These Honey Chipotle Roasted Carrots are sweet like honey, with a spicy, smoky chipotle kick. Perfectly roasted in 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a great side dish for your holiday table.
Do you ever eat roasted carrots as a side dish?
I asked you guys that question for a reason. You see, I’m not a fan of carrots.
But, hear me out. 🙂 I’m going out on a limb here, being real with you guys.
I think carrots are great in the right application (like carrot cake, soups and stews). But IMHO, they need to be used in moderation to enhance a dish. For example, I don’t believe they should go in Mexican food. #justmyhumbleopinion
Case in point.
Several local Mexican restaurants put carrots in their Chicken Carnitas. Really? In Chicken Carnitas?
Friends, I just don’t think they belong there! Carrots add a sweetness to a dish, and you all know how much I love me some savory!
Thus…, the reason for these Honey Chipotle Roasted Carrots. These carrots with a kick? These babies are speaking my love language. Sweet, spicy, savory. Pardon me while I drool.
They’re crispy and crunchy on the outside, and soft in the center. You will love the texture and zing these bring! The honey caramelizes and cools down the smoky pop of chipotle. Perfection!
Thanksgiving typically brings some awesome savory flavors to the table – herbed turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, popovers, etc. But rarely do you get the punch of a spicy, sweet, yet savory dish that delivers flavor all on it’s own.
And, depending on how fancy you decorate your table, you can cut them up like I did, or you can spice them and cook them whole like this. The extra leafy greens make an elegant side dish if you have a looooong, fancy-schmancy, decorative plate to present them!
For me, during the holidays, I prefer to keep it easy.
Let me tell you the 5 things you’ll love about these…
- they are simple to make
- they’re only 5 ingredients
- you can make them ahead and heat them day-of
- you probably have the ingredients on hand
- you won’t really even know you’re eating carrots 🙂
They’re crunchy, spicy, savory, soft and so colorful! They really bring the bright orange colors of fall to your Thanksgiving table.
What about you? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Or are you willing to try and disguise ’em? 🙂
Do you look for new, exciting dishes to serve in addition to your traditional Thanksgiving favorites at your holiday table?
I know I do!
Do you need even more Thanksgiving day ideas? Be sure to check out the Corn & Leek Saute, Creamed Pearl Onions and Onion Dill Bread Stuffing post!
Enjoy!
Honey Chipotle Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds carrots
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chipotle powder *see note
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Mix olive oil, honey, chipotle powder and salt together in a small bowl.
- Peel carrots, remove tops, and cut in half. Then cut into 2" pieces.
- Place carrots on baking sheet and brush all sides with the glaze, keeping carrots in a single layer.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until desired doneness (**see note).
Notes
**I baked my carrots exactly 13 minutes and they were perfect - soft with just a bit of a crunch.
Honey Chipotle Roasted Carrots
anna @ annamayeveryday says
Yes I make roasted carrots a lot because it is one of the ways of serving vegetables my children love and believe me that list is not long. We have them with loads of chopped parsley but I’m going to try the chipotle, great idea!
Kristi says
Wow Anna! I thought most kids didn’t like carrots, so to hear that your kids do, is really interesting! Do you have a recipe on your site for how you prepare them, because I’d love to see it. Hopping over there now!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
I love that you added a spicy kick to balance out the sweetness of these carrots. This healthy side dish would be perfect at my Thanksgiving table!
Kristi says
Thanks Kristine! I’m so glad you like it. I like carrots, but sometimes they are to sweet for me, so I wanted to give them a spicy boost! 🙂
mimi says
I’ve made Mexican pickled carrots, can’t thin of the name for that right now, but you’re right, I can’t really see carrots in many Mexican dishes. But chipotle and honey? Perfect! What a great combo with the carrots!
