Sweet and colorful, these honey glazed carrots are a joy to eat! Tossed in honey and a bit of butter, they turn tender and juicy, making them a perfect side dish.
They add a pop of color to any meal, and I love how easy they are to whip up. Just toss them in a pan, glaze, and watch the magic happen—yummy and fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, making them perfect for this dish. However, if you can’t find them, use regular carrots cut into sticks. Just make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking!
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter here to control the saltiness. If needed, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a different flavor or vegan option.
Honey: Local honey is my go-to for this recipe, as it adds a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for substitutes, agave syrup or maple syrup can also work well, keeping the sweetness without altering the taste too much.
Dried Thyme: While thyme adds great depth, you can easily swap it with other dried herbs like rosemary or omit them entirely for a simple flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Carrots for Perfect Glaze?
Cooking your carrots just right is key to achieving that delicious glaze. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with medium heat to melt the butter slowly without browning it. This helps your carrots cook evenly.
- Once you sauté the carrots for a few minutes, drizzling honey too early can lead to burning. Wait until they start to soften.
- Stir frequently while adding honey; this ensures a nice, even glaze.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time—8 to 10 minutes should make them tender but not mushy. Check with a fork for doneness!
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley! It brightens up the dish and adds a fresh taste to your sweet, glazed carrots.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled whole carrots cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or a pinch of dried herbs (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious side dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have tender, sweet carrots ready to brighten up your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown!
2. Sauté the Carrots:
Once the butter is melted, add the baby carrots to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly.
3. Add the Honey:
Now, drizzle the honey over the carrots. Stir gently to ensure that each carrot gets evenly coated in that sweet goodness!
4. Season it Up:
Next, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and optional dried thyme. Mix everything together so the flavors combine well.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Continue to cook the carrots while stirring frequently for another 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be tender and nicely glazed. The butter and honey should create a lovely, thick coating on the carrots.
6. Serve it Up:
Once the carrots are ready, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top your beautiful dish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
These honey glazed carrots are sure to be a hit at any table!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet. This will help avoid excess moisture, which may prevent the honey glaze from sticking properly.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer less sweetness, simply reduce the amount of honey you use. You can start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste. Alternatively, consider substituting with a little less honey and adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy flavor without as much sweetness.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist while warming up.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrots and glaze them a few hours in advance. Simply cover them and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently in a skillet until warmed through, adding a touch more honey if needed!
