These Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots start with a vibrant blend of tender baby carrots, roasted in a sweet honey glaze. Bright, colorful and full of flavor, it's a simple side that's elegant enough for holidays, but easy enough for weeknight dinners.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots
• 🔪 How to Make Roasted Carrots in the Oven
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with These Rainbow Carrots
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Are Rainbow Carrots Good for You?
• Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Rainbow Carrots?
• Do I Need to Peel Rainbow Carrots?
• Why Boil Them Before Roasting?
• Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
• Are These Carrots Super Sweet?
• 🍽️ More Easy Side Dish Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe

• Colorful blend of fresh baby carrots
• Roasted until tender, savory and sticky sweet
• Fun and elegant spin on plain carrots
• Serve alongside any protein that you like
• Perfect for special occasion dinners, but easy enough for weeknights

These rainbow carrots show how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant side. The honey glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness while the garlic salt adds that kick of savory they need. They look so beautiful on the dinner table but they truly couldn’t be easier to make.

I love how these carrots fit in anywhere, whether it’s alongside a weeknight chicken dinner, potluck or part of your holiday spread. Plus, with the vibrant rainbow colors, that bring a little fun to the plate, even your picky eaters will go back for seconds. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a side I make every chance I get.

Looking for other easy cooked carrot recipes? Be sure to try my Easy Glazed Carrots and Air Fryer Baby Carrots.

🛒 Ingredients for Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots

• Baby rainbow carrots: Sweet and colorful, perfect for a showy side dish.
• Honey: Adds that sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Olive oil: Helps the carrots roast and keeps them from drying out.
• Garlic salt: A savory balance to the sweetness.
• Ground black pepper: Just enough to give a little bite.
• Water for boiling: Used to parboil the carrots before roasting.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Small baking sheet

🔪 How to Make Roasted Carrots in the Oven

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Heat a large pot of water to boil and once boiling, add in the carrots and some salt.

Boil for 10 minutes or until cooked halfway through.

Drain and dry well, then add the carrots to a small baking sheet.

Drizzle the olive oil, honey, garlic salt and ground black pepper over the top.

Toss to combine, then roast in the oven for 10 minutes or until slightly caramelized.

That's all there is to it! Your carrots are are ready to serve.

💡 Tips

• If your rainbow carrots are mixed sizes, slice the thicker ones in half lengthwise so everything cooks evenly.
• Carrots crowded together won’t caramelize; give them breathing room so the glaze reduces properly.
• Toss while hot. Coat the carrots with honey and oil immediately after draining so the flavors cling better.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the oven to bring back caramelization. You can also freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

🍴 What to Serve with These Rainbow Carrots

The awesome thing about roasted carrots is that you can serve with just about any main course you like. Here are some of my favorites:

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Oven Roasted Chicken
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• French Onion Chicken
• Mediterranean Mahi Mahi
• Cast Iron Steak and Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Fresh herbs: Toss with thyme, rosemary, or parsley after roasting for a fresh finish.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cumin, or smoked paprika before roasting.

• Citrus twist: Squeeze a little orange or lemon juice over the carrots after they come out of the oven.

• Nuts: Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds.

• Honey Asian: Mix in a little soy sauce to give them an Asian twist.

• Spicy kick: Drizzle with Hot Honey Sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting.

Are Rainbow Carrots Good for You?

Yes, rainbow carrots are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Each color offers different nutrients, so they’re as nutritious as they are colorful.

Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Rainbow Carrots?

Yes, just peel and cut them into even sticks so they cook evenly.

Do I Need to Peel Rainbow Carrots?

Peeling is optional. A quick scrub is enough if you like a rustic look.

Why Boil Them Before Roasting?

It jumpstarts the cooking process so the carrots roast faster and stay tender inside.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

You can make them ahead of time then just reheat them. But for best results, you can boil the carrots and prep the glaze earlier in the day. Roast them right before serving.

Are These Carrots Super Sweet?

They are not overly sweet. The honey caramelizes, but the garlic salt and pepper keep the flavor balanced and savory.

🍽️ More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Mexican Street Corn
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes