Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both easy and impressive, look no further than Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots. These little gems are roasted to perfection, caramelized with a luscious honey garlic glaze, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors in every bite. They’re the perfect balance of tender and crisp, with a rich, golden hue that will make your dinner table shine. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your dinner rotation every week!

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots

• Simple Yet Flavorful: With just a few pantry staples—honey, garlic, and butter—you’ll transform basic baby carrots into a dish that’s full of flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: The honey gives the carrots a beautiful, natural sweetness, while the garlic adds depth and a savory kick. It’s a match made in heaven.
• Easy to Make: These carrots come together with minimal prep work. Just toss them in the glaze and roast away!
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special holiday meal, or an impressive side dish at your next dinner party.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious roasted carrots:

For the Carrots:

• Baby Carrots: The star of the show. Their natural sweetness shines through when roasted.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the carrots and gives them that golden, crispy exterior when roasted.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning. They enhance all the flavors in the dish.

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• Honey: Sweet and sticky, honey gives these carrots that perfect glaze.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings savory depth and richness to the sweet honey glaze.
• Butter: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps create the glaze that coats the carrots beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of umami that balances the sweetness of the honey and complements the garlic perfectly.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Instructions

Let’s get to it! These Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots come together in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the baby carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast the Carrots

Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots and toss them to coat evenly. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and starting to caramelize, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

While the carrots are roasting, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Stir in the honey and soy sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Coat the Carrots

When the carrots are done roasting, remove them from the oven and drizzle the honey garlic glaze over the top. Toss the carrots to make sure they’re evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (optional) for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy these irresistible, sweet-savory bites!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on using standard ingredients.

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories

How to Serve Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots

These roasted carrots are incredibly versatile and can be served with nearly any main dish! Here are some ideas for pairing:

• With Roasted Chicken: Pair them with a juicy roast chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal.
• With Grilled Steak: These carrots make the perfect side for a perfectly cooked steak or any grilled meat.
• With Salmon: The sweet, garlicky glaze complements the rich flavor of salmon wonderfully.
• For a Holiday Feast: Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any of your favorite holiday sides for a festive touch.

Additional Tips

• Use Larger Carrots: If you can’t find baby carrots, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces before roasting.
• Add a Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative to make these carrots vegan-friendly.
• Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the honey garlic glaze to pour over rice or even drizzle over other roasted veggies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
A1: Absolutely! Just peel and slice regular carrots into bite-sized pieces, and they’ll roast just as wonderfully.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can roast the carrots in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave and drizzle with the glaze right before serving.

Q3: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A3: You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q5: Can I make these carrots spicy?
A5: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a nice spicy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.

Q6: Can I use a different herb for garnish?
A6: Absolutely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro would all work beautifully as a garnish.

Q7: What other vegetables can I roast with this glaze?
A7: This honey garlic glaze would be great on roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even parsnips. Feel free to mix and match!

Q8: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
A8: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content while still getting that delicious umami flavor.

Q9: Can I make these carrots ahead of time and freeze them?
A9: It’s best to enjoy these carrots fresh, but you can freeze them after roasting. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture before serving.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the carrots for extra texture?
A10: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and pair well with the sweet, savory flavors of the carrots.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Roasted Baby Carrots are everything you need in a side dish—simple, flavorful, and downright delicious. Whether you’re serving them with a weeknight dinner or impressing your guests at a holiday feast, these carrots are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear in no time. Enjoy!

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