These honey glazed carrots are sweet, tender, and super easy to make! The honey adds a delightful sticky finish, making them a perfect side dish for any meal.
I love how they shine like little jewels on the plate! Plus, I can sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Who can resist those sweet bites? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: I recommend using baby carrots for tenderness and sweetness, but regular carrots work just as well. Just cut them into sticks for even cooking. If you want a little crunch, try using rainbow carrots for a colorful twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level, but if you’re dairy-free, you can swap in coconut oil or a vegan butter. Both will add a nice richness to the glaze.
Honey: If you need a vegan option, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. These alternatives will provide that sweet flavor without using honey.
Parsley: Fresh parsley is great for a pop of color and flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can skip it or even use fresh mint for a different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Carrots Are Perfectly Tender?
Getting your carrots just right is key to this recipe. Here’s how to achieve tender carrots without losing their crunch:
- Start with boiling them just until tender, around 5-7 minutes. You want them lightly cooked but not mushy.
- Once boiled, drain them well to remove excess moisture. This helps the glaze stick better.
- Toss them gently in the honey butter glaze to ensure they’re evenly coated. Cooking them a few extra minutes in the glaze helps them absorb flavor.
And if you’re looking for a bit of zing, try adding lemon juice after glazing for a fresh kick! Enjoy serving these yummy carrots as a side dish. They’ll be a hit!
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb (about 450g) baby carrots or peeled regular carrots cut into sticks
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total, with 5-7 minutes of prep time to cook the carrots and an additional 5-8 minutes to make the glaze and combine the ingredients. Quick and simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Carrots:
Begin by placing the carrots in a medium saucepan. Cover them with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until they’re just tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step ensures your carrots will be nice and tender.
2. Melt the Butter:
In the same saucepan (or you can use a large skillet), melt the butter over medium heat. Watching it carefully will help you avoid burning, and it will start to smell wonderful!
3. Add the Honey and Seasoning:
Once the butter is melted, add the honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This sweet and savory mixture will create a delicious glaze for the carrots!
4. Combine with Carrots:
Now, toss the drained carrots into the honey butter glaze. Stir gently to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and the glaze has thickened slightly, making them shine!
5. Add Lemon Juice (Optional):
If you’d like, stir in the lemon juice at this stage for a nice bright contrast to the sweetness of the honey. It can really elevate the flavors!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your beautifully glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it on top for a fresh garnish. Serve these delicious carrots warm as a sweet and savory side dish with any meal.
Enjoy your homemade honey glazed carrots—perfectly tender, sweet, and so tasty!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are convenient, you can use regular carrots cut into sticks or even colorful varieties like purple or yellow carrots for a fun twist. Just make sure they’re cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. The flavors will still be deliciously sweet!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover honey glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some minced garlic or ginger for added flavor. You could also sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots!