Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

This honey glazed baby carrot recipe transforms an ordinary vegetable into a caramelized treat that even the pickiest eaters will devour. The natural sweetness of the carrots combines with honey and brown sugar to create a glossy, irresistible side dish that complements any main course.

I first made these glazed carrots for a Thanksgiving dinner when I was short on time, and they've become my go to side dish ever since. The smell of herbs and caramelizing honey always brings my family running to the kitchen before dinner is even announced.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Creates the base for our glaze and adds richness without overwhelming saltiness
• Baby carrots: Save prep time since they come already peeled and trimmed
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates that beautiful glaze we're looking for
• Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with its molasses notes and helps caramelize the carrots
• Fresh dill: Brightens everything with its distinctive flavor that pairs surprisingly well with sweet carrots
• Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy aromatic quality that balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Skillet:

Melt your butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly but doesn't brown. A cast iron retains heat beautifully which helps cook the carrots evenly.

Add The Flavoring Ingredients:

Add the baby carrots, honey, brown sugar, dill and thyme to the melted butter. Gently toss all ingredients together ensuring each carrot gets coated in the developing glaze. This initial coating helps the flavors begin to penetrate.

Caramelize The Carrots:

Cook the carrots for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Watch as the glaze thickens and coats the carrots. They should become tender when pierced with a fork but still maintain their shape. Thicker carrots may need a few extra minutes.

Serve Immediately:

Transfer to a serving dish while still hot. The glaze will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Make sure to scrape all the delicious glaze from the pan.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the herbs transform what could be an overly sweet dish into something sophisticated. My daughter who previously claimed to hate carrots now requests these weekly, calling them candy carrots.

Storage Tips

These glazed carrots keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and intensify overnight making them perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a small splash of water to revitalize the glaze and warm them gently in a covered pan over medium low heat until heated through.

Make It Your Own

While baby carrots are convenient, you can absolutely use regular carrots cut into sticks or coins. Rainbow carrots create a stunning presentation especially for holiday meals. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs will work in a pinch just use one third the amount as they're more potent. For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of orange juice and some zest to the glaze.

Pairing Suggestions

These sweet glazed carrots pair perfectly with savory main dishes like roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon. The sweetness complements and balances smoky or herb forward proteins. For a complete meal, serve alongside wild rice or mashed potatoes to soak up any extra glaze. During the holidays, these make a beautiful addition to your feast with their vibrant color and accessible flavor profile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Cook the glaze on medium heat and stir occasionally to ensure it coats the carrots evenly without sticking to the skillet.

→ Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, simply slice regular carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking.

→ Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried ones?

Yes, you can use dried dill and thyme, but reduce the quantity to about one-third for the same flavor impact.

→ How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the carrots and glaze ahead, then reheat gently on the stove before serving.