Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot Honey Roasted Vegetables (Sweet, Spicy & Perfectly Caramelized)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Roasted vegetables on a pan, featuring broccoli, carrots, red peppers, and onions, sprinkled with herbs. Warm, inviting kitchen setting.

These Hot Honey Roasted Vegetables are tender on the inside, caramelized on the edges, and finished with a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey that brings everything together. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while hot honey adds just the right amount of heat for a bold but balanced side dish.

If you enjoy sweet-heat recipes like Hot Honey Chicken or bold vegetable sides such as Raspberry-Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts, this dish is an easy way to add more flavor to your meal rotation. It pairs especially well with cozy mains like Chicken Scampi or Hot Honey Salmon and works just as nicely for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.

Why You’ll Love This

Perfectly roasted vegetables with caramelized edges and big flavor
Sweet-spicy hot honey adds a bold but balanced finish
Easy sheet-pan side with minimal prep and cleanup
Versatile recipe that pairs well with weeknight dinners or holiday meals

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 220 kcal

Carbohydrates: 26 g

Protein: 4 g

Fat: 12 g

Fiber: 6 g

Sugar: 14 g

Ingredients

2 cups carrots, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 small red onion, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ cup hot honey

Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Add the vegetables to a large sheet pan.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Spread the vegetables in a single layer.

Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.

Remove from the oven and drizzle with hot honey while warm.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even roasting.

Drizzle hot honey after roasting to keep its sweet-spicy flavor bright.

Swap in seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.

This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hot Honey Roasted Vegetables spicy? They’re mildly spicy with a sweet finish. You can adjust the heat by using more or less hot honey.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes. Hot honey can be replaced with maple syrup mixed with a pinch of chili flakes.

What vegetables work best? Root vegetables and hearty veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts roast especially well.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Roast the vegetables ahead and reheat, then drizzle with hot honey just before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Roasted Vegetables prove that simple ingredients can be incredibly exciting. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly roasted, they’re an easy side dish that adds bold flavor to any meal — and one you’ll want to make again and again.