Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Name: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

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These oven-roasted hot honey carrots with feta are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty in every bite. Perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions!

Hot honey roasted carrots in a bowl with a gold spoon.

Holy moly YUM! This side dish puts a fun twist on classic roasted carrots, using honey and a touch of chili powder for a subtle kick—nothing too spicy, I promise! To balance the sweet heat, I top them with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Roasting the carrots in a hot honey glaze creates a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with any entrée.

These hot honey roasted carrots are incredibly easy to throw together, making them perfect for both holiday gatherings and casual weeknight meals. Classy enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for everyday cooking, they’re a delicious way to enjoy your veggies!

Side shot of hot honey carrots in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need 6 simple ingredients to make these hot honey carrots.

Carrots: Medium-thickness carrots work best, as thinner ones can burn too quickly. Tri-colored carrots add a beautiful touch, but avoid baby carrots for this recipe.
Honey: Use a runny honey rather than a solid or crystallized one, as it coats the carrots more easily. Any variety you enjoy will work.
Olive oil: Adds flavor, healthy fats, and helps the carrots roast to perfection.
Chili powder: A few dashes give the "hot honey" its signature kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
Feta cheese: The sweet, spicy, and salty combination is unbeatable! If you don’t have feta, parmesan makes a great substitute.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a bright, fresh flavor. Fresh thyme also works well if you have some on hand.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Hot Honey Carrots

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/ 425°F (180°C fan). (Optional: Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.)

Prepare the carrots: Wash, dry, and peel the carrots. Slice them into 1-inch thick rounds, cutting diagonally for the best presentation. Add them to the baking tray.

Season: Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Toss well to coat evenly.

Roast: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.

Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley and feta cheese. Enjoy!

Substitutions & Variations

Make it dairy-free: Skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative like cashew cheese.
Make it vegan: Since honey isn’t vegan, swap it for maple syrup—just note that it will slightly alter the flavor.
Sweeter carrots: Prefer a sweeter dish? Add 1-2 extra tablespoons of honey for more caramelized goodness.
Spiced carrots: For extra heat, increase the chili powder and add a pinch of red pepper (chili) flakes.

How to Store

Store leftover hot honey carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively you can air fry at 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes for a crispy finish.

Roasted carrots in a bowl with feta cheese and honey on the side.

Expert Tips

Peel your carrots to remove any bitterness and ensure a smoother texture.
Slice diagonally to create larger pieces that hold their shape better after roasting. Carrots shrink as they lose water during baking.
Cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Thicker pieces take longer, while thinner ones may overcook or burn.

Recipe FAQ

Are these carrots really spicy?

No! They have a mild kick but shouldn’t be overpowering. If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.

Can you make hot honey carrots ahead of time?

Yes! If oven space is tight, roast the carrots ahead of time, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend making them fresh if possible.

Is this spicy candied carrots recipe family-friendly?

Yes! The sweetness of the carrots balances the spice. I usually add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne, which gives a gentle heat. If you have spice-sensitive guests, reduce it to ⅛ teaspoon or omit it entirely.

Do you need to flip the carrots while roasting?

Yes! Toss them halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides.

Why are my roasted carrots mushy?

Mushy carrots are usually caused by overcrowding the pan or overcooking. Spread them out in a single layer to allow proper caramelization.

More Vegetable Sides

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Asparagus

Charred Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Roasted Broccoli & Carrots With Yogurt + Feta

Roasted Broccoli & Potatoes

If you try this roasted hot honey carrots recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.