I’ll never forget the first time I tried to get my kids to eat carrots. It was a classic dinner-table standoff. Mushy, steamed carrots stared back at them, and their faces were scrunched up in pure, unadulterated disgust. I knew I had to do something drastic. That’s when I started experimenting. Roasting them was a good start, but they needed something…more. That “more” turned out to be a generous coating of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of hot honey. The salty, savory parmesan combined with the sweet and spicy kick of the honey completely transformed these humble root vegetables. Now? My kids practically fight over the last bite of these parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey.
Trust me, I get it. Getting anyone, especially kids, to eat their veggies can feel like an impossible task. You’ve tried everything: hiding them in sauces, making funny faces with them on the plate, even resorting to bribery (no judgment here!). But sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a flavour combination that’s just too good to resist. This recipe for parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey is that creative solution. It’s a game-changer, I promise!
These aren’t your grandma’s bland boiled carrots. We’re talking about crispy, golden-brown carrot fries parmesan, infused with the nutty richness of parmesan cheese and then drizzled with the most addictive spicy honey carrots you can imagine. The oven’s heat coaxes out the carrots’ natural sweetness, while the parmesan creates a delightful crust that’s both savory and satisfying. And the hot honey? Oh, the hot honey! It’s the perfect finishing touch, adding a sweet heat that balances the richness of the cheese and the earthiness of the carrots.
I know you’re probably thinking, “Hot honey? On carrots?” Trust me on this one. The combination is unexpected, but it works so incredibly well. The slight bitterness of the carrots, the salty parmesan roasted carrots, and the sweet and spicy hot honey glazed carrots create a symphony of flavours that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Even my pickiest eater asks for these!
The recipe is super easy, too. Seriously, it’s one of those weeknight wonders that comes together in minutes. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it! You can customize it to your liking as well. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture for extra heat, or use a different type of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. But honestly, the classic parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey combination is a winner.
So, are you ready to transform your carrot game? Let’s get started! I’m confident that these parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey will become a new family favorite in your house, just like they have in mine. Give them a try – you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples.
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins: I usually go for sticks because my kids like to dip them, but coins are great too! Look for carrots that are firm and brightly coloured.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavour, but any cooking oil will do. You could even use avocado oil.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch. If you’re feeling fancy, try using a blend of parmesan and Pecorino Romano for an extra salty kick. This really adds to the parmesan crusted carrots.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a lovely savoury note. You can also use 1-2 cloves of minced garlic, just be careful not to burn it.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Season to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 2-3 tablespoons hot honey: You can buy this pre-made, or make your own by infusing regular honey with chili flakes. I usually buy mine because it’s easier, but making it yourself is a fun project! This is what really makes these parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey sing.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish. Adds a pop of colour and freshness.
A few notes on the ingredients:
- Carrots: I prefer using regular orange carrots, but you can definitely use rainbow carrots for a more colourful dish.
- Parmesan: Don’t skimp on the parmesan! It’s what creates that delicious crust. I always buy a block of parmesan and grate it myself, as it melts better and has a richer flavour. WebMD has a great article on the benefits of parmesan if you want to read more.
- Hot Honey: If you can’t find hot honey, you can easily make your own by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to regular honey. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. The FDA has information on honey and food safety, so check that out if you are curious about the product.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making things your own. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking. This parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey recipe is just a starting point!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some amazing parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious side dish in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting the carrots nice and crispy. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start.
- Prepare the carrots. Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks or coins. I like to cut them into sticks that are about the same size as my pinky finger. This helps them cook evenly.
- Toss with oil and seasoning. In a bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. This will help the parmesan stick and give them a beautiful colour.
- Add the parmesan cheese. Add the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss again, making sure the carrots are well coated. The parmesan should stick to the carrots and form a nice crust. If you’re using pre-grated parmesan, you might need to add a little more to get the carrots fully coated.
- Arrange on a baking sheet. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Make sure the carrots aren’t overlapping, as this will prevent them from browning properly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and the parmesan crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times may vary.
- Drizzle with hot honey. Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle them with hot honey. I like to use a spoon to drizzle the honey evenly over the carrots.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. These parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey are best served hot, while the parmesan is still crispy and the honey is still warm.
