Honey-Kissed Roasted Carrots | Simple & Delicious
Roasted vegetables are one of my favourite ways to bulk out a Christmas menu without spending a lot of money. Carrots always shine on the table this time of year. These Roasted Carrots are beautifully caramelised. They are lightly seasoned and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the kind of side dish that looks gorgeous in a serving bowl. It takes only minutes to get into the oven.
Carrots are one of the most budget-friendly vegetables in NZ. This makes them perfect for my $100 Christmas Feast challenge this year. With just a little oil, salt, and pepper, carrots become a festive, flavour-packed side. Optional herbs can enhance the taste further. This dish pairs perfectly with roast chicken, beef, lamb, or any holiday main.
Whether you regularly roast veggies or are trying it for the first time, this dish is simple. It is one of the most reliable Christmas sides you can make.
Watch This Recipe in My Christmas Special
These Roasted Carrots appear in my Farmer’s Wife Homestead Christmas Special. I made a full festive dinner for around $100 NZD.
Related Recipes & Links
- Butterflied Lemon & Thyme Chicken
- Farmhouse Cheese Log
- A Simple Roasted Veggie Green Salad
- Smashed Potatoes
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Cheesy Garlic Loaf
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Log
- Cherry Pie | Buttery Crust & Juicy Cherry Filling
Roasted Carrots Recipe
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1–2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional:
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- maple syrup instead of honey for extra sweetness
- Fresh parsley for serving
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C fan bake.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into even-sized sticks or rounds so they cook evenly.
- Spread the carrots onto a lined baking tray.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
- Toss everything to coat well.
- Roast for 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Cook until the edges are caramelised and lightly golden.
- Serve warm, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Stacey’s Kitchen Tips
- Cut the carrots evenly — this helps them roast at the same speed.
- Hot oven = caramelisation. Don’t be afraid to let the edges colour up.
- These can be roasted ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
Variations
- Herb Roasted Carrots: Use rosemary or thyme for earthy Christmas flavour.
- Garlic Carrots: Add 1 crushed garlic clove for extra depth.
- Mixed Roasted Veg: Add parsnips or kumara to bulk it out further.
Final Thoughts
Roasted carrots are such a simple but special addition to any Christmas meal. They’re sweet, vibrant, and incredibly budget-friendly — all the qualities I love when cooking for a big family gathering. They fit perfectly into my $100 Christmas menu and will easily fit into your holiday table too.
— Stacey, Farmers Wife Homestead
