in the oven, these carrots are garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant, flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Carrots

1 lb / 500g carrots (preferably long thin carrots)

Glaze

2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400℉ / 200℃. Peel the carrots and trim off the tops. If using long thin carrots, leave them whole; for thicker carrots, slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters to ensure even roasting.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the honey, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a single layer in an oven-safe dish. Pour the honey glaze over them, then use your hands to toss and coat each carrot evenly. Arrange the carrots so they do not overlap for even roasting.
Roast First Interval: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will begin to soften them and start the caramelization process.
Toss and Continue Roasting: Remove the dish carefully from the oven and toss the carrots around to coat them again and rearrange if needed. Then roast them for an additional 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your carrots, until they are fork-tender and beautifully glazed.
Check for Doneness: Use a fork or toothpick to test the tenderness of the carrots. They should be soft yet hold their shape.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the honey glazed carrots to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary, and drizzle the leftover glaze from the baking dish over the top. Serve warm alongside your main dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.

Notes

For thicker carrots, slicing lengthwise helps ensure they cook evenly and glaze thoroughly.
Fresh herbs such as rosemary add an aromatic touch but can be substituted with thyme or parsley as preferred.
Leftover glaze can be drizzled over the carrots for extra flavor just before serving.
Monitor cooking time closely since carrot size varies; adjust roasting time to achieve desired tenderness.