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Carrots don’t always have to be the quiet sidekick—turning them into a show-stopping side dish is easier than you’d think! This recipe pairs fresh carrots with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that makes them glisten and burst with flavor. Think tender, caramelized bites of veggie goodness, all dressed up with a subtle warmth that will keep everyone talking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into evenly sized sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (use more or less based on your spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes (or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of half an orange (optional but adds brightness)
Instructions
Give your carrots a quick rinse, peel, and cut them into sticks or chunks that are roughly the same size, so they cook evenly. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil, hot honey, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and orange zest if you’d like an extra citrusy punch.
Spread the coated carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they lie in a single layer so each one gets a good roast. Slide them into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and let them cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they look slightly caramelized and a little crisp around the edges.
To finish, you can drizzle a bit more hot honey on top or sprinkle more chili flakes if you really want to turn up the heat. Serve them right away, and watch how quickly they disappear!
These Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Roasted Carrots are a gem for anyone looking to jazz up a simple vegetable side. They work well for quick weeknight meals, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. Carrots are naturally sweet, rich in beta-carotene, and they pair beautifully with honey’s gooey sweetness and just enough spice to tickle your taste buds. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar-free hot honey substitute or reduce the honey slightly. For those craving variety, try mixing in other veggies—like parsnips or sweet potatoes—for a colorful tray of roasted goodness. However you make them, these carrots prove a little sweet heat can turn something humble into a memorable dish!
