Glazed Roasted Carrots

Name: Glazed Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds carrots, diagonally cut into 2-3 inch pieces; 5 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Published: June 15, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter and honey creates a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Versatile Side Dish: These glazed roasted carrots pair well with meats, grains, or can be enjoyed on their own.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, carrots are a great way to add vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful caramelized edges and bright color make this dish visually appealing for any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the necessary equipment will ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides a large surface area for even roasting of the carrots.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform carrot pieces, which helps them cook evenly.
Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

Sweet and tender roasted carrots glazed with garlic butter and honey – an easy and delicious side dish.

For the Carrots

2 pounds carrots, diagonally cut into 2-3 inch pieces.

For the Glaze

5 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced.
2 tablespoons honey

Seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Glazed Roasted Carrots

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, grease your baking sheet lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until lightly browned. Once done, remove from heat and stir in honey until combined.

Step 3: Toss Carrots with Sauce

In a mixing bowl, toss the cut carrots with the garlic butter glaze. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ensure each piece is well coated for optimal flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Carrots

Spread the glazed carrots on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until they are browned and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

After baking, adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm as an exceptional side dish. Enjoy your delicious glazed roasted carrots!

How to Serve Glazed Roasted Carrots

Glazed roasted carrots are a delightful side dish that can complement various meals. Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with many main courses, making them versatile for different occasions.

With Grilled Chicken

The tender sweetness of glazed carrots enhances the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, creating a balanced plate.

Alongside Pork Tenderloin

Serving glazed carrots with pork tenderloin adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory meat.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

These carrots make an excellent addition to holiday dinners, bringing color and flavor to your festive table.

On a Bed of Quinoa

For a healthy option, serve glazed carrots over quinoa. The nutty grain complements the sweetness while adding texture.

With a Fresh Salad

Pair the carrots with a fresh salad for a vibrant meal. The crunchiness of greens contrasts nicely with the soft, glazed carrots.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

Use glazed roasted carrots in wraps or sandwiches for added flavor and nutrition. They work well with both vegetarian and meat-based fillings.

How to Perfect Glazed Roasted Carrots

To achieve the best results with your glazed roasted carrots, consider these helpful tips:

Choose fresh carrots: Fresh, young carrots have more natural sweetness and tenderness.
Cut evenly: Ensure all carrot pieces are cut to the same size for uniform cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spacing out your carrots on the baking sheet allows for better caramelization.
Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
Experiment with herbs: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile even further.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your glazed roasted carrots right after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Roasted Carrots

Glazed roasted carrots can be paired with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside sweet carrots.
Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color and slight bitterness of broccoli balance well with sweet flavors.
Wild Rice Pilaf: Nutty wild rice pilaf offers a hearty texture that complements glazed carrots beautifully.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun crunch and pairs perfectly during summer barbecues.
Cauliflower Gratin: Creamy cauliflower gratin offers richness that contrasts nicely with lighter vegetable sides.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter taste of Brussels sprouts makes an excellent pairing with sweet glazed carrots.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty option that goes well with any vegetable dish.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and acidity that balances out the sweetness of glazed carrots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Glazed Roasted Carrots, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some tips.

Boldly cutting carrots unevenly: Ensure all carrot pieces are cut to a uniform size for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become mushy.
Neglecting to preheat the oven: Preheating is essential for achieving the perfect caramelization. Always preheat your oven before placing the carrots inside.
Using too much honey: While honey adds sweetness, too much can overwhelm the dish. Start with the recommended amount, then adjust according to your taste.
Overcrowding the baking sheet: Spread carrots in a single layer to allow them to roast evenly. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, affecting texture.
Skipping garlic: Garlic enhances flavor significantly. Don’t skip it; ensure it’s well-cooked and aromatic before adding it to the carrots.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Glazed Roasted Carrots in an airtight container.
They can be kept for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Glazed Roasted Carrots

Allow the carrots to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Glazed Roasted Carrots

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread carrots on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place carrots in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or butter until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Glazed Roasted Carrots.

Can I use other vegetables for glazing?

Yes! You can substitute or add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for variety.

How do I know when the carrots are done?

Carrots are perfectly roasted when they are tender and caramelized around the edges. A fork should easily pierce them.

Can I make Glazed Roasted Carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and reheat right before serving for convenience.

What should I serve with Glazed Roasted Carrots?

These carrots pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday feast alongside other sides.

Final Thoughts

Glazed Roasted Carrots offer a delightful blend of sweetness and savory flavors that make them an excellent side dish for any meal. Their versatility allows for various customizations, such as adding herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this easy recipe a try at your next gathering!

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