These honey glazed carrots are a sweet and yummy side dish that’s hard to resist! The carrots become tender and a bit caramelized, bringing a lovely shine to your plate.
Honestly, who knew veggies could taste this good? I love serving them with dinner, and sometimes I sneak a few as a snack. It’s like candy but way better for you! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for this dish as they cook evenly and look great on the plate. If you can’t find baby carrots, regular carrots work too! Just peel and cut them into sticks for similar results.
Butter: This adds richness to the glaze. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead. Both will give a nice flavor, though the texture may differ slightly.
Honey: Honey is the star here, providing sweetness and that beautiful glaze. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave syrup can be excellent substitutes that still bring the sweetness you want.
Fresh Herbs: I like to use parsley for freshness, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or chives. They add a nice pop of flavor and color to your dish.
How Do I Get My Carrots Perfectly Glazed?
The secret to achieving that shiny, sweet glaze is all in the cooking process. Start by sautéing the carrots gently in butter until they begin to soften. This step allows them to absorb the butter’s flavor before adding honey.
- Cook on medium heat for an even caramelizing effect.
- Once you add honey, keep stirring to coat the carrots evenly.
- Let them cook a bit longer while watching closely to avoid burning the glaze.
This technique gives the carrots a lovely, shiny finish that’s simply irresistible!
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled regular carrots cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy side that makes any meal feel special without requiring a lot of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Start by rinsing your carrots under cold water. If you’re using regular carrots, peel them first and cut them into sticks or rounds. You want them to be about the same size for even cooking. Once ready, trim off the ends, and you’re good to go!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, place your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt until it’s bubbly but not browned. This will create a rich base for our glazed carrots.
3. Sauté the Carrots:
Carefully add the carrots to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, giving them a stir every now and then. You want them to start getting a little tender but still have a bit of crunch!
4. Add Honey and Seasoning:
Now it’s time to sweeten things up! Drizzle the honey over the carrots and sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. This combination will help draw out the natural sweetness of the carrots and create that delicious glaze.
5. Coat the Carrots:
Give everything a good stir to make sure the carrots are well-coated in the honey butter mixture. This is where the magic happens!
6. Continue Cooking:
Keep cooking the carrots for another 7-10 minutes, stirring often. You want them to become tender and begin caramelizing a little. The longer they cook, the more flavorful and glazed they will become.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and optional herbs over the glazed carrots for a pop of color and flavor just before serving. It’s like a little finishing touch that makes them extra pretty!
8. Plate and Enjoy:
Transfer the beautiful honey glazed carrots to a serving platter, spooning any leftover glaze from the pan on top for extra goodness. Serve them warm, and watch everyone enjoy this sweet and glossy side dish!
Good luck! I hope you love these honey glazed carrots as much as I do!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just be sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can quickly thaw them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes before cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No honey? No problem! You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option. Both will provide a lovely sweetness similar to honey!
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat for the best texture.
Can I Make These Carrots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the carrots up to the point of adding the glaze and then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just finish cooking them with the honey mixture for fresh, warm flavor!
