These honey garlic butter roasted carrots are a real treat! They are sweet, buttery, and full of flavor, making them a perfect side dish for any meal.
Plus, they’re super easy to make. You simply toss the carrots with honey, garlic, and butter, roast them, and watch them caramelize into little sweet gems. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are convenient and sweet, but you can also use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. If you’re looking for something different, try using parsnips for a sweeter flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is a great substitute. It gives a slight coconut flavor. Olive oil works too, but won’t have the same creamy texture.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness. Maple syrup is a fantastic alternative if you want a vegan option. Brown sugar dissolved in a little water can also work for added depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that intense flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but remember to adjust the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Perfect Roast on Your Carrots?
Roasting carrots is all about achieving that lovely caramelization for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Coat the carrots well in the honey garlic butter. This helps them roast evenly.
- Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowded carrots won’t roast well; they’ll steam instead!
- Stir halfway through roasting to ensure they caramelize evenly. This is crucial.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into sticks)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to roast the carrots. In total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Simple and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step to ensure your carrots roast perfectly.
2. Prepare the Honey Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, add the honey and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s well mixed and smells amazing!
3. Coat the Carrots:
In a large mixing bowl, take your baby carrots and pour the honey garlic butter mixture over them. Toss the carrots well until they are evenly coated with the delicious mixture. Get every little carrot soaked in that flavor!
4. Arrange for Roasting:
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help them roast evenly. Don’t forget to season them with a bit of salt and pepper according to your taste.
5. Roast the Carrots:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a good stir to ensure they are caramelizing beautifully on all sides. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized when they’re done.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once your carrots are roasted to perfection, take them out of the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Now, they’re ready for you to enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just cut them into sticks or bite-sized pieces to help them cook evenly. Aim for pieces that are about the same size as baby carrots for the best roasting results.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works great! Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still add that lovely sweetness you want in this dish.
How to Store Leftover Roasted Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prep the carrots and mix them with the honey garlic butter the day before. Just store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to roast, bring them back to room temperature and proceed with the roasting instructions!
