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Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots Simple and Tasty Side

by on April 24, 2025

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Looking for a side dish that’s both simple and delicious? Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots are the answer! With just a handful of ingredients, these sweet, buttery carrots will brighten up any meal. In this article, I’ll guide you through every step, from choosing the best carrots to perfecting that glaze. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty and easy recipe!

Here’s what you need for honey garlic glazed carrots: - 1 lb baby carrots - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These simple ingredients create a sweet and savory side dish. The baby carrots add a nice crunch, while the honey and garlic give a rich glaze. The thyme adds a lovely herbal note that ties it all together. If you prefer regular carrots, just peel and cut them into even sticks for the same great taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to prepare your carrots. If you use regular carrots, grab a vegetable peeler. Peel off the skin carefully. Then, slice the carrots into even sticks. Aim for a size similar to baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. If using baby carrots, you can skip this step. Just rinse them well under cold water. Next, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your prepared carrots. Boil them for about five minutes. You want them tender but still with a slight crunch. After boiling, drain the carrots in a colander and set them aside. Now, let’s make the garlic butter glaze. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt slowly. Keep an eye on the butter. You don’t want it to burn. Once melted, add three cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir the garlic constantly for about one minute. This helps release its amazing flavor without browning it. Next, it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle three tablespoons of honey into the skillet with the garlic butter. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to mix everything together. Let the mixture bubble gently for one to two minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken and the flavors to deepen. Finally, add your drained carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Make sure they are fully coated. Cook for another three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures the carrots are heated through and well glazed. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots! To ensure even cooking, cut your carrots into similar sizes. This way, they all cook at the same rate. For baby carrots, you can skip cutting. If using regular carrots, peel them first. Boil them for just five minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crunchy. This timing helps keep their shape. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a fresh twist, consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. They can add a new depth to the dish. Serve the glazed carrots in a nice bowl. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for a glossy look. To make it pop, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This not only adds color but also freshness. You want your dish to look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Ensuring all carrot pieces are the same size guarantees they cook evenly, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain hard. Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced offers a more vibrant flavor in your glaze, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Thickening the Glaze: If you desire a thicker glaze, let it bubble a bit longer after adding the honey and thyme, stirring consistently to avoid burning. Garnishing: For an added touch, sprinkle extra parsley on top just before serving, as it brings freshness and makes the dish visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can easily personalize this recipe. If you want a different taste, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with carrots. You can also use fresh herbs instead of thyme. Try rosemary or dill for a twist. If you need a vegan version, use coconut oil in place of butter. Replace honey with agave syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based but still tasty. For a gluten-free option, check your butter for any gluten ingredients. Most are safe, but it’s smart to verify. You can also make oven-roasted honey garlic carrots. Toss the carrots with the glaze and roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This gives them a nice caramelization. If you prefer using an Instant Pot, add the carrots with some water and cook on high for 3 minutes. Then, quick release the steam and finish with the glaze in the pot. To keep your honey garlic glazed carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Cool the carrots first before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option. When reheating, use your stovetop for the best results. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir the carrots. This helps keep their texture and flavor. Reheat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic glazed carrots. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or microwave for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use regular carrots. You must peel and cut them into sticks. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots take a bit longer to cook. Boil them for about 7-10 minutes. Keep checking for tenderness. You want them soft but not mushy. Honey garlic glazed carrots last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool before sealing. This helps keep their flavor and texture. If the glaze thickens, just reheat them gently. They will taste great again! Yes! You can add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots. You may need to adjust cooking times. For softer veggies, add them to the pot when you boil the carrots. This keeps everything nice and tender. This post covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips. You also learned about different variations and storage tips. Trying new flavors and methods can make cooking fun. Follow these steps, and you'll create a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey and garlic creates a perfect balance of flavors that elevate the natural sweetness of the carrots.
  2. Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights.
  3. Healthy and Nutritious: Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, and this dish allows you to enjoy them in a tasty way without compromising on health.
  4. Versatile Side Dish: Honey garlic glazed carrots complement a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to vegetarian options, making them a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for honey garlic glazed carrots:

– 1 lb baby carrots

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These simple ingredients create a sweet and savory side dish. The baby carrots add a nice crunch, while the honey and garlic give a rich glaze. The thyme adds a lovely herbal note that ties it all together. If you prefer regular carrots, just peel and cut them into even sticks for the same great taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Carrots

To start, you need to prepare your carrots. If you use regular carrots, grab a vegetable peeler. Peel off the skin carefully. Then, slice the carrots into even sticks. Aim for a size similar to baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. If using baby carrots, you can skip this step. Just rinse them well under cold water.

