Transform ordinary carrots into an irresistible side dish with these honey garlic butter carrots that perfectly balance sweet and savory.
Quick Answer: Make honey garlic butter carrots by roasting fresh carrots at 400°F for 25-30 minutes with melted butter, honey, and minced garlic. Toss halfway through cooking until tender and caramelized, then finish with fresh herbs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Modern American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory flavors with perfectly caramelized edges
- Only 5 main ingredients needed
- Great for holidays or everyday dinners
- Budget-friendly and nutritious
- Can be prepped ahead of time
Quick Benefits
These honey garlic butter carrots deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The natural sweetness of carrots intensifies while roasting, creating a gorgeous glaze that pairs perfectly with any main dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, washed and peeled or unpeeled
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 pinch black pepper, cracked
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray; set aside.
- Trim ends of carrots and cut into thirds.
- Melt butter in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Pour in honey and cook, while stirring, until completely melted through the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant while stirring.
- Add the carrots and allow the sauce to thicken for a further minute, while tossing the carrots through the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer carrots to baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly. Toss to evenly coat.
- Roast for 20 minutes, or until carrots are fork-tender. Broil (or grill) for 2-3 minutes on high heat to crisp or char the edges.
- OPTIONAL: Transfer them back into the skillet and allow carrots to simmer in the sauce over high heat for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce into a glaze.
- Season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with parsley and arrange onto serving platter.
You Must Know
- Cut carrots in similar sizes for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – use two if needed
- Carrots should be fork-tender but not mushy
- Dark spots are good – they’re caramelized sugars
- Watch carefully in last 10 minutes to prevent burning
Serving Suggestions
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or pork chops
- Baked salmon
- Holiday ham
- Rice pilaf or mashed potatoes
Creative Variations
- Add maple syrup instead of honey for deeper flavor
- Sprinkle with fresh ginger for Asian flair
- Include rainbow carrots for visual appeal
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Finish with balsamic glaze
Cultural Notes
Glazed carrots have been a staple side dish in American and European cuisine for generations. The addition of honey and garlic represents a modern twist on the classic butter-glazed carrots that have graced holiday tables for decades.
Pro Tips
- Pat carrots dry after washing for better caramelization
- Use room temperature honey for easier mixing
- Line pan with parchment for easy cleanup
- Reserve some herb garnish for serving
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set glaze
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make honey garlic butter carrots in advance?
A: Yes, you can prep them up to 24 hours ahead and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Q: Should I peel the carrots?
A: While optional, peeling creates a more refined presentation and ensures even cooking.
Q: Can I use baby carrots?
A: Yes, but they may cook faster, so check doneness after 20 minutes.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: A fork should easily pierce the carrots but they should still hold their shape.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, cook at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Health Benefits
Honey garlic butter carrots combine the natural sweetness of carrots rich in beta-carotene with heart-healthy garlic. The cooking method helps preserve nutrients while making them more digestible. Honey adds natural sweetness while providing antioxidants.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 220 • Carbs: 28g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 12g • Sodium: 680mg
Notes
Leftover honey garlic butter carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Honey Garlic Butter Carrots
Transform ordinary carrots into an irresistible side dish with these honey garlic butter carrots that perfectly balance sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Leftover honey garlic butter carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.