Gourmet Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gourmet Honey Butter Roasted Carrots are a deliciously elegant side dish that elevates the natural sweetness of carrots with a luxurious glaze of honey and butter. Roasted to tender perfection with caramelized edges, these carrots are ideal for holiday dinners, dinner parties, or as a flavorful upgrade to weeknight meals.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

carrots (preferably whole and slender)
unsalted butter
honey
olive oil
salt
black pepper
fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)
optional: garlic cloves or a dash of cinnamon for added flavor

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel the carrots and trim the tops, leaving a bit of green if desired for presentation.

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the honey until fully combined.

Place the carrots on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.

Pour the honey butter mixture over the carrots and season with salt and black pepper.

Toss again to ensure all carrots are coated.

Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.

Optional: In the final 5 minutes, add garlic cloves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra depth.

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Roasting time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation.

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Sprinkle with toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios before serving.

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.

Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory contrast.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warm.
Avoid freezing as the texture of the carrots may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Do I have to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can skip it if they’re thoroughly scrubbed.

Can I use baby carrots?

Yes, though whole carrots offer better texture and presentation.

Is this dish very sweet?

It’s balanced; the butter and seasoning round out the sweetness of the honey and carrots.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, roast ahead and reheat just before serving.

Can I cook them on the stovetop instead?

Yes, sauté them in a pan with the honey butter until tender and caramelized.

Can I add spices?

Absolutely, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cumin add interesting layers of flavor.

Do I need fresh herbs?

They’re optional but add a nice aromatic finish.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, the sweet, buttery glaze makes them appealing to kids.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce added salt to taste.

Are they vegan?

Use vegan butter and maple syrup to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Gourmet Honey Butter Roasted Carrots are a simple yet sophisticated side that brings out the best in this humble vegetable. With their glossy glaze and tender bite, they’re sure to impress at any meal and may just become a new favorite at your table.

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