These Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots are sweet, savoury, and perfectly caramelized with just the right amount of kick from the cayenne pepper. Topped with crumbled goat cheese and fresh parsley, they’re the ultimate roasted carrots recipe for your Thanksgiving table (or any night of the week).
When I want a side dish that looks fancy but takes zero effort, I make these honey carrots. They’re glossy, golden, and a little sticky in the best way. The honey caramelizes perfectly in the oven, coating the carrots in a sweet-savory glaze that clings to every carrot. A sprinkle of goat cheese adds a creamy contrast, while cayenne and smoked paprika bring a subtle warmth that’s totally optional but highly recommended. These are the kind of carrots that turn veggie avoiders into people who go for the veggies first. They’re perfect for the holidays or any time of the year.
😍 Why You’ll Love These Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots
Perfectly caramelized: once honey hits 320°F, its sugars start to caramelize, creating that perfect golden glaze.
Customizable: swap honey for brown sugar, goat cheese for feta or ricotta, or skip the cayenne if you prefer no heat.
Any carrots work: baby, heirloom, rainbow; just adjust the roasting time.
Holiday-ready: elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas, easy enough for weeknights.
🥕 Ingredients To Make These Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots
Olive oil: adds a silky richness and helps the carrots roast evenly while encouraging that beautiful golden caramelization.
Carrots: the star of this honey glazed carrots recipe. Peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Any variety works here; just know cooking times will vary.
Honey: turns glossy and sticky in the oven. As it roasts, the sugars caramelize around 320°F, giving that irresistible golden glaze.
Garlic: adds a savoury depth that keeps the sweetness in check and fills your kitchen with the best smell imaginable.
Goat cheese: creamy, tangy, and perfectly salty against the sweet carrots. Feel free to swap in ricotta or feta.
Cayenne pepper: for a gentle heat that plays off the honey’s sweetness. Not into spice? Skip it! These hot honey carrots will just be honey carrots and still delicious without it.
Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness and warmth that rounds out the glaze.
Ground nutmeg: just a pinch gives a soft, nutty undertone that makes everything taste a little cozier.
Salt: enhances every flavour and keeps the sweetness from overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: adds a light kick and a balance.
Fresh parsley: finely chopped for a pop of freshness and colour at the end.
✔ How To Make This Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
To start, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, prepare the sauce by whisking together the olive oil, honey, garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside until ready to use.
Begin by prepping your carrots. Peel them, then cut diagonally into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
🤝 Sammy’s Tips for Honey Glazed Carrots
- If your oven has a roast setting, use it!
- Broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Pour the honey sauce over the carrots and toss well to coat. Transfer the carrots to your prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Don’t worry if the glaze looks thin, it will thicken and caramelize into a sticky coating as it roasts.
Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Once the carrots are done, transfer them to a serving plate and finish with a generous drizzle of honey, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
🗒 Variations
Make it spicier: add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper for more kick.
Add crunch: top with roasted pecans or walnuts for texture and a nutty finish.
Cheesy finish: try feta or ricotta instead of goat cheese for a milder, creamy contrast.
Mix it up: roast a mix of rainbow or heirloom carrots for a vibrant, festive look — perfect for Thanksgiving carrots.
🗒 Substitutions
Sweet swap: use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
No smoked paprika? try regular paprika.
No goat cheese? use ricotta for a soft, creamy finish or feta for a salty bite.
🍴 Leftovers? Lucky You.
Leftover honey glazed carrots will hold up great! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🤔 FAQ’S
Why are my honey carrots watery?
Totally normal! As they roast, the moisture cooks off and the glaze thickens. Just trust the process!
How do I know when the carrots are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned at the edges.
What carrots should I use?
Any carrots work! Baby, rainbow, heirloom or just classic carrots. Just note that cooking times will vary.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Brown sugar works great in place of honey. It’ll melt and caramelize the same way.
Can I make them spicier (or less spicy)?
Definitely! Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.
👩🏻🍳 Hungry For More?
If you loved this Honey Glazed Carrots recipe, then make sure to check out a few of my other favourites you may also love:
- Honey Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta & Crispy Garlic
- Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes
- Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken & Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Dill & Chive Dressing
💌 Let’s Stay Connected
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest! If you do make this roasted carrots recipe (or any recipe of mine) don’t forget to leave a review.
Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots
Equipment
- 1 Large baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled & chopped into bite sized pieces
- 3 tbsp honey, + more to drizzle at the end
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, depending on how spicy you prefer
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 °F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.Optional: If your oven has a roast setting, use it!
- Prepare the sauce by mixing together the olive oil, honey, garlic, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg, salt and pepper.Set aside until ready to use.
- Begin by prepping your carrots: cut diagonally, about 1 inch in length then add to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the carrots, toss to combine then add to your prepared baking sheet, ensuring carrots are evenly spaced out.Don't worry if the glaze thins out on the vegetables; it will reduce and caramelize into a sticky coating as it roasts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Sammy's tip: broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Add to a serving plate and garnish with another generous drizzle of honey, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh parsley.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These were amazing