Perfect Roasted Carrots (Quick & Easy Side Dish)

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free (Vegan option available)

Fresh whole carrots with green tops on a wooden cutting board in a modern kitchen, surrounded by cookware and utensils

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife
Peeler (optional)
Alternative: Use a skillet for stovetop cooking

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound (450g) carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon (5ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
½ teaspoon salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Optional seasonings:

¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish

Carrots cut into 2-inch pieces in a clear bowl with olive oil and seasonings in a small glass bowl, on a marble kitchen counter with modern cookware

METHOD:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
Wash and peel carrots (if desired), then cut into 2-inch pieces of similar size
In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until evenly coated
Spread carrots in a single layer on your baking sheet – don’t overcrowd!
Roast for 15-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until fork-tender and lightly browned

Seasoned carrot pieces on a silver baking sheet in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops and green subway tile backsplash, lit by natural daylight

CRUCIAL TIPS:

Always spread carrots in a single layer to ensure proper roasting
Look for light caramelization on the edges – this means they’re done
Don’t cut pieces too small or they’ll burn quickly

Roasted carrots on baking sheet in modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and copper pots, natural daylight casting soft shadows

STORAGE & VARIATIONS:

Store: in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: in a 350°F oven for best results

Common variations:

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes
Herbed: Add fresh rosemary or thyme
Sweet: Double the honey/maple syrup

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

Overcrowding the pan
Cutting pieces uneven sizes
Overcooking until mushy

Roasted carrots garnished with fresh parsley in a white ceramic dish, shot in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash under natural daylight.

This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly caramelized, tender-crisp carrots every time. The natural sweetness of the carrots gets amplified through roasting, while the honey adds a gorgeous glaze. Whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight side or holiday dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.