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About This Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy side dish that feels a little special, try these Honey Glazed Carrots. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but also feel elegant enough for a holiday meal.
The honey and brown sugar caramelize into a rich glaze to cover the tender carrots, bringing out their natural sweetness, and the pop of fresh herbs really rounds out the dish.
Serve these tasty carrots with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, steak, or really any main entree! They’ll add the perfect amount of color, flavor, and natural sweetness to your plate.
For more healthy side dish recipes, try my Maple Ginger Glazed Carrots, Easy Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots, or Air Fried Caesar Brussels Sprouts.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Glazed Carrots
- Quick and easy: Easy to make and ready in under 25 minutes.
- Family-friendly: These carrots are kid-friendly but flavorful enough for adults.
- Simple but elegant: Works for everyday meals or holiday gatherings.
- Few ingredients required: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile: Serve these carrots with chicken, salmon, or beef, or any meal that you love!
- Carrots: I used regular orange carrots, but rainbow carrots or baby carrots also work. Just adjust cooking time depending on thickness.
- Butter: You can also use olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Brown sugar: Adds additional sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze. You can also use your favorite brown sugar alternative like Swerve, Truvia, or monk fruit.
- Honey: The star of the show! You could use maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, dill, or thyme, chopped small.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Peel carrots and slice off the ends. Slice the carrots at a diagonal into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, salt, and pepper; stir to coat, then cook, stirring occasionally until carrots start to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the water and brown sugar.
4. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and carrots are tender, about another 8-9 minutes. To give carrots a little char, leave them undisturbed a little longer before stirring.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the honey.
6. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with herbs if desired, and enjoy!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing these carrots, as the glaze won’t hold up well once thawed.
Helpful Tips
🔪Cut evenly: Try to cut the carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate.
✨Don’t rush the glaze: Letting the liquid reduce is what makes it glossy and flavorful.
⏱️Adjust cooking time: If your carrots are thicker, give them a couple of extra minutes to soften before adding the sugar and water.
Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook them up to 2 days ahead, then reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra honey.
Do I have to peel the carrots?
You don’t have to. If you prefer to leave the skin on, make sure to scrub the carrots well before cooking.
Can I roast these instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely. Toss carrots with butter, honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and roasted to your liking.
More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
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Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb. carrots peeled & trimmed
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water (120g)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar (24g)
- 1 Tbsp honey (21g)
- Chives, parsley or other herb chopped fine, optional for garnish
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Instructions
- Peel carrots and slice off the ends. Slice the carrots at a diagonal into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, salt and pepper; stir to coat then cook, stirring occasionally until carrots start to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the water and brown sugar. Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced and carrots are tender, about another 8-9 minutes. To give carrots a little char, leave undisturbed a little longer before stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the honey. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
