⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

Sweet, tangy, and kissed with a hint of fresh citrus, these honey-glazed carrots are a total glow-up from your basic roasted veggies. They’re tender, glossy, and bursting with flavor—like sunshine on a plate!

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There’s just something magical about that combo of honey and citrus—it turns simple carrots into a side dish that feels both cozy and bright. I first made these for a spring brunch, and they disappeared fast. The glaze thickens into this sticky-sweet coating with a zing from the orange juice and a subtle floral twist from honey. I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of flaky salt and a few thyme leaves, but they’re just as fabulous straight out of the pan.

You can use rainbow carrots if you’re feeling fancy, but regular ol’ orange carrots work beautifully here. I’ve made this with both fresh-squeezed orange juice and bottled in a pinch—it’s great either way, though fresh does add that extra spark. And if you’ve got picky eaters at the table, this is a solid way to get them excited about veggies. Even kids go for that candy-glaze vibe!

This recipe is also an ace in your back pocket for holidays like Easter or Thanksgiving. It pairs well with everything from roast chicken to glazed ham to grain bowls. And let’s be real—it doesn’t hurt that it looks downright gorgeous on the plate.

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 130

Ingredients

1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced (or use baby carrots)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Flaky salt, for finishing (optional)

Steps

Step 1

Peel and slice the carrots on a bias for extra surface area and visual flair.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add carrots and sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize slightly.

Step 4

While the carrots cook, whisk together honey, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Step 5

Pour the honey-citrus mixture over the carrots and stir to coat.

Step 6

Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the carrots are tender.

Step 7

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs and flaky salt, if using. Serve warm.

Make it your own!

🍊 Use grapefruit or blood orange Swap orange juice for grapefruit or blood orange for a deeper, tangier glaze.
🌱 Add a herbal twist Toss in fresh thyme, rosemary, or mint at the end for extra aroma and contrast.
🧈 Boost the richness Stir in 1 tbsp butter at the end to make the glaze extra silky.
🌶️ Spice it up Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a sweet-heat version.
🍠 Try it with other root veg Sub in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a heartier twist on the same glaze.