First: my family LOVES oven roasted veggies.
Second: sweet AND spicy?!
Check and check.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using one of these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If there’s one thing my family can’t get enough of, it’s oven roasted veggies. And when you add the sweet-and-spicy combo? Game over. These Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots check all the boxes for an easy, flavorful side dish that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
The best part? You probably have everything you need—except the carrots—already waiting in your pantry. Let’s get roasting!
Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots
- They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Perfectly sweet with just a little heat to keep things interesting.
- A crowd-pleaser for picky eaters (even the veggie-averse).
Get Choppin’
Start with one pound of carrots. If you’re feeling fancy, tricolored carrots are a great option, but keep in mind they’ll need about 7 extra minutes in the oven. Precut carrot sticks can work too, but I find they’re a bit dry for roasting.
Here’s how to prep your carrots:
- Peel the carrots.
- Chop them into 3-4″ pieces.
- Halve or quarter each piece to make carrot “sticks.”
Pro tip: Use a scrap bowl while you’re peeling and chopping to keep your workspace clean. Trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!
Roast ‘Em Up
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
Toss the chopped carrots with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Spread the carrots on the baking sheet, making sure they have room to breathe. Overcrowding means less roasting, more steaming—and nobody wants soggy carrots.
Roast the carrots for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Add the Sweet and Spicy Magic
Now for the fun part! After the first 10 minutes, pull the carrots out of the oven and drizzle them with honey. Don’t overthink it—just let your heart guide you (but roughly 2 tablespoons should do the trick). Then sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for that spicy kick.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you’re heat-sensitive, go light on the red pepper flakes—or skip them altogether.
Pop the carrots back in the oven for another 10 minutes. They’re ready when fork-tender and caramelized to perfection.
Serving Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots
These Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots pair beautifully with chicken, steak, or pork. They’re a standout side dish for meatloaf night and shine alongside creamy pasta or other veggie dishes.
Last night, we served them with grilled filets, whole grain penne with Alfredo sauce, and steamed green beans. (Because why stop at one veggie?)
Make Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots Tonight!
Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Sweet and Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots will quickly become a family favorite. Let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear about your twist on this simple and delicious recipe!
From my messy kitchen to yours,
– Abby, the Humble Housewife
Sweet & Spicy Oven Roasted Carrots
Equipment
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼-½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- preheat oven to 400°
- peel carrots, cut to 3-4" length and halve or quarter depending on size to make 'fries'
- toss with olive oil, season with salt and pepper
- spread carrots on a foil lined baking sheet
- bake 5 minutes – flip – bake an additional 5 minutes
- flip carrots then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes
- bake an additional 10 minutes
Connie says
Made these tonight. I loved the flavor the red pepper flakes gives it. I will definitely make these again.