Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots are tender, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized. The combination of nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and fragrant garlic transforms simple carrots into a gourmet-style side dish. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey and chopped garlic.
4. Peel and cut carrots into 2-inch pieces, then toss them in the honey garlic butter sauce until evenly coated.
5. Spread carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
7. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These carrots are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a perfect companion for roasted chicken, grilled steak, turkey, or baked salmon. For added flair, drizzle a little extra brown butter sauce on top before serving.
• Make Ahead: You can peel and cut the carrots a day ahead, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated just before tossing.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing changes the texture of roasted carrots.

Variations

1. Maple Brown Butter Carrots: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with fall meals.
2. Garlic Herb Carrots: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter as it browns for a more herbaceous flavor.
3. Spicy Honey Carrots: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
4. Citrus Glazed Carrots: Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange juice and 1 teaspoon of zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy twist.
5. Parmesan Crusted Carrots: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a savory, crispy topping.
6. Balsamic Honey Carrots: Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the honey garlic mixture for a sweet and tangy glaze.
7. Brown Sugar Carrots: Swap honey for brown sugar to create a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
8. Sesame Garlic Carrots: Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired variation.
9. Smoky Paprika Carrots: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness that complements roasted meats.
10. Lemon Garlic Carrots: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to balance the sweetness with a hint of acidity.

FAQs

1. Can I use baby carrots instead of large carrots?
   Yes, baby carrots work perfectly and save time on prep. Adjust baking time to 15–20 minutes total.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce and coat the carrots a few hours in advance, then roast them just before serving.
3. What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
   Use medium heat and whisk constantly. Once it turns golden brown and smells nutty, remove it from the heat immediately.
4. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavors.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
6. Can I roast these in an air fryer?
   Yes. Roast at 380°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
   Yes, olive oil works for a lighter version, though you’ll miss the nutty flavor from brown butter.
8. What can I serve with these carrots?
   They pair wonderfully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or holiday ham.
9. How can I make this dish vegan?
   Substitute butter with vegan butter and honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
10. Why do I need to cover the carrots with foil first?
    Covering them helps trap steam to soften the carrots before uncovering to caramelize and brown beautifully.

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots bring out the natural sweetness of carrots while adding a rich, nutty, and savory glaze. They’re easy to make, stunning to serve, and delicious enough to convert even picky eaters. Perfect for any meal—from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings—this recipe will quickly become your go-to side dish.

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