If you are looking for a side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and a beautiful pop of color to your table, this Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender baby carrots get a glorious caramelized glaze from honey and butter, enhanced by a touch of tangy dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels comforting and special at the same time, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role. From the natural sweetness of baby carrots to the rich notes of butter and the zesty hint of balsamic vinegar, the harmony of flavors is what makes this Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe unforgettable.
- Baby carrots (24 ounces): The star of the dish providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to coat the carrots for even roasting and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Gives a rich, creamy texture that elevates the honey glaze.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings delightful sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 teaspoons): Infuses a deep, slightly tart flavor that rounds out the glaze.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds a subtle fragrant kick without overpowering the dish.
- Optional – chopped parsley: For a pop of fresh green color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures that the carrots get roasted perfectly with that ideal tender-yet-slightly-crisp texture.
Step 2: Toss and Roast the Carrots
In a large mixing bowl, coat the baby carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning foundation allows their natural sweetness to shine through. Arrange them in one layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes to start that roasting magic.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
While the carrots are roasting, mix together the melted butter, honey, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir until everything is combined in a luscious, sticky glaze that will coat the carrots beautifully.
Step 4: Toss Carrots with Glaze
Remove the partially roasted carrots from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey mustard glaze over the carrots and toss gently but thoroughly so every carrot is coated with that gorgeous mixture.
Step 5: Roast Again Until Tender
Spread the glazed carrots back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Return them to the oven for another 15 minutes. This second roasting bakes the glaze onto the carrots and tenderizes them perfectly, creating that coveted fork-tender texture.
Step 6: Cool and Plate
Once out of the oven, give the carrots a couple of minutes to cool slightly. This brief rest helps the glaze set gently so it isn’t too runny when served. Then transfer to a serving platter or bowl.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley over the carrots for a touch of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, honeyed glaze beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are a classic and simple garnish, adding brightness and a lovely green contrast. For a fun twist, try a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
This Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think juicy roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even a cozy lentil loaf. The sweet-savory flavor of the carrots adds complexity and color to your plate effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve these carrots in a rustic ceramic bowl or a wooden serving platter. Or arrange them alongside a bed of fluffy quinoa or creamy mashed potatoes for a vibrant, inviting side that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey roasted baby carrots keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Their flavor actually deepens overnight, making them a perfect make-ahead side dish.
Freezing
Though delightful fresh, these carrots do not freeze well because the texture softens too much after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them within a few days of roasting.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the carrots gently in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This helps the glaze re-meld without drying out the carrots. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them tasting their best.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time for larger carrots by slicing them into evenly sized sticks to ensure they roast and caramelize evenly.
Is there a substitute for dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or even a little dry mustard powder if dijon isn’t available, but dijon provides the perfect balance of tang and smoothness in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining that rich, glossy glaze.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives that add brightness without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
How can I make these carrots more crispy?
For crisper edges, roast the carrots uncovered on a baking sheet with plenty of space between them and avoid tossing them too much while glazing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel cozy and satisfied while impressing guests with its effortless elegance and vibrant flavor. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again when you want a simple side with a big wow factor.
Print
Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and savory honey roasted baby carrots glazed with a delightful mixture of butter, honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, baked to tender perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. A simple yet elegant side dish that complements any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 24 ounces (2 bags) baby carrots
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Make Glaze: While the carrots are roasting, combine the melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Toss the hot carrots with the prepared glaze, ensuring each carrot is well-coated.
- Roast Again: Return the glazed carrots to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out evenly again. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the carrots become fork-tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Take the carrots out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Then, transfer them to a serving platter or bowl.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, toss the carrots in the glaze while still warm so they absorb more of the sweetness and tang.
- Adjust the amount of honey or mustard to taste for a sweeter or tangier glaze.
- This recipe works well with regular carrots if baby carrots are unavailable; just cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
