Honey Glazed Carrots are the kind of side dish that turns an everyday meal into something truly special. Sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with just a hint of cinnamon, these carrots shine with their gorgeous glaze and vibrant color. Whether you’re sprucing up a holiday table or just craving a veggie dish your whole family will love, this irresistible recipe always delivers. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than half an hour, you can bring a touch of sweet comfort and beautiful presentation to any dinner plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Glazed Carrots lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is carefully chosen for the role it plays— from sweetness and shine to a subtle savory balance. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand, and why each item makes a difference:
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness is the foundation, and slicing them evenly ensures every bite is tender and cooks up perfectly.
- Butter: Adds a rich, velvety texture to the glaze and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Honey: The unmistakable star— honey’s floral sweetness coats every carrot and creates that shiny, tantalizing glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Introduces a caramel note that deepens the glaze and balances the honey.
- Salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the sweet and savory notes.
- Black Pepper: A subtle kick to enhance the carrots’ natural flavor (don’t skip it!).
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy warmth that makes the glaze extra special– especially lovely for fall or holiday meals.
- Fresh Parsley: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of green and fresh aroma before serving.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Carrots
Begin by peeling your carrots and cutting them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This step is worth doing carefully, since even slices guarantee quick, even cooking. Place the carrots in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and gently simmer for about 6–8 minutes or until they’re just fork-tender but not mushy. When done, drain the carrots and set them aside—you’re halfway to sweet, glossy perfection!
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Using the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon if you want a warm, aromatic touch. Stir everything together until the sugar and honey dissolve into a golden, syrupy glaze that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 3: Glaze the Carrots
Return your cooked carrots to the pan and stir to coat them thoroughly in the glaze. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the glaze thickens and clings to every piece, giving your Honey Glazed Carrots that signature glossy finish.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Take your pan off the heat, transfer the carrots to a serving dish, and shower them with the chopped fresh parsley. This final flourish of green brings a lovely contrast against the deep orange. Serve them up warm and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots
Garnishes
Garnishing your Honey Glazed Carrots with chopped parsley not only adds color, it invites a burst of freshness that cuts through the sweet glaze. For an extra-special touch, try a zesting of fresh orange peel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds or pecans. A little goes a long way toward turning this simple side into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
These carrots love company! Pair them alongside roast chicken, a holiday ham, or a simple weeknight pork chop. Their sweetness balances savory main dishes, and they also work beautifully next to mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even a grain bowl if you’re going vegetarian.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just pile them on a plate—think about serving Honey Glazed Carrots in a pretty shallow bowl with a little extra glaze drizzled over the top. For dinner parties, you can plate individual servings on elegant spoons or toss them onto a platter with roasted root veggies for a colorful medley. Mini cast iron skillets make for rustic presentation with big wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Glazed Carrots (lucky you!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and still taste fantastic with minimal effort.
Freezing
Want to save your Honey Glazed Carrots for a later date? Go right ahead—these hold up well in the freezer! Place the cooled, glazed carrots in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as you can. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
To revive your carrots, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen up the glaze. You can also use the microwave, reheating in short bursts and stirring gently to keep everything nice and glossy. The flavor and texture hold up surprisingly well, so you can serve them with confidence!
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of slicing whole carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots are a wonderful shortcut for Honey Glazed Carrots and save you a little prep time. Just be sure to check the tenderness as they cook, since they may take a minute or two longer depending on thickness.
What can I add for more flavor?
A splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground ginger takes these carrots to the next level. Both additions add depth and a citrusy zing that partners so well with the honey and brown sugar.
Can I make Honey Glazed Carrots vegan?
You can! Simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey if you’d like to avoid animal products. The results are still sweet, glossy, and totally satisfying.
How do I make them less sweet?
Taste as you go and adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to your liking. You can reduce one or both by half, or skip the brown sugar for a milder sweetness—these carrots are incredibly flexible.
Are Honey Glazed Carrots good for holidays?
They’re a holiday classic! The vibrant color and sweet glaze fit right in on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter tables. Plus, you can make them ahead to free up stove space for the main event.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your dinner table, give these Honey Glazed Carrots a try. With their sweet, buttery glaze and hint of warmth, they might just become your new favorite side. Whether for the holidays or any night of the week, this easy recipe is guaranteed to win over everyone at the table!
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Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish that balances the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich, buttery glaze. Perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners, these carrots are sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Place the sliced carrots in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6–8 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Glaze: In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using.
- Glaze Carrots: Add cooked carrots back into the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until glazed and glossy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use baby carrots instead of slicing whole carrots.
- For a deeper flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground ginger.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by varying the amount of honey or sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
