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Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe​

Honey Glazed Carrots

A simple, buttery side dish that suits weeknight dinners as much as it does holiday meals or any time you are looking for a way to make plain carrots more interesting. That glossy nature of the carrots on my plate was from good old honey balanced with butter, salt, and pepper.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Essential Ingredients:
  • 1 lb carrots whole or baby carrots
  • 3 tbsp honey raw or clover honey recommended
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
  • 1 clove garlic minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 –2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Fresh herbs: thyme rosemary, or parsley
  • Zest of 1 orange

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Saucepan (optional for steaming or boiling)
  • Baking sheet (for oven-roasted variation)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel carrots if desired. Cut whole carrots into 1/2-inch slices; baby carrots can be used whole.
  2. Cook the Carrots: Boil or steam carrots until slightly tender, about 5–7 minutes. Do not overcook—they should still have a slight bite.
  3. Make the Honey Glaze: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, salt, pepper, and any optional spices or herbs. Heat until smooth and combined.
  4. Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them in the honey-butter mixture until fully coated.
  5. Caramelize: Simmer for 3–5 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently, until carrots are glossy and slightly caramelized.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs or citrus zest on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • Variations: Add maple syrup, orange zest, garlic, cinnamon, or nuts for unique flavors.
  • Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
  • Cooking Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even glazing and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe​

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):

Calories: 145 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 19080 IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used in this honey glazed carrots recipe.