Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted carrots are already delicious, but when you add a honey garlic butter glaze, they become a standout dish. The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the carrots’ earthy flavor. This dish is easy to prepare and is versatile enough to serve at any meal—from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast. Plus, it’s sure to impress your guests with its simple yet mouthwatering flavor.
Ingredients
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2 pounds carrots, diagonally cut into about 2 to 3-inch pieces
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5 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons honey
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¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F.
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Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.
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Cut the carrots into 2 to 3-inch diagonal pieces and set them aside.
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Melt the butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is lightly browned (be cautious not to burn the garlic).
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Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the honey. Mix until thoroughly combined.
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Toss the carrots in the garlic butter honey mixture, either in the skillet or in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well coated.
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Transfer the carrots to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and browned.
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Remove from the oven and transfer the carrots to a serving plate.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Baby Carrots: If you prefer baby carrots, feel free to use them instead. Just keep an eye on them as they may cook slightly faster.
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Balsamic Glaze: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for an extra tangy kick.
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Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste.
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Herb Additions: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the carrots before roasting for a fragrant twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the carrots on the stove in a pan with a bit of butter over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?
Fresh carrots are ideal for this recipe, but if you need to use frozen carrots, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help achieve a nice caramelization.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter?
Garlic burns easily, so be sure to cook it over medium heat and stir frequently. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low.
Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the carrots a day in advance and reheat them in a skillet with a bit of butter until they are heated through and begin to brown again.
How do I make the carrots more crispy?
If you prefer crispy carrots, you can roast them for a bit longer or even broil them for the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
What type of carrots should I use for this recipe?
You can use regular carrots or baby carrots. Just make sure to cut them into even sizes for consistent cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type of vegetable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it only involves vegetables, butter, garlic, and honey.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor may differ slightly. Butter provides a richer taste that complements the garlic and honey well.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil.
What can I serve these roasted carrots with?
These carrots are perfect as a side dish to roasted meats, chicken, or fish. They also pair well with a hearty salad or a creamy dip.
Conclusion
Honey garlic butter roasted carrots are the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The tender, caramelized carrots combined with the rich garlic butter and honey sauce create a side dish that’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these carrots are sure to be a hit on your table.
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
These honey garlic butter roasted carrots are a delicious and simple side dish with a sweet and savory glaze, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 pounds carrots, diagonally cut into about 2 to 3-inch pieces
5 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cut the carrots into 2 to 3-inch diagonal pieces and set them aside.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is lightly browned (be cautious not to burn the garlic).
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the honey. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Toss the carrots in the garlic butter honey mixture, either in the skillet or in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well coated.
- Transfer the carrots to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and browned.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the carrots to a serving plate.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Baby Carrots: You can use baby carrots instead, but be aware they might cook slightly faster.
- Balsamic Glaze: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for extra tang.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Modify the amount of honey to your liking for more or less sweetness.
- Herb Additions: Try fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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