Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Absolutely! Baby carrots work wonderfully in this recipe. Since they're already uniform in size, you can skip the cutting step entirely. Just toss them with the honey-butter mixture and roast. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they tend to be more tender.

Why did my carrots burn instead of caramelize?

This typically happens when the oven temperature is too high or the carrots are cut too small. The honey contains sugars that can burn quickly. Try reducing your oven temperature to 375°F if this happens, or check them 5 minutes earlier next time. Every oven runs a bit differently!

Can I make these carrots in advance for a dinner party?

These carrots reheat beautifully, making them perfect for entertaining. You can roast them up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The honey glaze might even intensify over time!

Are there any dietary modifications I can make to this recipe?

For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. For a sugar-free option, try using a bit of orange juice concentrate instead of honey. Both options will still give you delicious roasted carrots with slightly different flavor profiles.

Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe

Name: Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 carrots, tops removed; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 3 tablespoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

This honey-roasted carrots recipe is a simple yet delicious side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich flavors of butter and honey. It’s the perfect addition to your dinner table, offering a tender and caramelized touch of goodness. With minimal prep and quick cook time, this dish is a flavorful time-saver!

Ingredients

Scale

12 carrots, tops removed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent carrots from sticking.
Prepare the carrots
Slice the carrots at an angle into 2 to 3-inch pieces. This diagonal cut ensures attractively shaped carrots and quicker cooking. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Season the carrots
Drizzle the melted butter and honey over the sliced carrots, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated with the mixture.
Roast the carrots
Spread the seasoned carrots out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
Garnish and serve
Once roasted to perfection, garnish the carrots with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For best results, try to select carrots of similar size to ensure even cooking.
If you prefer more caramelization, consider roasting the carrots for an extra 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Substitutions: Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
These honey-roasted carrots pair well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or hearty cuts of beef.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 145
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 275mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg