Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots

Name: Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb young carrots, peeled and cut into batons; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots as a side dish. They’re incredibly simple to prepare yet deliver an impressive flavor that perfectly complements any meal. The combination of honey and mustard creates a balance of sweetness and tanginess that enhances the natural earthiness of the carrots. Roasting brings out their sweetness and results in a tender, caramelized exterior that is simply irresistible. This recipe has become a staple at our family dinners, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:04:19.075Z

When I first tried Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots, I was surprised by how a simple glaze could make such a delicious difference. Baking them in the oven caramelizes the natural sugars, resulting in an utterly delightful dish. Experimenting with different types of mustard has also been a fun journey, as it can bring a unique twist to the flavor profile.

One tip I learned along the way is to cut the carrots into even pieces, ensuring they roast uniformly. This way, you avoid some undercooked pieces and guarantee everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful honey-mustard goodness!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
Beautifully caramelized edges that provide a delightful texture.
A colorful addition to any meal that’s sure to impress guests.

      

The Art of Roasting Carrots

Roasting is the key method for developing the sweet, rich flavors in Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots. When you expose the carrots to high heat, the natural sugars caramelize, creating a deliciously enhanced flavor. Keep an eye on them as they roast; the goal is to achieve a tender bite with beautifully caramelized edges without burning. Stirring them halfway not only promotes even cooking but also ensures that every carrot gets that golden exterior.

To achieve the best results, opt for younger carrots, as they tend to be naturally sweeter and more tender. If you can't find young carrots, cut medium-sized carrots into thinner batons to maximize surface area. This allows each piece to cook evenly and absorb the honey-mustard glaze thoroughly, adding to the overall flavor profile.

Perfecting the Honey-Mustard Glaze

The balance of honey and Dijon mustard in the glaze is what sets this dish apart. Honey provides natural sweetness while Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy punch. The olive oil not only helps distribute the flavors evenly, but it also aids in achieving that desirable caramelized texture. If you're looking for a twist, try using whole grain mustard for added texture or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.

When mixing the glaze, ensure it is fully incorporated without any separation. A well-blended glaze will coat each carrot evenly, which is critical for uniform flavor. I recommend adjusting the proportions based on your taste preference; if you like it sweeter, add more honey, or if you prefer a stronger tang, increase the mustard slightly.

Serving and Storing Tips

These Honey Mustard Roasted Carrots make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals, whether paired with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or a vegetarian feast. Garnishing them with fresh parsley not only elevates the dish visually but also adds a zesty note that contrasts beautifully with the glaze. For a more elaborate presentation, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.

If you have leftovers, keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispiness. You can also enjoy them cold in salads for a refreshing twist!

Ingredients

To prepare these lovely carrots, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 lb young carrots, peeled and cut into batons
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients combine to create a deliciously balanced flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly roasted carrots:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the carrots beautifully.

Make the glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Coat the carrots

Place the carrot batons in a large bowl and pour the honey-mustard glaze over them, tossing until evenly coated.

Spread on a baking sheet

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast

Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious honey mustard roasted carrots!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Using rainbow carrots not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a variety of flavors in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to modify the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions or personal preferences, there are several effective substitutions. For a vegan variation, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to maintain sweetness while keeping the dish plant-based. This change will still complement the mustard and enhance the carrots’ flavor beautifully.

For those who are sensitive to mustard, a mild vinaigrette could serve as a substitute. Mixing apple cider vinegar with a touch of Dijon (or skipping the mustard altogether) could create a tangy alternative that still pairs well with the sweetness of the carrots.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable depending on the number of servings you require. Simply double or triple the ingredient quantities while maintaining the same proportions. Make sure to use a larger baking sheet or separate trays to allow the carrots enough space to roast properly; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.

When preparing larger batches, keep an eye on the roasting time, as it might require an additional 5 to 10 minutes to become tender. Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be fork-tender and caramelized on the edges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your carrots are not caramelizing as expected, it could be due to insufficient heat or too much moisture. Make sure to preheat the oven fully before placing your tray inside, as a hot oven promotes better caramelization. Additionally, ensure the carrots are not soggy before roasting; patting them dry after washing can help improve texture.

Should you encounter burnt edges while the carrots remain firm, consider lowering the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and extending the roasting time. This will allow the carrots to cook evenly without risking charring.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use baby carrots instead?

Yes, baby carrots work well, but they may need slightly less roasting time.

→ What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute with yellow mustard or even a whole grain mustard for a different flavor.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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