Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping vegetable side, look no further than these Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots. They’re coated in a luscious blend of honey, garlic, and butter before being roasted to caramelized perfection. Each bite bursts with sweet, savory, and slightly earthy notes that win over even the most veggie-skeptical eaters. Quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a special occasion, this recipe is bound to find its way into your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list for these Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots—each one is thoughtfully chosen to deliver big flavor and gorgeous golden color. Let’s take a quick look at what makes each component shine.
- Carrots: The star of the dish, carrots bring natural sweetness and that beautiful orange pop; peel and cut them into even sticks for ideal roasting.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting this gives your carrots a rich, velvety coat and helps them roast up with a lovely gloss.
- Honey: Whisk in for irresistible sweetness and a subtle sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the carrots with aromatic depth and balances the sweetness with a savory bite.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors and heighten the carrots’ natural taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and a bit of complexity without stealing the spotlight.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle brings fresh color and a fleck of herbiness that looks gorgeous on the final plate.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to give the carrots the high heat they need to caramelize. Roasting at this temperature ensures they’ll cook through quickly while developing those irresistible golden edges.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the honey and butter fully blend and the garlic is evenly distributed. This simple glaze transforms ordinary carrots into something truly special.
Step 3: Coat the Carrots
Add your peeled and cut carrot sticks right into the bowl with the glaze. Toss everything together until every carrot is slick and glossy with that honey-garlic-butter mixture. Taking the time to coat evenly guarantees each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Arrange for Roasting
Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the glazed carrots over the sheet in a single, even layer, giving them a bit of space to roast rather than steam. Overcrowding can make them soggy instead of caramelized!
Step 5: Roast Until Golden
Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, give the carrots a gentle stir to ensure all sides get their turn against the hot pan. When they’re fork-tender and the edges are caramelized, you’ve nailed it.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
After removing the carrots from the oven, scatter over the chopped parsley if you like. The pop of green is both a visual treat and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich glaze. Serve warm for the full, cozy experience of Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light zest of lemon brightens the flavors and adds beautiful color. If you want to turn up the drama, try a pinch of smoked paprika or a few toasted sesame seeds. These little touches complement the Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots and give your dish a polished finish.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots shine next to classic mains like roast chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty vegetarian grain bowl. They’re also wonderful alongside mashed potatoes, wild rice, or even a crisp green salad, adding vibrant color and flavor to any dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this side into a centerpiece-worthy platter by arranging the carrots over whipped feta or Greek yogurt and drizzling with extra glaze. To make them finger-food friendly, thread carrot sticks onto skewers and serve them as a party appetizer with a herby dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate; they’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 4 days.
Freezing
While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze these carrots after roasting. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat straight from frozen for a convenient side whenever needed.
Reheating
To bring your Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots back to life, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until hot. A splash of extra melted butter or a drizzle of honey before serving freshens them up even more.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work wonderfully in this recipe and save you the step of peeling and cutting. Just be sure to dry them after rinsing so the glaze sticks well, and adjust roasting time as needed since they can be a bit thicker.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots hold up well in the fridge and are easy to portion for meal prep. They’re perfect for adding to salads, grain bowls, or as a quick side throughout the week.
How can I make the carrots even more flavorful?
For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the carrots when they come out of the oven. These additions add depth and contrast, making the natural sweetness pop.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure to spread the carrots over two baking sheets so they still roast and caramelize evenly. Rotate the pans halfway through roasting for the best results.
What’s the best way to cut the carrots for roasting?
Try to cut your carrots into uniform sticks about 3 to 4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. This way, they’ll cook evenly and develop that classic roasted texture with caramelized edges.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots have a way of stealing the show every time they appear on my table. Whether you’re a seasoned carrot lover or just carrot-curious, this recipe is pure comfort and flavor in every bite. I hope you give them a try—don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite side dish, too!
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Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots are a delightful side dish that’s both sweet and savory, with caramelized edges and a burst of garlic flavor. The perfect addition to any meal!
Ingredients
Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the carrots: Add carrot sticks to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Baby carrots can be used as a convenient alternative to cutting whole carrots.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
