Spicy-Sweet Roasted Honey Carrots

Okay, friends, get ready to fall in love with carrots all over again! These aren’t your plain old side dish carrots; they’re roasted to perfect tenderness with a sticky, caramelized honey glaze that hits just the right balance of sweet and spicy. The moment you pull them out of the oven, your kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma of honey and a little kick of chili powder that sneaks up on you in the best way. Plus, roasting brings out such a deep, rich flavor that’s totally addictive. I can’t wait to show you how simple this is — even if you’re new to roasting veggies, this recipe practically does all the work for you.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat

How I Make It

Step 1:

First things first: preheat your oven to 425°F. High heat is the secret to those beautifully caramelized edges. Meanwhile, get those carrots peeled and cut into similar-sized sticks or rounds so they cook evenly.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated in that glossy, spicy-sweet mixture.

Step 3:

Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet — don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of roast! Here’s a pro tip: line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easier cleanup.

Step 4:

Pop the carrots into the oven and roast for about 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You want the carrots to be tender with edges that look slightly wrinkled and caramelized.

Step 5:

If you love it extra sticky and spicy, drizzle a little more honey and sprinkle a tiny extra pinch of chili powder right when you take them out of the oven.

Step 6:

Serve warm, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little flaky sea salt to finish things off.

Variations & Tips

• Swap chili powder for cayenne or chipotle powder if you want a smokier heat.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving for brightness.
• Mix in some chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for herby undertones.
• Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a richer sweetness.
• For a nutty crunch, toss with toasted pecans after roasting.
• If you don’t have high heat capability, roast at 400°F but expect a slightly longer cook time.

How I Like to Serve It

These spicy-sweet roasted honey carrots make a fabulous side all year round, but especially love them alongside roasted chicken or pork. They’re also a star on holiday tables when you want something colorful and a little unexpected. For a lighter meal, toss over mixed greens and goat cheese for a warm salad that’s bursting with flavor.

Notes

• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat gently in the oven or skillet to keep them from getting mushy.
• If your carrots look dry before roasting, add a splash more olive oil to keep that honey glaze silky.

Closing: Trust me, once you try these spicy-sweet roasted honey carrots, they’ll become your new go-to side that you’ll want to whip up again and again!