Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe: The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
When it comes to versatile side dishes, few recipes shine as brightly as honey glazed carrots. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re preparing Easter side dishes, Thanksgiving veggie sides, or a quick and easy side dish for salmon. These tender, sweet, and savory carrots are incredibly easy to make and look gorgeous on any dinner table. Bonus: this dish is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, making it perfect for a variety of diets.
If you’re searching for the ultimate side dish for potlucks, festive feasts, or a casual family dinner, this honey glazed carrots recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Fast Prep: Using kitchen tools like herb scissors speeds up the process—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute holiday prep.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with salmon, steak, or a holiday ham.
- Insanely Easy: No fancy techniques required; this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Glazed Carrots
- 1 lb of carrots (baby carrots or sliced large carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!)
Pro Tip: Use herb scissors to effortlessly chop fresh parsley. Herb scissors are a great gadget to keep in your kitchen for all your herb-cutting needs. Check out our favorite herb scissors here.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Glazed Carrots
*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page
Step One: Prep Your Carrots
Start by washing and peeling your carrots. If you’re using large carrots, slice them into even pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Baby carrots work great, too, and save time on slicing. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.
Step Two: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step Three: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple yet flavorful glaze will coat your carrots beautifully and create a caramelized finish.
Step Four: Toss and Arrange
Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet and pour the glaze over them. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the carrots until they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.
Step Five: Roast to Perfection
Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they are fork-tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Step Six: Garnish and Serve
Once the carrots are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Use herb scissors to make quick work of chopping the parsley, saving you time and effort. Get your herb scissors here.
Serving Suggestions
These honey glazed carrots are incredibly versatile and work well as:
- A side dish for salmon, adding a touch of sweetness that complements the fish perfectly.
- A standout at potlucks or holiday feasts, especially for Easter side dishes vegetables, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- A delightful veggie side for steak or roasted chicken, balancing rich, savory flavors.
Pair them with other holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing for a complete feast.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Look for carrots that are firm and brightly colored for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and enhances the presentation.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
- Meal Prep: These carrots can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave, making them an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a hint of heat.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the glaze for a bright, tangy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and roast the carrots as instructed, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I use frozen carrots?
While fresh carrots yield the best texture and flavor, frozen carrots can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting.
What other herbs work well in this recipe?
If parsley isn’t your favorite, try using thyme, dill, or chives. Herb scissors make cutting these herbs a breeze.
Why Herb Scissors Are a Must-Have Kitchen Gadget
If you love cooking with fresh herbs, herb scissors are a game-changer. With multiple blades, they make chopping parsley, dill, or cilantro quick and mess-free. They’re not only practical but also compact, making them easy to store. Grab your herb scissors here.
Go-To for any Occasion
This honey glazed carrots recipe is the ultimate easy side dish for Thanksgiving veggie sides for steak, Christmas, Easter, or any weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a reliable go-to for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.
Don’t forget to garnish with parsley and enjoy the convenience of herb scissors to make your prep work seamless. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Related Recipes
Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small about 6-8 carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks if they are large. For small, tender carrots, leave them whole. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the honey garlic mixture over the carrots. Toss them gently to coat evenly, ensuring the glaze reaches all sides. Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and color, if desired. Serve warm.
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