Hi, I’m Hannah! Carrots often get the short end of the stick at dinner time. We steam them until they are mushy or serve them raw and boring. But when you cook them properly in a glaze, they transform into something that tastes almost like candy. Consequently, these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots have become my secret weapon for getting kids (and picky adults) to eat their veggies. The magic happens right in the skillet: the carrots simmer in a mixture of honey and butter until tender, and then the liquid reduces down into a sticky, glossy sauce that coats every piece. Furthermore, this entire recipe happens on the stove, leaving your oven free for the main course. It is the ‘good habit’ of making vegetables the most exciting part of the plate.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Glazed Carrots
- Stovetop Only: First of all, this recipe saves valuable oven space. This is a lifesaver during Thanksgiving or Christmas when the turkey and casserole are fighting for rack space.
- Ready in 15 Minutes: Additionally, they cook incredibly fast. You can start them while your steak or chicken is resting and have them ready by the time you set the table.
- Kid-Friendly: Moreover, the natural sweetness of the carrots combined with the honey glaze makes this a veggie side dish that kids actually ask for.
- Minimal Ingredients: Finally, you likely have carrots, honey, and butter in your kitchen right now. No fancy grocery run required.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples to create a rich flavor profile.
- Carrots: To start, I prefer using whole carrots that I peel and chop myself. They have a sweeter, earthier flavor than bagged baby carrots. However, baby carrots work too if you are short on time.
- Honey: Next, this is the key to the sticky glaze. It highlights the natural sugars in the vegetable. You can substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Butter: In addition, butter adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce that oil just can’t replicate. If you need to be dairy-free, use a high-quality vegan butter.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic balances the sweetness so the dish doesn’t taste like dessert.
- Fresh Thyme: Furthermore, herbs add a pop of color and freshness. Parsley or rosemary also work beautifully.
- Water: We use water to steam the carrots initially so they become tender before the glaze thickens.
How to Make Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
The technique here is “steam then glaze.” The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Carrots: First, wash and peel your carrots. Slice them into diagonal coins about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Next, place the carrots in a large skillet. Add the water, honey, butter, garlic, and salt. You don’t need to melt the butter first; just throw it all in.
- Simmer: Then, bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium. Let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots are fork-tender.
- Reduce the Glaze: After that, remove the lid. Increase the heat back to medium-high. Let the remaining water bubble away.
- Caramelize: Subsequently, as the water evaporates, the butter and honey will remain. Toss the carrots constantly for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats them in a glossy, golden glaze.
- Serve: Finally, remove from heat and toss with fresh thyme. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Glazed Carrots
- Cut Uniformly: Most importantly, if you have some thick chunks and some thin slices, the thin ones will turn to mush before the thick ones are cooked. Take a moment to slice them evenly.
- Don’t Walk Away: Specifically, during the last step when the water evaporates, the sugar in the honey can burn quickly. Keep tossing the carrots until they are shiny and glazed, then take them off the heat immediately.
- Add a Kick: For instance, if you like a sweet and spicy combo, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Use a Wide Pan: A wide skillet allows the water to evaporate faster than a deep pot, which prevents the carrots from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use baby carrots? Yes. You don’t need to slice them, but they might take a few minutes longer to become tender since they are thicker.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes. Simply swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and swap the honey for maple syrup.
- Can I make them ahead? These are best served fresh, but you can reheat them in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
More Healthy Side Dishes
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic & Honey
- Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes (Baked & Healthy)
- Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbs and Feta
Build Your Healthiest Habit
End the “what’s for dinner?” stress. Get my free guide with 5 Healthy Dinners in Under 30 Minutes, plus simple weekly recipes to help you feel good, consistently.
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots! These tender carrots are cooked in one pan with honey, butter, and garlic. A fast, kid-friendly side dish ready in 15 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid
- Knife and Peeler
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 tbsp butter or vegan butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Combine: First, place the sliced carrots, butter, honey, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large skillet.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until carrots are nearly tender.
- Reduce: Remove the lid. Turn the heat back up to medium-high. Let the liquid boil rapidly.
- Glaze: Cook for another 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the water has evaporated and the carrots are coated in a thick, glossy syrup.
- Serve: Remove from heat immediately. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
Pingback: Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan (Crispy Recipe) - The Good Habit