When you think about holiday meals, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a table filled with so much good food, laughter, and maybe a little bit of beautiful chaos. Planning everything can feel like a huge task, right?
You want every part of the meal to be special, but you also don’t want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. That’s where a truly great Christmas side dish comes in. Let me introduce you to these amazing honey garlic roasted carrots.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. It checks all the boxes for what you’d want in one of your go to Christmas Dinner Recipes. It’s simple, looks stunning, and tastes absolutely delicious.
First off, it’s so easy to make. You don’t need any special kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. If you can chop carrots and stir a few things in a pan, you can make this. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners or when you just have too many other things to focus on.
The flavor is just incredible. The natural sweetness of the carrots gets even better with the rich honey and savory garlic. Roasting them brings out this wonderful caramelized taste that is just so comforting. It’s a flavor combination that kids and adults both enjoy.
Plus, they look so festive! The bright orange color with a beautiful glaze and a sprinkle of fresh green parsley adds a pop of color to your holiday table. It makes your whole meal look more put together, and everyone will think you spent hours on it.
This is one of those Holiday Vegetable Side Dishes that can easily become a new family tradition. It’s that good. It’s not just another boring plate of steamed veggies; it’s a standout dish that complements everything else on the table, from turkey to ham.
So if you’re looking for Easy Christmas Sides that deliver big on flavor without a lot of fuss, you have come to the right place. This is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this delightful Christmas Side Dish is wonderfully simple. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already, which is always a bonus during the holidays.
- 2 pounds carrots, washed and peeled, or unpeeled
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 pinch black pepper, cracked
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
A quick note on the carrots. You can peel them or leave them unpeeled, just make sure to give them a good scrub if you keep the skin on. The skin has lots of nutrients!
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best Christmas Vegetables ever? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s super straightforward.
Step 1: Get The Oven And Carrots Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F or 220°C. While it’s heating up, lightly grease a large baking sheet with some nonstick cooking oil spray. This will prevent the glaze from sticking too much.
Next, prepare your carrots. Trim the ends and then cut them into thirds. You want the pieces to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This is a key step for any roasted vegetable recipe.
Step 2: Create The Honey Garlic Sauce
Now for the magical part, the sauce. In a pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, pour in the honey. Stir them together until the honey is completely mixed into the butter. It should look smooth and glossy.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 3: Coat The Carrots
Time to introduce the carrots to the sauce. Add your carrot pieces to the skillet. Gently toss them in the honey garlic mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken just a little bit. This should only take about a minute.
Make sure every carrot piece gets a nice coating of that yummy sauce. Season everything with a little bit of salt and pepper right there in the pan.
Step 4: Roast Until Tender
Carefully transfer the coated carrots from the skillet to your prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. This is important because it allows the carrots to roast instead of steam, giving you those nice caramelized edges.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are fork tender. You can test one with a fork; it should go in easily.
Step 5: Get That Beautiful Char
For that extra special touch, turn your broiler or grill on high. Broil the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this step! It happens fast, but this is what gives the edges a slight crispness and char. It makes this Christmas Side Dish look so professional.
Step 6: Optional Glaze Thickening
Sometimes the carrots release a bit of water while roasting, which can make the sauce on the pan a little thin. If you want a thicker glaze, you can transfer the carrots and all the pan juices back into the skillet. Let them simmer over high heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens into a glaze.
Step 7: Garnish And Serve
Almost there! Give the carrots a final taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if you think they need it. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Arrange your beautiful roasted carrots on a serving platter and get ready for the compliments. Enjoy your delicious new holiday favorite!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this fantastic Christmas Side Dish, storing them is super easy. Let the carrots cool down completely to room temperature first. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. This makes them a great option for enjoying after the big holiday meal is over.
When you’re ready to reheat them, you have a few options. You can warm them in the microwave for a quick snack, or you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help them crisp up a bit. You could also gently reheat them in a skillet over medium low heat.
Tips
Want to make your honey garlic carrots even better? Here are a few simple tips that can help make this one of your most requested Holiday Vegetable Side Dishes.
First, try to use carrots that are similar in thickness. This will ensure that they all cook at the same rate. If you have some very thick carrots and some thin ones, the thin ones might get too soft while the thick ones are still undercooked.
Don’t be afraid to add a little something extra to the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice, subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey. A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary added to the sauce while it simmers can also add another layer of flavor.
For a thicker glaze right out of the oven, you can use a little cornstarch trick. If you notice the sauce on your baking sheet is thin, you can make a slurry. Just mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Pour this over the carrots in a skillet and stir quickly over heat until the sauce thickens up.
To save time on Christmas day, you can do some prep work in advance. Wash, peel, and chop your carrots a day ahead. You can also mix up the honey, garlic, salt, and pepper and store it in a separate container. Then, all you have to do on the day is melt the butter, combine, and roast. It’s a great shortcut for busy Christmas Dinner Recipes.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious recipe for honey garlic roasted carrots. This is truly one of the best Easy Christmas Sides you can make. It proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of work to create a memorable dish.
This dish brings so much warmth and color to the table, making your holiday spread feel complete. It’s a crowd pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This is the kind of Christmas Side Dish that memories are made of.
I hope you and your family love these carrots as much as mine does. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and amazing food!
FAQ
Can I Use Baby Carrots For This Recipe?
Absolutely! Baby carrots work very well for this recipe and can save you some chopping time. Since they are smaller, you may need to reduce the roasting time slightly. Start checking them for doneness around the 15 minute mark.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. You can wash and chop the carrots and prepare the honey garlic sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just combine them and follow the roasting instructions. It’s a great time saver for a busy day.
What Other Herbs Can I Use Besides Parsley?
While fresh parsley adds a nice freshness, other herbs work beautifully too. Fresh thyme or chopped fresh chives would be wonderful options. If you like rosemary, a little bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary would also complement the flavors of these Christmas Vegetables very well.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as written. All the ingredients used, including honey, butter, garlic, and carrots, do not contain gluten. It is a safe and delicious option for guests with gluten sensitivities to enjoy as a Christmas Side Dish.
Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
This simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious recipe for honey garlic roasted carrots is one of the best easy Christmas sides you can make. It delivers big on flavor without a lot of fuss, making it a perfect holiday vegetable dish that complements any meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray. Prepare carrots by trimming ends and cutting into thirds for even cooking.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey until smooth and glossy. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add carrot pieces to the skillet and gently toss them in the honey garlic mixture until well coated. Let the sauce thicken for about a minute. Season with salt and pepper in the pan.
- Transfer the coated carrots from the skillet to your prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Turn on your broiler to high. Broil the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, to achieve beautiful caramelized edges and a slight char.
- (Optional) If the pan sauce is thin, transfer carrots and pan juices back to the skillet. Simmer over high heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens into a glaze.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy your delicious holiday favorite!
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Don’t be afraid to add a little something extra to the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice, subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey. A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary added to the sauce while it simmers can also add another layer of flavor.
To save time on Christmas day, you can do some prep work in advance. Wash, peel, and chop your carrots a day ahead. You can also mix up the honey, garlic, salt, and pepper and store it in a separate container. Then, all you have to do on the day is melt the butter, combine, and roast. It’s a great shortcut for busy Christmas Dinner Recipes.
For a thicker glaze right out of the oven, you can use a little cornstarch trick. If you notice the sauce on your baking sheet is thin, you can make a slurry. Just mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Pour this over the carrots in a skillet and stir quickly over heat until the sauce thickens up.
Nutrition
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