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Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots

A quick and simple recipe for tender, sweet Honey Glazed Carrots coated in a luscious honey butter glaze. This vibrant side dish highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with a glossy finish, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut into rounds or sticks
  • 2 tbsp pure honey
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp orange zest and a squeeze of orange juice (for brightening flavor)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon or ginger (for a spiced variation)
  • 2 tbsp toasted almonds or pecans (for crunchy topping)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil (for vegan version, replacing butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the carrots: Start by peeling the carrots carefully and cutting them into evenly sized pieces—either rounds or sticks—to ensure uniform cooking and an attractive presentation.
  2. Cook the carrots: Place the carrot pieces in boiling salted water and cook until just tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery glaze later.
  3. Make the honey glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the mixture warm and combine until smooth and slightly bubbly.
  4. Glaze the carrots: Add the drained carrots to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the luscious honey butter glaze, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes so the carrots absorb the flavors and develop a shiny finish.
  5. Finish and serve: If using fresh herbs, sprinkle them on top just before serving for a bright, fresh note that complements the sweetness.

Notes

  • Choose uniform carrot sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout.
  • Don’t overcook—keep the carrots tender yet firm to retain their natural bite and avoid mushiness.
  • Use high-quality, raw honey to elevate flavor complexity and achieve a beautiful shine.
  • Stir gently during glazing to prevent breaking the carrots and preserve their shape and appearance.
  • Finish with fresh thyme or parsley to add a burst of color and subtle freshness enhancing the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed carrots, sweet glazed carrots, easy carrot side dish, honey butter carrots, healthy side dish, holiday side dish, vegan option carrots