Kristi says
Thank you Mimi! I don’t like carrots in Mexican food – that’s for sure! 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
Oh my gosh. I am seriously in love with how bright and colorful these carrots look! I’m a BIG sweet ‘n’ spicy fan and roasted carrots are a favorite around here! Totally trying these. Your gorgeous photos were definitely enough to convince me. 😀
Kristi says
Thank you Sarah! You’re making me blush. I wish I loved carrots as much as you do. It’s definitely a love/hate with me. But the chipotle helped cut the sweetness a lot, so I totally dug these!
marcie says
I do love braising and roasting carrots and eating them as a side dish, and so does my family — it’s a great way to get everyone to eat veggies! In chicken carnitas….NO WAY. 🙂 I love the sweet and spicy thang going on here — delicious and pinned! 🙂
Kristi says
I wish I loved carrots more Marcie, but I need to cut the sweetness with some spicyness to suit my tastes. But, I completely agree – they do *not* belong in Chicken Carnitas! And, thanks for the pin!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
These look wonderful, Kristi! I usually just eat carrots raw, but I’ve got to try this!
Kristi says
Thank you Marissa! I’m typically not a huge fan, because they are so sweet, but adding the chipotle cuts the bite so nicely!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Kristi, it’s 10am and I’m now craving carrots so much! Damn I wish I hadn’t given hubby teh last three carrots in his lunchbox so I could make this! 😀
Kristi says
Thank you Lorraine! That makes me laugh! Have a wonderful day! xoxo!
Ashley says
I love carrots! And they are just so darn pretty with those tops!
LOVE this with the honey chipotle! Gosh, these sound good!
Kristi says
Thank you Ashley! They are my new favorite way to eat carrots!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
These look great Kristi, I like eating raw carrots but I bet they taste even better when roasted with honey and chipotle powder. Beautiful pictures! Pinned.
PS: The best way to eat carrot will always be carrot cake 😀
Kristi says
xoxo! Thanks for the pin Manali! But, you’re right – the best way to eat carrots is carrot cake! 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
We have so many carrots in our fridge from the garden that I’m always looking for new recipes! These look so great, but chipotle? Even more perfect! Totally trying these!
Kristi says
So glad you like it Pamela. I am in complete awe of your garden (as you know), and I would love to have access to all your vegetables!
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
Kristi, these carrots look amazing! I think they’re also a great addition to a plate full of Thanksgiving food, especially because of their vibrant color. I love carrots, but I have never had them in Mexican food. What’s that all about?!
Kristi says
I know, right Ashley? Carrots in Mexican food? No way! 🙂 Thanks for the compliments!
Kelly says
Haha I love carrots especially when they look this gorgeous! That color is stunning! And with that honey chipotle – oh my, feel free to pass the entire pan my way! And if you’re hoping you can save some for leftovers…sorry you won’t find any of that with these around!
Kristi says
Hahahaha! You make me laugh. Love you Kelly! xoxo!
Judit + Corina | Glamorous Bite says
Perfect Holiday recipe, Kristi! The spicy chipotle with the sweetness of the carrots sounds incredibly tasty. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Kristi says
Thank you Judit + Corina! I hope you gals are ready for Thanksgiving, because it’s nearly here! 🙂
ananda says
wow this looks divine!!! so simple yet so flavorful!! i can’t wait to see your thanksgiving table kristi!!! xoxo
Kristi says
Thanks Ananda! I hope you have great things planned for Thanksgiving too! 🙂
Annie @Maebells says
I rarely ever make make anything with carrots, except carrot cake! 😉 But I recently started roasting them and I can’t wait to try this! I haven’t paired them with Chipotle yet!
Kristi says
I hope you love them Annie! I typically don’t like their sweet taste, but the chipotle counters that so nicely! 🙂
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE carrots!!!!! Especially during the winters, we make a carrot pudding that is sooooooo delish, I almost gain like 10 inches on my waistline!!!! But I have never roasted them and I love the flavor that honey brings out in food when it is roasted! I have all of these ingredients in my kitchen right now so I’m most certainly making these for lunch now! 😀 Only I’ll be replacing the chipotle powder with cajun seasoning since we don’t get chipotle powder here !!!
Kristi says
OMGosh, I have *never* heard of carrot pudding! Samina, do you have that recipe on your blog? Because I have never seen it. Hopping over there now and doing a search. And, if you don’t have it on your blog Samina – girl, get on it and share! xoxo