Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter are my favorite side dish. This simple recipe always brings warmth and joy to the table with its perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor.
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Roasted carrots with honey herb butter recipe
Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter is a delightful side dish. It elevates the natural sweetness of carrots with honey and herbs. Carrots are roasted until tender and caramelized, then coated in honey, butter, and herbs. They are tender inside with crispy edges.

The side dish has a sweet, nutty, and herbal flavor profile. Honey creates a sweet glaze, and butter adds a nutty depth. Roasted carrot dish is popular during holiday gatherings or in everyday dinners.
Their sweet and savory notes enhance juicy roast chicken, balance pork dishes, and add vibrant color alongside beef or festive turkey and ham. They also bring texture and subtle sweetness to vegetarian dishes, lightly seasoned fish, and grain-based meals like quinoa or rice pilaf.
For drinks, you can pair them with a mojito, whiskey lemonade, ginger beer, or wine. Chamomile tea, sparkling lemon water, or apple cider make great non-alcoholic picks.
Here is how to make the roasted carrots with honey herb butter:

Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) baby carrots, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the peeled carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.
- While the carrots are roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey, garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the honey herb butter.
- Toss to coat the carrots evenly, and serve warm.
Variations
Roasted carrots with honey herb butter can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and occasions.
- Sweet Variations
- Replace honey with sweet maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Add ground cinnamon to honey butter for a sweet flavor.
- Savory Variations
- Add fresh herbs like thyme to honey butter for depth.
- Mix spices like cumin into the dish for a savory kick.
- Vegetable Combinations
- Combine carrots with parsnips or beets for a colorful dish.
- Top with toasted nuts for crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Roasted Carrots
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to honey butter for heat.
- Use cilantro to complement the spice.
- Add lime zest to butter for zestiness.
- Mediterranean Roasted Carrots
- Use balsamic glaze instead of honey butter for tang.
- Add oregano or parsley to butter for freshness.
- Crumble feta cheese over carrots for creaminess.
- Cooking Techniques
- Parboil carrots before roasting to keep them tender.
- Use a cast iron skillet for an even crust.