Next, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your prepared carrots. Boil them for about five minutes. You want them tender but still with a slight crunch. After boiling, drain the carrots in a colander and set them aside.

Making the Garlic Butter Glaze

Now, let’s make the garlic butter glaze. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt slowly. Keep an eye on the butter. You don’t want it to burn. Once melted, add three cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir the garlic constantly for about one minute. This helps release its amazing flavor without browning it.

Combining Ingredients

Next, it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle three tablespoons of honey into the skillet with the garlic butter. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to mix everything together. Let the mixture bubble gently for one to two minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken and the flavors to deepen.

Finally, add your drained carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Make sure they are fully coated. Cook for another three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures the carrots are heated through and well glazed. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Carrots

To ensure even cooking, cut your carrots into similar sizes. This way, they all cook at the same rate. For baby carrots, you can skip cutting. If using regular carrots, peel them first. Boil them for just five minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crunchy. This timing helps keep their shape.

Flavor Enhancement Suggestions

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a fresh twist, consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. They can add a new depth to the dish.

Presentation Tips

Serve the glazed carrots in a nice bowl. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for a glossy look. To make it pop, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This not only adds color but also freshness. You want your dish to look as good as it tastes!

Pro Tips

  1. Cut Evenly: Ensuring all carrot pieces are the same size guarantees they cook evenly, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain hard.
  2. Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced offers a more vibrant flavor in your glaze, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  3. Thickening the Glaze: If you desire a thicker glaze, let it bubble a bit longer after adding the honey and thyme, stirring consistently to avoid burning.
  4. Garnishing: For an added touch, sprinkle extra parsley on top just before serving, as it brings freshness and makes the dish visually appealing.

Variations

Substitutions for Ingredients

You can easily personalize this recipe. If you want a different taste, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with carrots. You can also use fresh herbs instead of thyme. Try rosemary or dill for a twist.

Dietary Variations

If you need a vegan version, use coconut oil in place of butter. Replace honey with agave syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based but still tasty. For a gluten-free option, check your butter for any gluten ingredients. Most are safe, but it’s smart to verify.

Cooking Method Variations

You can also make oven-roasted honey garlic carrots. Toss the carrots with the glaze and roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This gives them a nice caramelization. If you prefer using an Instant Pot, add the carrots with some water and cook on high for 3 minutes. Then, quick release the steam and finish with the glaze in the pot.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your honey garlic glazed carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Cool the carrots first before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, use your stovetop for the best results. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir the carrots. This helps keep their texture and flavor. Reheat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm.

Freezing Information

Yes, you can freeze honey garlic glazed carrots. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or microwave for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots. You must peel and cut them into sticks. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots take a bit longer to cook. Boil them for about 7-10 minutes. Keep checking for tenderness. You want them soft but not mushy.

How long do honey garlic glazed carrots last in the fridge?

Honey garlic glazed carrots last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool before sealing. This helps keep their flavor and texture. If the glaze thickens, just reheat them gently. They will taste great again!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots. You may need to adjust cooking times. For softer veggies, add them to the pot when you boil the carrots. This keeps everything nice and tender.

This post covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips. You also learned about different variations and storage tips.

