Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots

Name: Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love preparing Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots for any gathering or as a simple weeknight side dish. The sweet and tangy flavor of honey combined with the zing of mustard perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. Roasting them brings out the vibrant color and enhances their earthy taste. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making it an effortless addition to any meal. Trust me, you will find yourself reaching for seconds!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:28:16.313Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how well the honey and mustard complimented the carrots' natural sweetness. It became a staple in my kitchen, especially during holiday gatherings. I love how the vibrant colors of the dish make it a centerpiece on any table!

I experimented with different ratios of honey to mustard and settled on just the right balance to ensure each carrot was enveloped in flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds a wonderful aroma and taste. I can’t wait for you to try it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously sweet and tangy flavor profile
A vibrant, colorful side dish
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients

      

Choosing the Right Carrots

When preparing Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots, the quality and type of carrots you use can greatly affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for fresh, firm carrots without any blemishes. Baby carrots or rainbow carrots can add a pop of color and variety to your plate, each bringing unique sweetness levels. If using larger carrots, slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking, allowing all the pieces to achieve that delicious caramelization.

For an interesting twist, consider using heirloom carrots, which often have more complex flavors and vibrant hues. Regardless of the type, always peel and cut your carrots into similar-sized sticks, around 3 inches long. This promotes even roasting, preventing some pieces from becoming overly soft or burnt while others remain too crunchy.

The Role of Honey and Mustard

In this recipe, honey acts as a natural sweetener that balances the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a well-rounded taste that elevates the humble carrot. The sweetness from the honey not only enhances the caramelization process during roasting but also helps in achieving that beautiful golden color, making the dish visually appealing on your serving platter.

If you're looking for alternatives, maple syrup can serve as a delightful substitute for honey, imparting its unique flavor profile. For those with a sensitivity to mustard, a mild barbecue sauce or a combination of minced garlic and lemon juice can provide a different yet tasty contrast to the carrots' sweetness. Just be cautious with the quantities to maintain balance in flavors.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After preparing your Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you're looking to reheat them, a quick blast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes will help retain their texture while bringing back that delightful warmth. Microwaving is also an option, but be aware that it can make the carrots a bit soggy.

These carrots make an excellent side dish for roasted meats or poultry and can be served warm or at room temperature. For a colorful salad, chop the roasted carrots, toss them with mixed greens, and drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette. You can also mix them into grain bowls for added sweetness and nutrition, making them quite versatile for various meals.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make perfect Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots.

Ingredients

1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients will create a lovely dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting.

Prepare the Carrots

In a large bowl, combine the carrot sticks with olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss until the carrots are well-coated.

Roasting

Spread the coated carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.

Serve

Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish as a delightful side to your main course!

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the honey and mustard ratio to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it an extra kick!

Troubleshooting Roasting Issues

If your roasted carrots aren’t achieving the desired caramelization, it could be that they are overcrowded on the baking sheet. Make sure the carrots are spread out in a single layer with space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This will help them roast more evenly and develop those lovely golden edges instead of steaming.

Another potential issue may be undercooking. If the carrots are still too firm after 25 minutes, simply continue roasting for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. While you don’t want them to turn mushy, tender carrots should be easy to pierce with a fork and have a slightly caramelized exterior without any rawness.

Flavor Variations

To play around with the flavor of your Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots, consider adding spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, or even a hint of chili powder for a bit of heat. A sprinkle of garlic powder can also enhance the savory notes and make the dish even more aromatic, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet glaze.

For a seasonal twist, you could incorporate other vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes into the mix. These vegetables pair well with the honey-mustard mixture and offer various textures, bringing even more depth to your dish. Just remember to cut everything uniformly so that they roast at the same rate.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is quite easy to scale up when you have a larger gathering. Simply multiply the quantities of all ingredients while keeping the roasting method the same. To avoid overcrowding the oven, consider using multiple baking sheets if you're preparing a double batch, ensuring that all pieces are placed evenly.

Conversely, if you wish to make a smaller portion, you can easily halve the ingredients. This will still yield a delightful side dish that highlights the wonderful flavor of the carrots without compromising the balance of honey and mustard. Just watch the cooking time closely, as smaller batches might roast more quickly!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use baby carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work well. Just reduce the roasting time slightly since they are smaller.

→ Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

You can use yellow mustard, but the flavor profile will be a bit different.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.