Description
Honey Glazed Carrots offer a deliciously sweet and buttery side dish, featuring tender carrots coated in a luscious honey-butter glaze and baked to caramelized perfection. Enhanced with a hint of fresh herbs and seasoning, this recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy carrots.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 pound Carrots (Medium-sized, vibrant orange carrots for best flavor and texture.)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons Honey (Use high-quality honey for the best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Enriches the glaze and helps honey adhere to the carrots.)
Seasoning
- 1 pinch Salt (Helps balance the sweetness of the honey.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground, to taste.)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Herbs (Chopped thyme or parsley for added flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots, then slice them into even pieces about 1-2 inches long for uniform cooking.
- Melt Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine honey and unsalted butter. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until melted, then stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the honey-butter mixture and toss to coat them evenly, ensuring each piece is covered with glaze.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Carrots: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow even roasting.
- Season: Sprinkle the carrots with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add chopped fresh herbs if desired and toss gently to distribute the seasonings.
- Bake: Bake the carrots for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure they become tender and caramelized on all sides.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, medium-sized carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Microwaving the honey and butter helps create a smooth glaze that adheres well to the carrots.
- Stirring halfway through baking ensures even caramelization and prevents burning.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a bright, fresh flavor but are optional.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
