These honey roasted carrots are sweet, tender, and super easy to make! Just toss the carrots with honey, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, then roast them to perfection.
They’re like candy for veggies! I love serving them as a side dish because they make any meal feel extra special. Plus, the kids go crazy for them! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender, but you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. I often mix colors, like purple and orange carrots, for a fun twist!
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness, but you can substitute maple syrup for a different flavor that’s also vegan. Agave syrup works well too, but keep in mind it’s sweeter, so adjust the amount.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor. If you prefer, melted butter can be used for a richer taste. For a different profile, try sesame oil, which pairs nicely with honey.
How Do I Get My Carrots Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, and here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Make sure the carrots are evenly coated with the honey and oil mixture to allow for caramelization.
- Place carrots in a single layer in the pan; this helps them roast rather than steam.
- Remember to turn the carrots halfway through cooking for even browning and tenderness.
Keeping an eye on them towards the end of cooking is key to avoiding burning. Enjoy perfectly tender and sweet carrots!
How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds whole baby carrots (or peeled regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to roast, totaling approximately 40 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the carrots roast evenly and get that lovely caramelization.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, a sprinkle of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together well until it’s smooth and well-mixed. This will give your carrots a wonderful sweet and savory flavor!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the whole baby carrots (or your peeled and cut regular carrots) to the bowl. Toss them gently with your honey-oil mixture to ensure every carrot is nicely coated. This is where the magic happens, make sure they are all evenly covered!
4. Roast the Carrots:
Now, arrange the carrots in a single layer on a roasting pan or baking dish. This helps them roast rather than steam. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to give them a gentle turn halfway through; this helps them cook evenly and develop that beautiful caramelized color!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious honey roasted carrots as a sweet and savory side dish!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you prefer regular carrots, just peel and cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for pieces about the same size as baby carrots for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. If using agave, remember to reduce the quantity slightly since it can be sweeter than honey!
How Should I Store Leftover Carrots?
Store any leftover honey roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep them tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and your honey roasted carrots will be fully vegan and still delicious!
