Published: October 22, 2025 | Updated: October 30, 2025
As someone who’s tested countless roasted vegetable recipes for both everyday meals and styled photoshoots, I can confidently say this Honey Roasted Carrots recipe is one of the best ways to elevate a humble root vegetable. Roasting at a high temperature unlocks the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the natural glaze is a simple blend of sweet honey, fresh rosemary, and a hint of orange zest. This creates a bright, flavorful finish that feels restaurant-worthy.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read full disclosure here.
I love sharing recipes like this because they’re easy, nourishing, and beautiful. These honey-roasted carrots make a stunning presentation on any sheet pan and fit seamlessly into nearly any menu, from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Natural Ingredients: Just carrots, olive oil, honey, garlic, and herbs. These are pantry staples you likely already have.
- Naturally Sweet: Roasting brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness, balanced by savory garlic and rosemary.
- Quick to Make: Ideal for weeknight dinners, holidays, or whenever you need a quick, elegant side dish.
What Do Honey Roasted Carrots Taste Like?
These honey-roasted carrots strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The sweet honey enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, while black pepper, rosemary, and garlic add depth and aroma. The orange zest gives it a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. Think sweet, earthy, citrusy, and irresistibly tender.
Ingredients for Honey Roasted Carrots
Below you will find a list of ingredients needed for this recipe, which renders around 4-6 servings:
- 8 medium carrots, peeled, halved – You can also use whole carrots or rainbow carrots for extra color and presentation.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the carrots roast evenly and enhances their flavor.
- ¼ cup honey – Use regular honey for a classic sweetness or local raw honey for added depth.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Adds a savory note that balances the honey.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with roasted root vegetables.
- ¼ teaspoon orange zest – Adds brightness and elevates the dish with a hint of citrus.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Brings out the carrots’ flavor while keeping them perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Honey Roasted Carrots
Follow these four simple steps for perfectly tender, caramelized carrots every time:
STEP 1: Preheat and Prepare
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Wash, peel, and trim the ends of your carrots. Cut larger carrots in half lengthwise so they roast evenly.
STEP 2: Season the Carrots
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Place carrots cut side down on the lined pan in a single layer, drizzle with the mixture, and toss in a large bowl (or directly on the sheet pan) until fully coated.
STEP 3: Roast and Glaze
Roast on the top rack for 20 minutes to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots. Meanwhile, stir together ¼ cup honey and ¼ teaspoon orange zest. Remove carrots, drizzle with the honey orange mixture, toss gently, and return to the hot oven for another 10 minutes or until golden and tender.
STEP 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any leftover glaze, and top with fresh parsley for color. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish for an easy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
What to Serve with Honey Roasted Carrots
These carrots are a versatile side dish that complements everything from chicken to salmon. They’re especially great alongside:
Their slightly sweet flavor also balances savory dishes beautifully! In my opinion, these carrots are an ideal easy side for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
How to Store Honey Roasted Carrots
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes to restore their texture. You can also microwave them for quick reheating, but the oven method keeps the best roasted finish and texture. If you’d like to meal prep these carrots, roast the carrots ahead and store them without the honey glaze — then drizzle and warm before serving.
More Roasted Veggie Favorites from Elicit Folio
If you loved this recipe, you’ll enjoy these other roasted and seasonal sides:
- Oven Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary
- Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
- Roasted Asparagus
FAQ
Can I make this recipe without honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for a vegan alternative. It provides a slightly different flavor but still enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness.
Why do my roasted carrots turn out soggy?
Overcrowding the pan prevents even roasting. Always place carrots in a single layer on a sheet pan and use a hot oven for that perfect caramelization.
Are these healthy?
Definitely! Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber, and roasting them with olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. While honey adds natural sugar, this dish can still fit into a 2,000 calorie diet, depending on your daily values and portion size.
Is this Honey Roasted Carrots recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s made with whole ingredients like carrots, olive oil, honey, and herbs. No flour or gluten-containing ingredients needed.
What diets does this Honey Roasted Carrots recipe fit?
This Honey Roasted Carrots recipe fits several popular diets and lifestyles. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, Mediterranean diet–friendly, dairy-free, and can easily be adjusted for low-sodium diets. With a simple swap, it can also be adapted for vegans as well. You can substitute honey for maple syrup or agave to make this vegan friendly.
Do you put honey on carrots before or after cooking?
For the best results, add honey after the carrots have partially cooked. Roasting the carrots first at a high temperature helps them caramelize and develop flavor without burning the sweet honey. After about 20 minutes in the oven, drizzle the honey-orange glaze over the carrots, toss gently, and return them to the hot oven for another 10 minutes. This timing allows the honey-roasted carrots to become perfectly tender, glossy, and golden without over-browning or burning.
Honey Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Carrots peeled
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 tsp Orange Zest
- 1 tbsp Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Wash, peel, and trim the ends of your carrots. Cut larger carrots in half lengthwise so they roast evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Place carrots cut side down on the lined pan in a single layer, drizzle with the mixture, and toss in a large bowl (or directly on the sheet pan) until fully coated.
- Roast on the top rack for 20 minutes to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots. Meanwhile, stir together ¼ cup honey and ¼ teaspoon orange zest. Remove carrots, drizzle with the honey orange mixture, toss gently, and return to the hot oven for another 10 minutes or until golden and tender.
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any leftover glaze, and top with fresh parsley for color. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish for an easy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Nutrition
Craving More?
If you make these Honey Roasted Carrots, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @ElicitFolio or leave a comment and follow along on Pinterest for more easy side dishes and seasonal recipes. I love seeing your kitchen creations and hearing how you make them your own!
I love the flavor of these carrots, how easy they were to make, and how pretty they are! Fantastic.
Wow! This Easy Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe seems so perfectly executed. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow as part of our menu. Yummy!
This is one of my favourite recipes. It’s such a tasty dish that goes with a range of meals.
I love making these honey roasted carrots, this is the only way my daughters will eat carrots. They taste so good and pair well with any meat dish.
I love how your recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a gourmet side dish. I love how the orange zest adds that unexpected, bright twist.
These sound like the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. I love that you kept it simple but still layered in flavour with the cinnamon and cayenne—such a smart balance of sweet and heat. Definitely adding this to my fall rotation.
OMG, these carrots look so delicious! I love the twist with the spices. I definitely need to try this recipe for myself.
Thank you for a most novel and interesting way to eat carrots. I am sure my kids would love this and it looks so appetising too.