Caramelized Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Vibrant orange carrots shimmer with an irresistible honey garlic butter glaze that elevates this simple side dish into something extraordinary.

The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Golden-edged carrots turn tender and glossy under a luxurious coating that promises to delight every palate.

Each bite bursts with rich, caramelized notes that dance between sweetness and depth.

These carrots aren’t just a side dish – they’re a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary vegetable into a star attraction.

The recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Dive into this delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots

For Roasting Base:
  • Carrots: Choose vibrant orange carrots with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Nonstick Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during roasting.
For Glaze and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Honey: Creates a luxurious, sweet-rich coating that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
  • Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic punch that complements the carrots' natural sweetness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the glaze's overall taste profile.
For Optional Finishing:
  • Additional Honey or Butter: Can be used to intensify the glaze and create a more glossy, caramelized surface if desired.

Items to Help With Glazing and Roasting

  • Large Baking Sheet: Essential for even roasting and easy cleanup.
  • Skillet or Pan: Perfect for melting butter, creating the honey garlic glaze, and coating carrots.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed to trim and cut carrots into thirds.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing vegetables.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring glaze and tossing carrots.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure honey and seasonings.
  • Tongs: Useful for transferring and turning carrots during cooking.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Butter Carrots to Perfection

  • Oven Warm-Up

Set the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect environment for transforming ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish.

  • Carrot Preparation

Slice carrots into rustic thirds, trimming away the ends to create uniform pieces that will cook evenly and look beautifully appetizing.

  • Flavor Magic

Melt butter in a skillet, swirling in honey until it creates a golden liquid. Sprinkle in fresh garlic, letting the aromatics dance and release their enticing fragrance.

  • Sauce Coating

Tumble carrots into the glossy mixture, spinning them around to ensure every inch gets covered in the delectable sauce. Sprinkle with a pinch of seasoning for extra flavor depth.

  • Roasting Brilliance

Spread carrots across a baking sheet, sliding them into the heated oven. Let them transform for 20 minutes until they become tender and caramelized at the edges.

  • Final Touch

Switch the oven to broil, giving the carrots a quick blast of high heat to crisp their exterior and create those irresistible caramelized spots that make everyone’s mouth water.

Glazing Tips to Max Out Sweet and Savory

  • Sweet Glazing Trick: Brush extra honey butter mixture over carrots right before serving to enhance the glossy, caramelized appearance and boost flavor intensity.
  • Veggie Swap Option: Replace carrots with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a similar roasted vegetable experience with identical cooking techniques.
  • Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley after roasting to add a bright, fresh layer of complexity and visual appeal to the dish.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey butter glaze for those who enjoy a subtle heat kick that complements the sweet garlic notes.
  • Leftover Magic: Store remaining glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain their tender texture and rich flavor profile.

Serving These Carrots With Holiday Meals

  • Festive Family Feast: Serve these honey garlic butter glazed carrots alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a delightful holiday meal that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Elegant Side Dish: Create a sophisticated dinner plate by arranging the glazed carrots next to herb-crusted salmon or grilled steak, adding a pop of vibrant color and sweet-savory flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Chop extra carrots and store the glazed version in an airtight container for quick lunch additions or as a delicious make-ahead vegetable side that stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished carrots to add a burst of green and an extra layer of fresh herbs that complement the rich honey garlic butter glaze.

Save Glazed Carrots Without Losing Shine

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover honey garlic butter glazed carrots in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Quick Reheating Hack: Warm carrots gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain their tender texture and prevent burning. Add a tiny splash of water to help restore moisture if needed.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare carrot batches ahead of time and store them in individual portion containers for easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner side dishes throughout the week. Label containers with preparation date.
  • Freezing Strategy: While possible to freeze, carrots might lose some texture. If freezing, place in freezer-safe containers with minimal air exposure and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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Caramelized Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Caramelized Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Honey garlic butter glazed carrots bring sweet and savory magic to your dinner table. Simple ingredients create a delightful side dish that elevates any meal. You’ll love this easy, flavor-packed recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) carrots, washed and peeled (or unpeeled if preferred)
  • ⅓ cup (76 g) butter
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼½ tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 2 tbsps (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Trim and slice carrots into uniform thirds.
  2. Glaze Creation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating honey until smooth. Add minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
  3. Coating and Seasoning: Toss carrots in the butter-honey mixture, ensuring even coverage. Season with salt and pepper while allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
  4. Roasting Process: Spread glazed carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
  5. Finishing Touches: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to develop crispy, caramelized edges. Optionally, return roasted carrots to the skillet and simmer in remaining sauce over high heat for an additional 5 minutes to intensify the glaze.

Notes

  • Slice Evenly: Cut carrots into uniform thirds to ensure consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
  • Watch Garlic Carefully: Stir garlic for exactly 30 seconds to release flavors without burning, creating a rich aromatic base.
  • Spread for Caramelization: Arrange carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing space between pieces for perfect roasting and crispy edges.
  • Broiler Bonus: Use the final 2-3 minutes under the broiler to develop beautiful caramelized edges and enhance natural carrot sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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