Sweet Buttery Glazed Carrots

This timeless glazed carrot recipe transforms an everyday vegetable into a sweet and savory side dish that even vegetable skeptics will devour. The natural sweetness of carrots gets amplified with a buttery honey glaze that creates the perfect balance of flavors.

I first made these glazed carrots for a holiday dinner when I needed a quick side dish, and they've become a staple at our family gatherings ever since. Even my nephew who claims to hate vegetables asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• Carrots: Choose bright orange, firm carrots without cracks for the freshest flavor
• Butter: Unsalted works best so you can control the seasoning level yourself
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates that beautiful glaze
• Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes and helps create the perfect coating
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness in the carrots

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the carrots:

Peel your carrots and slice them into even pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Uniform sizing ensures they cook evenly and look beautiful on the plate. I prefer slicing them on a diagonal for more surface area to catch the glaze.

Boil until tender:

Cook the carrot slices in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes until they are fork tender but still have a slight firmness. You want them cooked through but not mushy as they will continue cooking in the glaze.

Create the glaze:

In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter completely until it begins to foam slightly. Add the honey and brown sugar stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles gently and becomes smooth and glossy. This should take about 1 minute.

Glaze the carrots:

Add your drained carrots directly to the saucepan with the glaze mixture. Gently toss them to ensure each piece gets thoroughly coated. Let them cook in the glaze for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the carrots to absorb those wonderful sweet flavors.

Season and serve:

Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The salt balances the sweetness perfectly and brings all the flavors together. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while still hot and glistening.

These glazed carrots were the first vegetable dish my daughter actually requested seconds of when she was five years old. I remember her exclaiming they tasted like candy but were actually good for her. That moment made all my efforts to create family friendly healthy dishes worthwhile.

Make Ahead Options

These glazed carrots can be partially prepared in advance to save time during busy meal preparations. Boil the carrots until just underdone then shock them in ice water and refrigerate. When ready to serve simply make the glaze fresh and toss in the precooked carrots until heated through. This works wonderfully for holiday meals when oven and stovetop space is at a premium.

Flavor Variations

The basic glazed carrot recipe serves as an excellent foundation for endless flavor variations. Add a tablespoon of orange juice and some zest for citrusy glazed carrots. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving for an earthy aroma. For a spiced version add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg to the glaze. My personal favorite variation includes a teaspoon of fresh ginger added to the glaze which complements the natural sweetness beautifully.

Pairing Suggestions

These versatile glazed carrots complement almost any main dish. They work beautifully alongside roast chicken garlic roasted pork tenderloin or a simple grilled steak. For vegetarian meals pair them with a hearty grain like farro or quinoa and some roasted mushrooms. The sweet notes in the carrots balance savory dishes particularly well making them an excellent choice for holiday meals. I particularly love serving them with dishes that have herbs like rosemary or thyme as the flavor profiles complement each other wonderfully.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work perfectly in this dish. Since they're already peeled and typically smaller, you may want to reduce the initial boiling time by 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.

→ How do I know when the carrots are perfectly cooked?

The carrots should be fork-tender but still have a slight firmness. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without them falling apart. Overcooked carrots will become mushy in the glaze.

→ Can I make these glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a small pat of butter if needed to refresh the glaze.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Agave nectar also works well for a vegan version (also substitute the butter with plant-based butter).

→ How can I add more flavor variations to this dish?

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, a splash of orange juice and zest, chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.

→ Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture and appearance, but if using organic carrots, you can simply scrub them thoroughly instead of peeling if you prefer.