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This delicious and rich side will complement any main dish. Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots have a hint of oaky and caramel notes from bourbon and a sweet honey glaze. They taste almost like a dessert instead of a vegetable.
We often have baby carrots in our fridge, which are perfect for dipping into ranch dressing or hummus. Rarely do we eat carrots for dinner unless they are called for in the recipe such as Ham and White Bean Soup.
I’m trying to make a shift though in our dinner sides and have been using carrots more and more. Recipes such as Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are becoming more commonplace on our table and I’m excited about it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for the holidays. The bourbon mixed with the honey makes for a rich earthy taste that’s perfect for hearty holiday meals. If you use whole carrots too it makes a beautiful display.
- Only a few ingredients. There are only 6 ingredients in this recipe and that includes salt and pepper seasoning. These few ingredients are what make these roasted carrots with honey glaze an easy yet still flavorful dish.
- Delicious. Though there are few ingredients they’re powerful ones at that. The bourbon and honey mixed with fresh thyme bring a unique blend of flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient Notes
- Carrots – Any version of carrot will work for this recipe, but some are better than others. Whole carrots in a bunch are my favorite to use because you can leave just a small bit of the carrot greens on top. You can also use large whole peeled carrots and half them. Baby carrots will work too.
- Honey – You can use honey or even maple syrup if you’d like, especially if making this recipe for holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Bourbon – Though this is optional the bourbon brings an oaky caramel-like flavor to the roasted carrots. The alcohol will bake off as they’re roasted. If you would rather not use bourbon then you can swap it for apple cider vinegar.
Glazed Carrots Recipe Variations
If you love these roasted carrots with honey glaze then try some of the other versions below. Just mix up the glaze and pour it over the carrots before roasting them.
- Honey Butter Roasted Carrots: this variation has and sweet and creamy flavor. To make it mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter for the glaze.
- Balsamic Roasted Carrots: for a tangy and sweet carrot combine 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Sesame Ginger Roasted Carrots: this is a great option for serving alongside a stir-fry. To make mix 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How to Make Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
This version of honey glazed roasted carrots is extremely simple, but I’ve still included a few notes for making the best version. Prep your carrots first by peeling and cutting them in half lengthwise.
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 450 ℉ and lay the prepared carrots onto a lined, rimmed, baking sheet and set aside.
- Prepare the glaze. Whisk the honey, bourbon, and olive oil together in a small bowl and pour over the carrots. Toss the carrots to coat evenly and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Arrange fresh thyme on top.
- Roast. Place the carrots into the oven and roast them for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss, then return and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until carrots are fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
A simple chicken dinner with these carrots on the side makes a delicious meal, but I’ve included some of my favorite main dishes below to serve them with.
Storage and or Freezing Instructions
- Leftovers – Any remaining carrots can be placed in an ait-tight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once reheated the carrots will not be as crispy as when they were first pulled from the oven, but will still be delicious.
- Freezing Information – Allow the carrots to cool completely before placing them in a Ziplock bag or an air-tight container. Once thawed they also will not be as crispy as before, but again, they will still be delicious.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- For crispier and browner carrots use a dark baking sheet then with about 2 to 3 minutes left in the cooking process set the oven to broil. This will char the carrots giving them a crispier outer layer.
- Slice the carrots in equal sizes so they cook evenly and remember to toss them halfway through cooking.
- The bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your carrots. Large carrots will need the full time to cook whereas smaller ones may be done in around 30 minutes.
FAQS
It is not necessary to peel the carrots before roasting them, however, you do need to scrub them to remove any dirt or sediment. Peeling the carrots results in a cleaner appearance though.
No, you do not cover vegetables when roasting them. If covered, they will steam instead of brown and you’ll lose the crispy outside.
No, frozen carrots will not work well for roasting because of the added moisture. Frozen carrots, when roasted end up mushy so use fresh instead.
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Carrots peeled, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Fresh Thyme
- Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 ℉ and lay the prepared carrots onto a lined, rimmed, baking sheet and set aside.
- Whisk the honey, bourbon, and olive oil together in a small bowl and pour over the carrots. Toss the carrots to coat evenly and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Arrange fresh thyme on top.
- Roast carrots for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss, then return and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until carrots are fork-tender.
Notes
- For crispier and browner carrots use a dark baking sheet then with about 2 to 3 minutes left in the cooking process set the oven to broil. This will char the carrots giving them a crispier outer layer.
- Slice the carrots in equal sizes so they cook evenly and remember to toss them halfway through cooking.
- The bake time may vary depending on the thickness of your carrots. Large carrots will need the full time to cook whereas smaller ones may be done in around 30 minutes.
Storage and or Freezing Instruction
- Leftovers – Any remaining carrots can be placed in an ait-tight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once reheated the carrots will not be as crispy as when they were first pulled from the oven, but will still be delicious.
- Freezing Information – Allow the carrots to cool completely before placing them in a Ziplock bag or an air-tight container. Once thawed they also will not be as crispy as before, but again, they will still be delicious.
Wonderful recipe! My children loved these carrots.
I love to hear when kids love something! I’m so glad this was a hit, Judy.
As easy as they are delicious. The bourbon and honey make this sweet but not overwhelming. Making this for Christmas… maybe even Thanksgiving too.