Honey roasted carrots with garlic may just be the best way to make carrots. These are seriously delicious and are quickly becoming our favorite side dish along with these Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and the Best Mashed Cauliflower.
Finding easy side dish options is one of the things that people ask about most often. While many of us have plenty of ideas for dinners, we end up making the same boring side dishes over and over again. Today I am here to help you break out of the side dish rut with these amazing roasted carrots.
These are the most delicious carrots. They are roasted in the oven with a combination of honey, olive oil, and garlic until the inside is tender and the outside is browned and crispy. The edges caramelize, the honey adds sweetness, these are just so good. We ate them right off the baking sheet and my toddler was shoveling them in. I was in shock.
Plus roasting carrots couldn't be easier. You can use chopped carrots, baby carrots, and even whole carrots. You can add in any spices you like, try out fresh or dried herbs, or kick things up with spice. The options are endless when it comes to this tasty and healthy side dish.
How to Roast Carrots
Roasting carrots is one of the best ways to prepare this healthy, crowd-pleasing veggie. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry the carrots. Remove the skin of the carrot (if desired) and cut into your desired shape. Toss with olive oil, coconut oil, or another fat. Add your favorite seasoning. Lay in a single layer on a baking sheet, trying not to overlap the carrots. Roast for 15-30 minutes, shaking the pan a few times during cooking. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the carrots. Smaller coins will take around 15 minutes while whole or halved carrots will take between 30-40 minutes.
How to Make Honey Carrots in a Skillet
Making honey carrots on the stove is also an easy option for a tasty side dish. Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the carrots to the pan in a single layer and let cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to brown and caramelize. Stir and continue to let the carrots cook and brown for an additional 7-8 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn off the heat and stir in the honey. Season with salt and pepper.
Tips for Making Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
- Add onions: Chop a sweet onion or red onion into large slices and add them right to the baking sheet with the carrots to infuse some extra flavor.
- Add sweet potatoes: Add a peeled and chopped sweet potato right alongside the carrots. Make sure to cut it into small enough pieces that it will cook in the same amount of time as the carrots. These flavors are a really tasty combination.
- Add thyme: Fresh or dried herbs can add layers of flavor to the dish and complement your main course. Fresh or dried thyme pairs really well with carrots.
- Add rosemary: Another option for herbs is rosemary The earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the carrots and honey.
- Make them spicy: If you love the combination of sweet and spicy, add some harissa paste or red pepper flakes to your honey and olive oil mixture. It's magical if you like spice.
- Add balsamic: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the honey and olive oil mixture OR finish the carrots with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze before serving. Apple cider vinegar works as well.
Can you use baby carrots?
Roasting baby carrots is a great way to save time since the carrots come prepped and ready to go. Just toss them with the honey garlic mixture and then roast them in the oven. They will take the same amount of time as chopped carrots. It's also a great option for picky kids since the shape is the same as what they are used to.
Can you leave the skin on?
There is actually no need to remove the skin from carrots as long as you scrub them well to remove any dirt and debris. Plus leaving the skins on the carrots adds some extra nutritional value.
Can you cook carrots ahead of time?
One of the best things about roasted carrots is that they can actually be cooked in advance. Just cook them according to the recipe below and store in an airtight container. To reheat, place them back in a 400-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet. For some extra crisp, brush them with a little extra honey and olive oil when reheating.
How to cut carrots on the diagonal?
Start by washing and drying the carrots. Then use a peeler to remove the skin. Next, hold the carrots at a 45-degree angle and chop into pieces that are about 1/2 -3/4 inch thick. Thinner carrot slices will cook more quickly. The most important thing is to try and cut the carrots with a uniform thickness so they cook in the same amount of time.
Can you use brown sugar?
Brown sugar carrots are a great alternative to honey carrots. Just swap in the brown sugar for the honey in the recipe and make sure to stir it well. You can also use pure maple syrup as a sweetner.
Can you roast whole carrots?
For special occasions, I love to use small whole roasted carrots. They look beautiful and they actually are quicker to make since you don't have to chop the carrots. Start by choosing smaller whole carrots. Really large carrots will take forever to roast, so it is best to look for smaller whole carrots. Then clean them well and use a peeler to remove the skin. Toss them with the honey and garlic mixture. Then roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Cooking time may vary based on carrot size.