Honey Butter Roasted Carrots with Fresh Thyme are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized, making them a delicious side dish for any meal. With tender roasted carrots, rich honey butter glaze, and a touch of fresh thyme, this simple yet elegant dish pairs beautifully with roasts, holiday feasts, or weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy veggie side or a crowd-pleasing holiday dish, these glazed roasted carrots will be a hit!
1. Why You’ll Love These Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
✔ Easy to Make – Minimal ingredients and simple preparation.
✔ Naturally Sweet & Caramelized – The honey butter glaze enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or weeknight dinners.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Carrots are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
2. Ingredients for Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (for a tangy twist)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for a hint of warmth)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
3. How to Make Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
- If using whole carrots, slice them into 2-3-inch pieces.
- For a fancier presentation, leave small carrots whole.
✔ Bonus Tip: Cut carrots at an angle for a more elegant look.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
✔ Bonus Tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Coat & Roast the Carrots
- Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the honey butter glaze over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread carrots in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.
✔ Bonus Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with extra fresh thyme and serve warm.
✔ Pair With: Roasted chicken, beef, salmon, or a holiday spread.
4. Variations & Substitutions
1. Vegan Honey Roasted Carrots
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
2. Spicy Honey Roasted Carrots
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
3. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Replace honey with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar for a tangy glaze.
4. Herbed Garlic Butter Carrots
- Add 1 minced garlic clove to the honey butter sauce.
5. Tips for the Best Roasted Carrots
✔ Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots roast better and have a sweeter flavor.
✔ Cut Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even roasting.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the carrots out to allow caramelization.
✔ Roast at High Heat: 400°F helps create that perfect caramelized exterior.
✔ Stir Halfway Through: Ensures even browning on all sides.
6. What to Serve with Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
Perfect Pairings:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey – A classic holiday combination.
- Grilled Steak or Salmon – The sweetness of the carrots balances savory meats.
- Mashed Potatoes & Stuffing – A great side for Thanksgiving.
- Quinoa or Wild Rice – A healthy, balanced meal option.
7. Storing & Reheating Leftovers
1. How to Store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
✔ Bonus Tip: Add a fresh drizzle of honey or a knob of butter before serving leftovers!
8. FAQs
1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots work well and don’t need peeling, but they may cook faster—check at 20 minutes.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Roast them in advance and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Can I roast carrots at a lower temperature?
Yes, but they will take longer. At 375°F, roast for 35-40 minutes.
4. How do I make them extra crispy?
- Roast at 425°F for more caramelization.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, use ½ teaspoon dried thyme instead of fresh.
6. What other herbs go well with roasted carrots?
Rosemary, parsley, sage, and oregano are great choices.
7. Can I freeze roasted carrots?
Not recommended—they become mushy when thawed.
8. What’s the best honey to use?
Raw or wildflower honey gives the best flavor.
9. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes! Olive oil works well, but butter adds a richer taste.
10. How do I add a smoky flavor?
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the honey butter glaze.
Honey Butter Roasted Carrots with Fresh Thyme are sweet, savory, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this simple recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Try them today and enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish at home! 🍯🥕