BEST HONEY GLAZED CARROTS EVER

Tired of bland, boring carrots? Imagine tender, perfectly cooked carrots glistening with a sweet and savory honey glaze, each bite a delightful explosion of flavor and texture. This recipe for Honey Glazed Carrots will transform the humble carrot into a star side dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Carrots:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into even rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Uniform slices will ensure even cooking.
2. Gather Your Glaze Ingredients: Measure out the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Having everything ready to go makes the process smoother.

Cooking the Carrots:

3. Sauté the Carrots: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook Until Tender-Crisp: Sauté the carrots for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned. You want them to have a little bite left to them – nobody likes mushy carrots!
5. Perfecting the Sauté: If your carrots start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water and cover the pan for a minute or two to steam them slightly. This helps them cook through without burning.

Making the Honey Glaze:

6. Add the Glaze: Pour the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the carrots.
7. Glaze and Simmer: Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the carrots are beautifully glossy.
8. Watch the Glaze: Keep a close eye on the glaze as it simmers. You want it to thicken and coat the carrots, but you don’t want it to burn. If it starts to look too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.

Serving:

9. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Honey Glazed Carrots immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
10. Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the BEST Honey Glazed Carrots

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your Honey Glazed Carrots turn out perfectly every time:

• Choose the Right Carrots: Look for carrots that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored. Avoid carrots that are limp, cracked, or have green spots.
• Cut Uniformly: Slicing the carrots into even rounds ensures that they cook evenly. If some slices are thicker than others, they may not cook through properly.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked carrots are mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, meaning they are cooked through but still have a little bite to them.
• Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: The honey glaze is easy to customize to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add more lemon juice.
• Add a Pinch of Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the glaze that complements the sweetness of the honey.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try:

• Ginger-Honey Glazed Carrots: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Maple-Honey Glazed Carrots: Substitute half of the honey with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor. This is similar to Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots.
• Herb-Infused Honey Glazed Carrots: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the skillet while the carrots are cooking. The herbs will infuse the carrots with their flavor.
• Balsamic-Honey Glazed Carrots: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Glazed Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory flavors of roasted poultry.
• Pork Tenderloin: Honey Glazed Carrots are a delicious accompaniment to pork tenderloin.
• Salmon: The sweetness of the carrots balances the richness of salmon.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Honey Glazed Carrots are a great addition to vegetarian meals, such as lentil soup or roasted vegetables. Consider serving them alongside Brown Sugar Butternut Squash for a colorful and flavorful vegetarian feast.
• Holiday Meals: These are always a hit alongside classics like Sweet Potato Casserole or even Sweet Potato Casserole.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to get a head start on your meal prep? You can easily make these Honey Glazed Carrots ahead of time.

1. Cook the Carrots: Follow the recipe instructions to cook the carrots and make the honey glaze.
2. Cool and Store: Let the carrots cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the carrots in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon of water to the skillet to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Honey Glazed Carrots:

• Can I use baby carrots? Yes, you can use baby carrots. However, they may cook faster than sliced carrots, so keep a close eye on them.
• Can I use frozen carrots? I don’t recommend using frozen carrots for this recipe. They tend to be waterlogged and won’t brown as nicely.
• Can I use a different type of sweetener? Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
• Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter or olive oil and substituting maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey. You can find inspiration from recipes like Honey Glazed Veggies, just adapt it!
• How do I prevent the carrots from sticking to the pan? Use a non-stick skillet or add a little extra butter or olive oil to the pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know there are tons of carrot recipes out there, but trust me, this one is special. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love these Honey Glazed Carrots:

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and only a few simple steps.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and bright lemon juice creates a flavor that is irresistible.
• Versatile: Honey Glazed Carrots are a great side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these sweet and flavorful carrots.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy glaze and vibrant color make these carrots look as good as they taste.

Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a way to elevate your holiday meal, these Honey Glazed Carrots are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy the best carrots you’ve ever tasted!

Best Honey Glazed Carrots Ever

Transform ordinary carrots into a delectable side dish with this recipe for Honey Glazed Carrots. Tender carrots are sautéed and then coated in a sweet and tangy honey glaze, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Vegetable peeler
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Large Skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into even rounds (about 1/4 inch thick).
2. Measure out the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the sliced carrots, salt, and pepper.
5. Sauté the carrots for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned.
6. If carrots start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and cover the pan for a minute or two to steam them slightly.
7. Pour the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the carrots.
8. Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze.
9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the carrots are glossy.
10. Remove from heat and serve the Honey Glazed Carrots immediately.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

Notes

For best results, choose firm, smooth, and brightly colored carrots. Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking. Adjust the glaze to your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for tanginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. For variations, try adding grated ginger, maple syrup, fresh rosemary, balsamic vinegar, or cayenne pepper.