Easy & Delicious Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe – Perfect Side Dish
The Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that adds a touch of natural sweetness to your meal. This recipe combines tender carrots with a rich honey glaze, enhanced by butter and a hint of seasoning to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these glazed carrots are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are packed with vitamins, making them a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.
Nutrition & Instructions
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 150
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup water (for steaming, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. You can cut them into rounds or thin sticks depending on preference.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt until slightly foamy.
- Cook the Carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Steam for Tenderness (Optional): If the carrots are not yet tender, add 1/4 cup of water, cover the skillet with a lid, and let them steam for another 5 minutes until fork-tender.
- Add the Honey: Once the carrots are tender, pour in 3 tablespoons of honey and stir well to coat them evenly.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and garlic powder if using. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to caramelize slightly.
- Final Touch: Once the carrots have a glossy, golden appearance, remove them from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh contrast.
- Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm as a perfect side dish to complement your meal.
Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Carrots
- Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh, whole carrots have better texture and sweetness than pre-cut baby carrots.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or balance it with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Enhance the Flavor: A touch of orange zest or a dash of nutmeg can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Make it Vegan: Swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Roasting Option: Instead of pan-cooking, roast the carrots at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, tossing with melted butter and honey before baking.
Serving Suggestions
The Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe pairs wonderfully with various dishes, such as:
- Roast Chicken – The natural sweetness complements savory poultry.
- Grilled Salmon – Adds a caramelized touch to balance the richness of fish.
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic comfort food duo.
- Holiday Feasts – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
The Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe is a simple yet elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a delicious honey-butter glaze. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, these carrots add warmth, flavor, and color to any plate. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a perfectly sweet and savory side dish!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.