Sweet garlic carrots are an incredibly simple yet flavorful side dish. The combination of tender carrots with a savory garlic butter glaze and a touch of honey makes for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love making this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The sweetness from the honey beautifully complements the earthy carrots, while the garlic adds a savory depth that makes these carrots incredibly addictive. The glaze caramelizes as the carrots roast, giving them a perfect balance of tenderness and a slight crispness. It's a dish that's both family-friendly and elegant enough for dinner parties.
ingredients
(HHere's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 lb carrots, peeled (or scrubbed) and cut into 2–3″ pieces
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4–5 tablespoon unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2–3 tablespoon honey
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¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Toss the carrot pieces in the garlic-honey mixture until they are fully coated.
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Spread the carrots evenly on a greased rimmed baking sheet.
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Roast for 20 minutes, then toss the carrots and return them to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
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If you like a deeper glaze, you can broil the carrots for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.
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Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Total time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes roasting).
Variations
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
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Maple swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
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Herb tweak: Swap parsley for other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill.
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Mixed root vegetables: Add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a more colorful dish.
storage/reheating
I store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I prepare these carrots ahead of time?
Yes, I often roast the carrots ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then reheat them when needed. They still taste great and the glaze stays delicious!
Do I have to peel the carrots?
I usually peel the carrots for a cleaner look, but you can skip this step if you prefer. Just make sure to scrub them well to remove any dirt.
How do I get the perfect caramelization without burning them?
I find that roasting the carrots at 425°F works well, but be sure to toss them halfway through cooking to avoid uneven browning. If they seem to be browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature to 400°F.
Can I use baby carrots instead?
Definitely! Baby carrots can be used instead of regular carrots. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time, as they cook faster.
Can I skip the honey?
If you’re not a fan of sweetness, you can skip the honey and just stick with the garlic and butter for a more savory flavor. However, the honey helps create that lovely caramelized glaze that enhances the flavor of the carrots.
Conclusion
Sweet Garlic Carrots have become one of my go-to side dishes. They are easy to make, full of flavor, and pair wonderfully with just about any main course. Whether you're serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery makes it an irresistible choice!

Sweet Garlic Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A buttery-sweet side dish of tender carrots glazed with garlic and honey, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 2 lb carrots, peeled (or scrubbed) and cut into 2–3" pieces
- 4–5 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoon honey
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat, stir in honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the carrot pieces in this honey-garlic butter mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a greased rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then toss and return to roast until tender and caramelized (an additional 5–7 minutes).
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to deepen the glaze.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a little butter or in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Baby carrots work fine but reduce cooking time slightly.
- If carrots brown too fast, lower the oven to 400°F or cover with foil.
- Skip the honey if you prefer, though it adds a lovely glossy glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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