These honey glazed carrots are a sweet and colorful side dish that anyone would love! They’re simple to make and add a lovely shine to your dinner plate.
I can’t get enough of how the honey brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness. Plus, they look so pretty that I often catch myself eating them straight from the serving bowl! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots work perfectly in this recipe for their bite-sized convenience. If they’re not available, you can use regular carrots—just peel and cut them into sticks. I prefer fresh carrots for the best flavor, but frozen also works if you’re in a pinch.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be great substitutes. Both will add a unique flavor that complements the honey.
Honey: Honey is the star here, making the carrots sweet and shiny. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes. They’ll also help achieve that beautiful glaze.
Fresh Thyme: This adds a fragrant touch to the dish. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use about 1/3 the amount. Fresh parsley can also be used for a different flavor and color.
How Do You Get the Carrots Tender and Glazed?
The key to perfectly cooked honey glazed carrots is to properly balance cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat to avoid burning it.
- Add the carrots and stir occasionally, which helps them soften evenly while preventing sticking.
- After five minutes of cooking, drizzle on the honey and toss to coat. The heat will activate the honey’s sweetness.
- Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the carrots are tender and glazed—keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Make sure the glaze is thickening and the carrots are turning a lovely golden hue before taking them off the heat. This step creates that delicious caramelized look and taste!
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled whole carrots cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total—5 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
If you’re using whole carrots, start by peeling them and cutting them into sticks that are all similar in size so they cook evenly. If you have baby carrots, you can just wash them and use them as they are.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, and wait until the butter starts to bubble, signaling that it’s ready for the carrots!
3. Cook the Carrots:
Add the carrots directly to the skillet. Stir them every few minutes for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a little crunch.
4. Add the Honey:
Now it’s time to drizzle the honey over the softened carrots. Gently toss the carrots in the skillet to ensure they are coated in honey. This will sweeten them up beautifully!
5. Finish Cooking:
Keep cooking the carrots for another 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know they’re done when they are tender, shiny, and a bit caramelized—this is where the magic happens!
6. Season and Garnish:
Sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you fancy a little more flavor, stir in the fresh thyme leaves. Remove the skillet from the heat, and get ready to serve!
7. Serve Them Up:
Transfer the honey glazed carrots to a serving platter. For a nice touch, you can garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprigs. Serve them warm and enjoy!
These honey glazed carrots make a perfect side dish that’ll bring a touch of sweetness to your meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are convenient, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks to ensure they cook evenly. You can also use colorful carrots for a more vibrant dish!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar will work nicely. Both alternatives will provide a sweet glaze, but they will impart a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to refresh them.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have delicious, sweet glazed carrots!
