Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Add Preferred SourceHoney Glazed Carrots are one of those dishes that just make everything better. They’re sweet, buttery, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you don’t whip them up more often. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these carrots add a little extra something to any meal without any fuss.
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20 minutes and 5 ingredients is all it takes to make these crave-worthy honey glazed carrots! They are such a crowd-pleaser; kids and adults alike love them. You can make them ahead, which makes them a perfect side dish for the holidays, Sunday dinners, and potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
These glazed carrots are super easy to make; you just need to follow my simple instructions.
Prepare the Carrots
Start by peeling the carrots and slicing them into ½-inch thick rounds. This size will ensure that they cook evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully.
Cook the Carrots
In a large saucepan, add the sliced carrots to water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, just until they’re fork-tender but still slightly firm.
This texture is key to avoiding overly soft carrots in the final dish.
Drain and Glaze
Once the carrots are cooked, drain any excess water from the pan. Now, add the honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), butter, brown sugar, and salt.
Stir everything together until the carrots are thoroughly coated with the glaze.
Finish Cooking
Continue to cook the carrots for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the glaze will thicken and create a delicious syrupy coating over the carrots.
Keep an eye on the pan to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn, but allow it to reach a rich consistency.
Serve
Once the carrots are beautifully glazed, remove the pan from the heat. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve the glazed carrots warm as a tasty side dish.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure you make the perfect carrots for you.
- Carrot Thickness: Slicing the carrots evenly ensures they cook at the same rate. Thicker slices may need a little longer to cook, while thinner ones could become too soft.
- Honey vs. Maple Syrup: Both honey and maple syrup add sweetness, but maple syrup gives a slightly deeper, earthy flavor. Choose based on your preference.
- Avoid Burning: Keep the heat at medium while glazing the carrots to avoid burning the sugar in the glaze.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out slightly. This will help it coat the carrots evenly.
- Add Spices: For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make It Savory: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy balance.
How to Store Leftover Honey Glazed Carrots
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Want to save them for later? You can absolutely freeze these glazed carrots! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm them gently in a pan over low heat or zap them in the microwave until they’re heated through.
While freezing might make the carrots a bit softer, they’ll still have all that sweet, buttery flavor you love.
What to Serve With Honey Glazed Carrots
These sweet and savory glazed carrots are the perfect side dish for just about any meal. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork—think of them as a perfect complement to your Sunday roast or holiday spread.
They also work wonderfully with rich, hearty dishes like meatloaf or pot roast, adding a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
For a lighter option, try serving them alongside grilled fish or a simple baked chicken breast. They also make a great addition to a vegetarian meal, like quinoa-stuffed bell peppers or a creamy risotto. Their bright, sweet flavor can really round out the meal and make it feel complete.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
Looking for more easy recipes? Try some of my favorites.
- Spatchcock Turkey
- Million Dollar Casserole
- Turkey Casserole
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds carrots peeled and cut into ½ inch thick slices
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey or Maple Syrup
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add carrots to water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the carrots are fork-tender but still have some bite.1 ½ pounds carrots
- Drain any excess water from the pan. Add the honey, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to coat the carrots.1 ½ tablespoons honey or Maple Syrup, ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cook for 4-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are glazed and a syrupy sauce has formed.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with optional fresh parsley. Serve the honey glazed carrots warm as a sweet and delicious side dish.
Notes
- Carrot Thickness: Slicing the carrots evenly ensures they cook at the same rate. Thicker slices may need a little longer to cook, while thinner ones could become too soft.
- Honey vs. Maple Syrup: Both honey and maple syrup add sweetness, but maple syrup gives a slightly deeper, earthy flavor. Choose based on your preference.
- Avoid Burning: Keep the heat at medium while glazing the carrots to avoid burning the sugar in the glaze.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out slightly. This will help it coat the carrots evenly.
- Add Spices: For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make It Savory: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar slightly and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy balance.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
This is silly! how else do you make Glazed carrots? They are always easy.
Not everyone is at the same level, some are beginners and some are seasoned pros, I prefer not to call people silly for needing a recipe like this, as we all start from somewhere. I am pleased to hear that you are an accomplished cook though, that’s great. Happy cooking!
I literally searched to find a recipe for Glazed Carrots, as I’ve never made them. And I’m 42 years old. So… we might be anomalies for needing a silly recipe, but we’re out there! LOL
Yes! So many people search for this recipe, so I am glad it helped you 🙂