Honey Glazed Carrots

Looking for a quick and easy side dish to serve with your meal this holiday season? Try these honey-glazed carrots!

In just 12 minutes, you can turn ordinary carrots into a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.

This recipe is simple, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet the result is a tasty, savory-sweet addition to any table. Perfect for busy cooks, it's an effortless way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to your festive spread.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner home chef, this is one recipe that will yield delicious results time after time. So strap on your aprons and get ready to learn all about these easy glazed carrots.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

The reason that this glazed carrots recipe works so well is that it's a delicious side dish to serve with any feast, it's a quick and easy dish to prepare, and it's versatile enough to make your own.

Loaded with honey, garlic, and fresh herbs, these carrots are full of flavor and make a delicious side dish for any meal. The caramelization that takes place with these carrots adds a touch of sweetness to the plate without being overpowering.

Additionally, you are going to love this honey-glazed carrot recipe because of how quick and easy it is to prepare. Using some pretty basic kitchen staples that most of us have on hand, you can prepare this tasty side dish with little to no effort. Just 15 minutes is all it takes to whip up this delicious and nutritious side dish.

Plus, this honey glazed carrots recipe is so versatile that you can take it and make it your very own. Swap the honey for a vegan alternative, or add some paprika and cayenne pepper to the mix for an added kick. This simplistic recipe is so easy to alter that you'll be able to appeal to any taste preferences or dietary needs required.

Ingredients

Water:

While some form of liquid is needed to help cook the carrots, you don't necessarily have to use water. You can choose to cook your carrots in broth or stock for some added flavor.

Carrots:

Start with fresh, crisp carrots for this honey-glazed carrots recipe. Look for rainbow carrots that are brightly colored, firm, and free from any soft spots. You can peel them if you like; however, a good washing to remove any dirt and debris should allow you to cook the carrots whole without having to peel them. If you are unable to find carrots that are small enough to cook whole, just cut your carrots up into smaller sticks and cook them that way, or you can use baby carrots. If you choose to go in that direction, just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Honey:

Choose a high-quality honey for the glaze. Try to use a local, raw honey if you have access to it. The flavor of the honey will play a significant role in the final taste of the dish and raw honey has a much better flavor to your dish than processed honey will. You can adjust the sweetness of the honey glaze to your liking. If you would like to make the dish vegan, you can always substitute the honey with some agave syrup, brown sugar, or maple syrup to balance the flavors and add depth to the glaze.

Lemon Juice:

The acidity of the lemon juice helps to cut the sweetness enough to not overpower the dish. You can also use some of the lemon zest to add more of a lemony flavor to your carrots.

Seasonings:

While this recipe only makes use of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme, there are a variety of other seasoning that can be used to enhance the flavors of this recipe. Paprika, ginger, nutmeg, cumin, cayenne pepper, grainy mustard, citrus zest, and fresh herbs can all be used to boost the flavor profile of your creation.

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots

Step One: 

Add the water to a pan over medium-high heat.

Step Two: 

Once the water is heated, add your carrots, butter, honey, lemon juice, salt, thyme, and garlic powder. Toss to coat.

Step Three: 

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook until the carrots are softened - approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step Four:

Top with fresh cilantro, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• If you're working with large or dense carrots, consider blanching or parboiling them briefly before glazing. This can help speed up the cooking process and ensure the carrots are tender.
• When cooking the carrots, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures the carrots have enough space to caramelize and develop a nice glaze. 
• To add a finishing touch, consider garnishing the carrots with chopped fresh herbs or toasted nuts. This enhances the visual appeal and adds extra flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots make a delightful side dish that pairs harmoniously with a variety of main courses. Their sweet and savory profile complements roasted or grilled proteins such as chicken, pork, or lamb. For a vegetarian option, consider serving them alongside quinoa or couscous. The vibrant colors and flavors of these carrots also make them a fantastic addition to holiday feasts, adding a touch of sweetness to the table.

If you need more ideas, check out what to to serve with roasted carrots for 16 delicious side dishes.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the carrots?

This is entirely based on personal preference. If you wash the carrots well enough, you can leave the peels on. This adds a boost of nutrition to the dish, plus it gives them a rustic element that is aesthetically pleasing.

Can I make these honey glazed carrots ahead of time?

While they are best served fresh, these carrots can be made ahead and reheated when you are ready to eat them. However, this will alter the taste and texture of the dish. We recommend undercooking your carrots slightly if you are going to make them ahead of time. Then the carrots won't be so soft when you reheat and serve them.

Can I cook glazed carrots in the oven?

Yes, you can cook them the oven. Toss sliced carrots in honey glaze, spread evenly on a baking sheet, and roast at 400F for about 20-25 minutes or until tender. Stir occasionally for even coating. Oven cooking imparts a delicious caramelization to thecarrots.

How long can leftover carrots be kept fresh?

Leftover honey glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain freshness, ensure they are promptly cooled before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a touch of water if needed, to preserve their texture and flavor. We don't recommend freezing this dish as it will greatly diminish the taste and texture.

More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

It can be difficult to always come up with new and delicious side dishes to serve with your meals. Luckily, we've got you covered with some excellent veggie side dish recipes to inspire you in the kitchen.

Caramelized Carrots

Air Fryer Carrots And Potatoes

Sauteed Mushrooms

Baked Zucchini Slices

Boiled Radishes