These candied carrots are finished with a salted honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. They’re tender, sweet, and require only a few pantry staples and minimal effort.
My Take On Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are one of my favorite, reliable vegetable side dishes. They’re affordable, versatile, and pair well with a wide range of mains — from slow-braised beef to roasted chicken or seared fish. The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and an ordinary oven, so it’s an easy addition to weeknight meals or holiday spreads.
Because the recipe is so simple, you can prepare the carrots while you finish other dishes. They take very little hands-on time and deliver big flavor: a lightly caramelized exterior, a silky honey glaze, and a delicate salt balance that elevates their natural sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on common kitchen staples, so you may already have everything on hand. Here’s what you need:
- 8 medium carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/8 tsp light brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Simple and straightforward — nothing fussy. If you have extra carrots, consider using them in another recipe later, such as a carrot casserole or a mash.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can adapt this recipe easily. Baby carrots work well and will cook faster, so reduce the roasting time. For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup for a lovely maple-glazed carrot. If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar dissolved in the water instead of honey. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also complement the sweet glaze; add them before roasting if you like a savory-herb note.
How To Make Candied Carrots
The method is quick and hands-off. From start to finish the recipe takes about 45 minutes, with about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll end up with carrots that are tender through the center and glossy with a sticky, slightly salted honey coating.
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Rinse the carrots and scrub off any dirt. Trim about 1/4 inch from the roots and tops so they are even in size. If the carrots are thick, halve them lengthwise so they cook evenly. Save the carrot greens if you like — they can be used for garnish or blended into a pesto.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, water, light brown sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. The water helps thin the honey so it coats the carrots evenly and caramelizes without burning. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed — a little extra salt brightens the sweetness.
Step 3: Bake the Carrots
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange the carrots in a single layer, then brush or toss them with the honey glaze until evenly coated. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened and slightly caramelized. For more color, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
Remove the carrots from the oven, season with additional flaky salt if desired, and serve warm alongside your main dish.
How To Store The Carrots
This recipe yields about 4 servings as a side. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; when frozen in a suitable container they will keep for several months. Reheat gently to retain texture and glaze.
How To Reheat The Carrots
For best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. This refreshes the glaze and gives the carrots a slightly crisped edge. Microwaving in short 20-second bursts also works if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
These honey-glazed candied carrots are an easy, flavorful side that appeals to a wide range of palates — even picky eaters. With minimal prep and common ingredients, they make a reliable addition to everyday dinners or special meals. If you try the recipe, experiment with herbs or swap honey for maple to suit your preferences.
More Delicious Recipes
If you enjoy these glazed carrots, consider trying other simple side dishes like cheesy mashed potatoes, sweet corn cake, turmeric rice, or a savory stuffing to round out your meal. These types of sides are equally easy to prepare and pair nicely with roasted or braised mains.
Honey Glazed Candied Carrots Recipe
These candied carrots are tender and sweet with a salted honey glaze. They’re a simple, healthy side that comes together quickly using just a few pantry staples.
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 medium carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/8 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Trim and clean the carrots; halve thicker carrots for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, water, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Arrange carrots on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish and coat with the glaze.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until fork-tender and nicely glazed. Optionally broil 1–2 minutes to deepen color.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount per serving (approximate):
Calories: 124 • Total Fat: 7g • Saturated Fat: 1g • Sodium: 128mg • Carbohydrates: 16g • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 12g • Protein: 1g