Tips and Tricks:
- For extra crispy carrots, try broiling them for the last minute or two of cooking. Just be careful not to burn them!
- If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
- These carrots are also delicious cold. I sometimes make a big batch and pack them in my lunch for the next day.
- My family loves these, even my picky eater! I often make a double batch because they disappear so quickly.
I remember one time I accidentally burned the parmesan crust on the carrots. My kids were so disappointed! I learned my lesson and now I always keep a close eye on them while they’re baking. Don’t make the same mistake I did! These parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey are really easy to make, just pay attention!
Serving Ideas
So, you’ve made these delicious parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey – now what? Here are a few ideas on how to serve them and make the most of this amazing side dish.
- As a side dish: This is the most obvious way to serve them! These carrots pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple piece of fish. They add a touch of sweetness and spice to any meal.
- As a snack: These carrot fries parmesan are so addictive that they can easily be enjoyed as a snack. I often make a batch for my kids to munch on after school.
- In a salad: Chop the carrots and add them to a salad for a boost of flavour and nutrition. They would be especially delicious in a salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- As a topping for burgers or sandwiches: Add these spicy honey carrots to your burgers or sandwiches for a sweet and spicy kick. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- As part of a veggie platter: Include these parmesan crusted carrots on a veggie platter for a fun and flavorful addition. They’re sure to be a hit at your next party!
Occasions:
I love making these parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. They’re a great way to add some excitement to the holiday table. They’re also perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any other gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also chop them up and add them to a frittata or omelet for a delicious breakfast.
Portion Sizes:
I usually estimate about 1/2 cup of carrots per person. But honestly, everyone always wants more! So, I usually end up making a double batch.
My family absolutely loves these carrots. My husband always says they’re the best carrots he’s ever had, and my kids practically lick the plate clean. I often catch them sneaking bites of the hot honey glazed carrots straight from the baking sheet! They can’t get enough of these parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey recipe that I often get from friends and family:
- Can I use baby carrots? Yes, you can use baby carrots! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. They will likely cook faster than regular carrots, so keep an eye on them.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Of course! If you’re not a fan of parmesan, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. You could even try using a blend of different cheeses.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a vegan parmesan cheese alternative and agave instead of honey. There are some great vegan parmesan cheeses available at most grocery stores.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the carrots and parmesan mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. However, I recommend baking them right before serving for the best results. The parmesan crusted carrots are best served fresh.
- My carrots are burning! What do I do? If your carrots are burning, reduce the oven temperature and cover the baking sheet with foil. This will help to prevent them from burning further. Also, make sure that your carrots are evenly spaced on the baking sheet so that they cook evenly.
I remember one time I accidentally used too much salt in the parmesan mixture. The carrots were way too salty! I learned my lesson and now I always measure the salt carefully. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Also, one time I tried to speed up the cooking process by turning up the oven temperature. The carrots burned on the outside and were still raw on the inside! It was a disaster. Now I always stick to the recommended cooking time and temperature. Sometimes, my children don’t love the kick from the spicy honey carrots, so I make a batch without it just for them!
I hope these FAQs have been helpful! If you have any other questions about this parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Conclusion
This recipe for parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey is more than just a side dish to me; it’s a little piece of my family’s history. It represents a time when I was struggling to get my kids to eat their vegetables, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.
I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and try new things. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, not a chore!
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind when making this parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey:
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese. It makes a big difference in the flavour.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This will prevent the carrots from browning properly.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your liking. If you don’t like spicy food, you can use regular honey instead.
I’ve made a few variations of this recipe over the years. Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture for extra heat. Other times, I use a different type of cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. My kids love it when I add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the carrots before baking them. It adds a touch of sweetness that they can’t resist. And, for the adults, a bit of smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavour. If you liked this, you could also try my honey garlic roasted carrots or my honey roasted carrots with thyme; they are similar.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you and your family will love it. So, go ahead and gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make some delicious parmesan crusted carrots with hot honey. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. I love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
Easy Parmesan Crusted Carrots with Hot Honey
These Parmesan Crusted Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish, perfectly balanced with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, complemented by a crispy parmesan crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the Parmesan crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture. Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork, or fish.