Honey-Chili Roasted Carrots with Toasted Sesame

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Roasted carrots glazed with a honey-chili sauce and finished with nutty toasted sesame seeds for a sweet and spicy side. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs carrots, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, peeled and cut into 3-inch sticks carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Sheet pans that don’t warp in a hot oven → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 1 pound of peeled and 3-inch stick-cut carrots with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and tender.
3. Step 3: Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the top for a fragrant finish.
4. Step 4: Serve warm as a vibrant, sweet-spicy side dish that imbibes bold flavors and contrasting textures.