Hot honey carrots are a delectable side dish featuring tender carrots glazed in a sweet and spicy combination of honey and sriracha. They're roasted to perfection in 30 minutes then topped with red pepper flakes.
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Carrots are one of the my favorite sides. They're naturally sweet and tender when roasted. Tossing them in a sweet and spicy mixture of honey and sriracha takes them over the top. I've been serving these hot honey carrots with almost every dinner and everyone has been loving it. You can make them mild by omitting the red pepper flake or as spicy as you want.
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Reasons You'll Love These Hot Honey Roasted Carrots
Sweet and Spicy Flavor: Hot honey carrots offer a delectable combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The natural sweetness of the carrots is complemented by the heat from the honey, sriracha, and red pepper flakes.
Versatile Side Dish: Hot honey carrots can be enjoyed as a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether served with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a standalone veggie option, they add a pop of flavor and vibrant color to any meal.
Easy to Make: Making hot honey carrots is simple and requires just a few ingredients. It's a hassle-free dish that can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Health Benefits: Carrots are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. By incorporating hot honey carrots into your meals, you're not only enjoying a delicious dish but also benefiting from the nutritional value that carrots provide.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in hot honey carrots is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving them at a family gathering, potluck, or dinner party, they are sure to impress and satisfy a wide range of taste preferences.
Customizable Heat Level: You have control over the spiciness of hot honey carrots. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or honey to your liking, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferred heat level.
Ingredients
1lb baby carrots - I love using baby carrots because you don't need to prep them at all. They're already the perfect size and they're uniform so they'll cook evenly. Plus, one bag at the grocery store is typically 1lb which means you don't have to worry about leftovers.
1/4 cup honey - try using local honey for the best flavor. Don't have honey? Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead.
2 tablespoons olive oil - use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil can be substituted.
4 garlic cloves minced - using fresh cloves are going to taste the best, pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can be substituted.
2 tablespoons sriracha - for added spice and flavor
Pinch of salt - to enhance flavor of the other ingredients, we want the carrots to be sweet so don't add too much
Red pepper flakes - add this to taste, if you like your carrots spicy add more
How It's Made
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Grease a glass baking dish or baking sheet covered with parchment and set aside.
Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, garlic, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined.
Step 3. Place the carrots in the baking dish. Drizzle the honey mixture over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated. Toss them gently to ensure each carrot is coated in the glaze.
Step 4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir the carrots once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Step 5. Once cooked, remove the hot honey carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly then serve.
Tips for The Best Hot Honey Glazed Carrots
Choose fresh, crisp carrots: Select carrots that are firm, fresh, and vibrant in color. Avoid carrots that are wilted, soft, or have blemishes. Fresh baby carrots will yield the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Adjust spice level: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness. If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount, or omit it entirely. For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the quantity of red pepper flakes.
Toss the carrots in the glaze: Make sure the honey mixture evenly coats all the carrots. Toss them gently in the glaze or use a brush to ensure each carrot is coated. This will help achieve a balanced flavor throughout the dish.
Keep an eye on the roasting time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the carrots. Check on them regularly to avoid overcooking. The carrots should be tender and slightly caramelized but still have a little bite.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, consider adding a garnish of fresh parsley, thyme, or cilantro. This adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
Can I Make Hot Honey Carrots in The Slow Cooker?
Yes, this hot honey carrots recipe can be cooked in the slow cooker. See below for instructions on how to do so.
Step 1. Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined.
Step 3. Pour the spicy honey mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized to your liking. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the carrots, so check for doneness periodically.
Step 5. Once cooked, gently toss the carrots in the honey glaze to ensure they are well coated. Serve the hot honey carrots directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Keep in mind that slow cooker cooking times can vary, so it's important to monitor the honey spiced carrots as they cook to avoid overcooking or becoming too soft. You may also need to adjust the seasonings after cooking to suit your taste preferences.
While the slow cooker method may yield slightly different results compared to roasting in the oven, it can still be a convenient option when you want to prepare spiced roasted carrots with minimal hands-on time. I also suggest using a crock pot liner for easy clean up.
Ways to Serve Hot Honey Carrots
Side Dish: Serve the honey roasted glazed carrots as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. The sweet and spicy flavors of the carrots complement the savory main course, adding a vibrant and tasty element to the meal.
Salad Topping: Let the hot honey carrots cool slightly and add them as a topping to a fresh salad. Their sweet and spicy flavors provide a delightful contrast to crisp greens, and the caramelized texture adds a satisfying crunch.
Veggie Bowl: Create a colorful veggie bowl by combining hot honey carrots with other roasted or grilled vegetables, grains like quinoa or couscous, and protein sources like grilled tofu or chickpeas. Drizzle with a lemony tahini dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Charcuterie Board: Add a unique touch to your charcuterie board by including a small dish of hot honey carrots. Their vibrant color and flavor make them a standout addition among cured meats, cheeses, and other savory bites.
Tapas or Appetizer: Serve the carrots with honey and red pepper flakes as a delicious tapas or appetizer option. Skewer them individually or place them in small serving bowls for guests to enjoy as a flavorful bite-sized treat.
Grain Bowl Topping: Sprinkle hot honey carrots on top of grain bowls, such as brown rice, quinoa, or farro, along with other toppings like avocado, roasted chickpeas, or a soft-boiled egg. The carrots will add both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Brunch Side: Serve this spicy carrots recipe as a side dish for brunch alongside eggs, bacon, or sausage. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors adds a delightful element to the breakfast spread.
Must Try Variations
Citrus Twist: Add a citrusy element by incorporating the zest and juice of an orange or a lemon into the honey glaze. The bright, tangy flavors will complement the sweetness and spice of the carrots.
Herbed Infusion: Infuse the honey glaze with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill. Simply add a sprig or two of your chosen herbs to the honey mixture while heating it, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the herbs before drizzling the glaze over the sweet and spicy glazed carrots.
Balsamic Elegance: Replace the olive oil in the honey glaze with a splash of balsamic vinegar. The rich, tangy-sweetness of balsamic vinegar pairs wonderfully with the honey and adds depth to the flavor profile of the spicy honey carrots.
Smoky Chipotle Kick: Add a smoky and fiery kick by incorporating a teaspoon or two of chipotle powder or chipotle in adobo sauce to the honey glaze. The smokiness of the chipotle complements the sweetness of the honey, creating a bold and spicy flavor combination.
Sesame Seed Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the hot honey carrots just before serving. The nutty and toasty flavor of the sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall experience of the dish.
Coconut Infusion: Infuse the honey glaze with a tablespoon of coconut milk or coconut cream. The subtle coconut flavor adds a tropical touch to the carrots and pairs well with the sweetness and heat of the glaze.
Storing and Reheating
Allow the hot honey carrots to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or place them in a sealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
There are a few ways too reheat the hot honey carrots:
Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cold or chilled hot honey carrots in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Microwave: Place the spicy roasted carrots in a microwave safe dish. Top with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 second intervals. Stir and repeat until completely reheated.
Remember, when reheating honey roasted carrots, it's best to reheat only the portion you plan to consume to avoid repeated reheating. This helps maintain the quality and texture of the dish.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- Pinch of salt
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Grease a glass baking dish or baking sheet covered with parchment and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, garlic, sriracha, red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined.
- Place the carrots in the baking dish. Drizzle the honey mixture over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated. Toss them gently to ensure each carrot is coated in the glaze.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir the carrots once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the hot honey carrots from the oven and let them cool slightly then serve.
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