A simple yet flavorful side dish of tender, caramelized baby carrots infused with garlic and herbs — the perfect addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of carrots and enhances their flavor with a pleasant caramelized edge bhg.com+14simplyrecipes.com+14allrecipes.com+14littlespicejar.com+1diethood.com+1.
• The garlic butter sauce adds richness and aromatic depth food.com+2littlespicejar.com+2diethood.com+2.
• Minimal prep and easy-to-follow method — just toss and roast!

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lb baby carrots (or young whole carrots, scrubbed clean) allrecipes.com+14simplyrecipes.com+14littlespicejar.com+14
4 Tbsp salted butter simplyrecipes.com+5littlespicejar.com+5allrecipes.com+5
4 cloves garlic, minced food.com+5simplyhappenings.com+5life-in-the-lofthouse.com+5
2 Tbsp honey life-in-the-lofthouse.com+6littlespicejar.com+6facebook.com+6
¼ tsp smoked paprika littlespicejar.com+1bhg.com+1
½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground black pepper littlespicejar.com
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish bhg.com+8littlespicejar.com+8diethood.com+8

directions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
Prepare the garlic butter glaze: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook ~30 seconds until fragrant; stir in honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss carrots: Add carrots to skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Let them rest 1–2 minutes in the glaze.
Roast: Transfer carrots to a rimmed baking sheet, leaving extra glaze in skillet. Roast for 20 minutes.
Reduce glaze: While carrots roast, return skillet to heat to reduce glaze for 2 minutes.
Finish roasting: Drizzle or toss carrots in reduced glaze, return to oven 5–7 more minutes (optionally broil 30 seconds for extra browning).
Garnish & serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 6 as a side dish littlespicejar.com.
Prep time: 10 minutes bonappetit.com+7simplyrecipes.com+7allrecipes.com+7
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes bonappetit.com+8littlespicejar.com+8diethood.com+8diethood.com

Variations

Herb twist: Add chopped thyme or rosemary before roasting .
Dairy‑free option: Replace butter with olive oil or ghee .
Spice boost: Add a pinch of cumin or chili flakes for warmth .
Parmesan finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over carrots just before serving crunchycreamysweet.com.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days .
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a little oil or bake at 250 °F until heated through food.com+3littlespicejar.com+3allrecipes.com+3.

FAQs

What’s the best temperature and time to roast baby carrots?

Roasting at 400–425 °F ensures caramelization while maintaining tenderness; total time is about 25–35 minutes depending on size .

Can I use bagged “baby-cut” carrots?

Yes, they work fine, but they may cook faster than true baby carrots — check earlier life-in-the-lofthouse.com+3simplyrecipes.com+3allrecipes.com+3.

How do I prevent garlic from burning?

Cook garlic briefly until fragrant (just ~30 seconds), then proceed with the recipe — burnt garlic tastes bitter .

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can roast and refrigerate carrots; reheat gently before serving .

Can I freeze leftover roasted carrots?

Freezing is not recommended; texture becomes mushy after thawing .

Can I roast a larger batch?

Yes — but use separate sheet pans and avoid overcrowding to maintain crispness .

Are whole carrots (not baby-sized) okay?

Absolutely. Cut them into uniform sticks or wedges; roast accordingly for 30–40 minutes .

What is smoked paprika’s role?

It adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering sweetness or garlic .

How else can I garnish?

Try fresh chopped herbs (parsley, cilantro, thyme) or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory finish .

Can I use honey substitutes?

Maple syrup works well as a substitute and complements the glaze nicely .

Conclusion

Roasted baby carrots with a honey garlic butter glaze are a deliciously easy side that brings natural sweetness, warmth, and sophistication to any plate. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday table, they shine with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Keep the basic recipe in your repertoire — it’s sure to impress every time.