Name: Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced on a long angle into pieces approximately 3 inches long; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives; ½ cup pomegranate arils or seeds

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels like a little celebration on your plate, I’m excited to share my fan-freaking-tastic Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe. These carrots caramelize beautifully with a sweet and subtly spiced glaze that has become an absolute family favorite in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for carrots in a whole new way — my guests always ask for the recipe!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory Perfection: The honey and maple syrup create a luscious glaze that makes these carrots taste like candy, but they’re still wholesome and nutritious.
Simple Yet Impressive: You only need a handful of pantry staples to turn everyday carrots into a gorgeous side that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile & Crowd-Friendly: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these roasted carrots fit beautifully alongside just about any main course.
Fun Texture & Flavor Boosters: Toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and pomegranate arils add that special pop that keeps everyone coming back for more.

A large black pan filled with roasted baby carrots arranged in layers, showing their bright orange color with slightly dark caramelized edges. The carrots are sprinkled with small green thyme leaves, white sesame seeds, and scattered deep red pomegranate seeds, adding pops of color and texture. A shiny silver spoon rests on the right side of the pan, sitting among the carrots. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a few sprigs of thyme nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, and fresh bright notes. I like to choose firm, thick carrots for roasting—they hold up well to the heat and absorb the glaze beautifully.

Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and sliced on the long angle to about 3-inch lengths helps maximize caramelization and tenderness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the glaze stick to the carrots without overpowering the natural sweetness.
Pure maple syrup: I prefer pure for its deep, complex flavor that really shines when roasted.
Honey: Balances the maple syrup’s robustness with a lighter floral sweetness.
Ground coriander: Brings a hint of warmth and earthiness—don’t skip this, it’s a game-changer.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the sweetness pop.
Freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch to add a mild kick.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Fresh thyme leaves: Offers an herbaceous, slightly lemony undertone that brightens every bite.
Fresh chives: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor and pretty green flecks.
Pomegranate arils: The juicy pop of tanginess and jewel-like color makes this dish feel festive.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne once when I craved a bit of heat, and it was a wonderful twist that my family enjoyed.
Herb swaps: Try rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a more robust herbal flavor.
Nut alternative: Toasted almonds or pecans are a fantastic alternative to sesame seeds if you want a different crunch.
Make it vegan: The recipe is already plant-based, but just ensure your honey is replaced with more maple syrup if you avoid honey.

How to Make Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Glaze the Carrots

Start by preheating your oven to 450˚F and oiling your sheet pan lightly—this is key so the carrots don’t stick as they roast. Once peeled and sliced on the angle, place the carrots on the pan and drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, and honey. I like to get in there with my hands to toss and coat each caramel stick thoroughly—plus, it’s oddly satisfying! If you don’t want to get sticky, a silicone spatula works just fine.

Step 2: Season and Roast

Sprinkle the coriander, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper evenly over your carrots, then give everything a gentle toss to distribute the spices. Lay the carrots out in a single layer—it’s super important to avoid overcrowding so they roast instead of steam. Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Stir and Continue Roasting

After 10 minutes, pull the carrots out and stir them to flip and redistribute so they cook evenly on all sides. Pop the pan back in, roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. You’ll want to watch for tender carrots and those magical caramelized edges—that’s the sweet spot for flavor and texture.

Step 4: Add Sesame Seeds, Herbs, and Pomegranate

Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, sprinkle over the sesame seeds, thyme leaves, and chives. Give everything one last gentle toss to combine flavors evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the carrots to your serving bowl and scatter the pomegranate arils on top—they add a beautiful burst of color and juice that brightens every bite.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe

Use Thick Carrots: Thicker pieces hold their shape better and develop a gorgeous caramelization without turning mushy.
Don’t Skimp on Tossing: Stirring every 5 minutes helps all surfaces get that beautiful glaze and prevents burning.
Hands-On Coating: Using your hands to toss the carrots ensures each piece gets coated evenly with the sticky honey-maple mixture.
Watch the Oven Temperature: High heat is key for caramelization, but keep an eye so your glaze doesn’t scorch—adjust timing slightly if your oven runs hot.

How to Serve Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with roasted carrots that are bright orange and slightly shiny with a soft texture. The carrots are arranged closely together in a black skillet, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and scattered red pomegranate seeds. Small green herb pieces are spread over the carrots, adding spots of green throughout. The background is a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the glossy and fresh look of the carrots and toppings photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of the freshness that the pomegranate arils and fresh herbs bring, but sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch. If you want a little citrusy zing, a light grating of lemon zest over the finished dish works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled chicken, a juicy pork tenderloin, or even a simple quinoa salad. When I’m feeling cozy, I serve it alongside mashed potatoes and gravy—a sweet counterpoint that makes my family go crazy every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve these carrots in a shallow wooden bowl or a festive ceramic dish sprinkled generously with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme sprigs. The vibrant colors make the platter the centerpiece of the table. You can also plate individual servings on small boards with a drizzle of extra glaze for a fun appetizer vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The carrots keep their flavor well but tend to soften a bit more—still delicious, though!

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the texture of roasted carrots changes once thawed, but if you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the carrots before adding the fresh herbs and pomegranate. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a warm oven (about 350°F) for 10 minutes to regain some of the crispness, or pop them briefly in a skillet on the stove. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it makes the carrots a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for the Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe?

While fresh carrots are best for roasting because they develop a better texture and caramelization, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. Just thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting, but expect a softer result.
How can I make the Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe nut-free and allergy-friendly?

This recipe is naturally nut-free, especially if you stick with sesame seeds or omit the seeds altogether. Always be sure that your honey and maple syrup don’t have any cross-contaminants if allergies are a concern.
Why is the coriander important in this Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe?

Ground coriander adds a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of honey and maple syrup beautifully. It elevates the dish from just sweet roasted carrots to something truly special.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can roast the carrots a few hours ahead and keep them warm in a low oven. Add the fresh herbs and pomegranate just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe has become a comforting classic in my kitchen, one that I’m always excited to share with friends and family. It’s deceptively simple, but the layers of flavor and texture make it feel like something really special. I promise, once you make these carrots, you’ll never look at roasting the same way again—give it a try and get ready for lots of compliments (and maybe even requests for seconds!)