Trying new flavors and methods can make cooking fun. Follow these steps, and you’ll create a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking adventur

Here’s what you need for honey garlic glazed carrots: - 1 lb baby carrots - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These simple ingredients create a sweet and savory side dish. The baby carrots add a nice crunch, while the honey and garlic give a rich glaze. The thyme adds a lovely herbal note that ties it all together. If you prefer regular carrots, just peel and cut them into even sticks for the same great taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to prepare your carrots. If you use regular carrots, grab a vegetable peeler. Peel off the skin carefully. Then, slice the carrots into even sticks. Aim for a size similar to baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly. If using baby carrots, you can skip this step. Just rinse them well under cold water. Next, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your prepared carrots. Boil them for about five minutes. You want them tender but still with a slight crunch. After boiling, drain the carrots in a colander and set them aside. Now, let’s make the garlic butter glaze. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt slowly. Keep an eye on the butter. You don’t want it to burn. Once melted, add three cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir the garlic constantly for about one minute. This helps release its amazing flavor without browning it. Next, it’s time to combine everything. Drizzle three tablespoons of honey into the skillet with the garlic butter. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to mix everything together. Let the mixture bubble gently for one to two minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken and the flavors to deepen. Finally, add your drained carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Make sure they are fully coated. Cook for another three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures the carrots are heated through and well glazed. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots! To ensure even cooking, cut your carrots into similar sizes. This way, they all cook at the same rate. For baby carrots, you can skip cutting. If using regular carrots, peel them first. Boil them for just five minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crunchy. This timing helps keep their shape. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a fresh twist, consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or basil. They can add a new depth to the dish. Serve the glazed carrots in a nice bowl. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for a glossy look. To make it pop, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This not only adds color but also freshness. You want your dish to look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Ensuring all carrot pieces are the same size guarantees they cook evenly, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain hard. Fresh Garlic: Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced offers a more vibrant flavor in your glaze, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Thickening the Glaze: If you desire a thicker glaze, let it bubble a bit longer after adding the honey and thyme, stirring consistently to avoid burning. Garnishing: For an added touch, sprinkle extra parsley on top just before serving, as it brings freshness and makes the dish visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can easily personalize this recipe. If you want a different taste, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with carrots. You can also use fresh herbs instead of thyme. Try rosemary or dill for a twist. If you need a vegan version, use coconut oil in place of butter. Replace honey with agave syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based but still tasty. For a gluten-free option, check your butter for any gluten ingredients. Most are safe, but it’s smart to verify. You can also make oven-roasted honey garlic carrots. Toss the carrots with the glaze and roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This gives them a nice caramelization. If you prefer using an Instant Pot, add the carrots with some water and cook on high for 3 minutes. Then, quick release the steam and finish with the glaze in the pot. To keep your honey garlic glazed carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Cool the carrots first before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option. When reheating, use your stovetop for the best results. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir the carrots. This helps keep their texture and flavor. Reheat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Yes, you can freeze honey garlic glazed carrots. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or microwave for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use regular carrots. You must peel and cut them into sticks. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots take a bit longer to cook. Boil them for about 7-10 minutes. Keep checking for tenderness. You want them soft but not mushy. Honey garlic glazed carrots last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool before sealing. This helps keep their flavor and texture. If the glaze thickens, just reheat them gently. They will taste great again! Yes! You can add vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. Just cut them to match the size of the carrots. You may need to adjust cooking times. For softer veggies, add them to the pot when you boil the carrots. This keeps everything nice and tender. This post covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips. You also learned about different variations and storage tips. Trying new flavors and methods can make cooking fun. Follow these steps, and you'll create a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots (or 4 regular carrots, peeled and cut into even sticks)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Carrots: If you opt for regular carrots, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then slice them into uniform sticks, aiming for a similar size to baby carrots. This ensures they cook evenly.
  • Boil the Carrots: Fill a large pot with water, seasoned with a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the prepared carrots and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are just tender yet retain a slight crunch. Drain them in a colander and set aside.
  • Create the Garlic Butter Glaze: In a spacious skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the garlic.
  • Incorporate Honey and Thyme: Drizzle the honey into the skillet and sprinkle in the thyme. Stir to blend the ingredients, allowing the mixture to bubble gently for 1-2 minutes. This will enable the glaze to thicken slightly, intensifying the flavors.
  • Glaze the Carrots: Add the drained carrots to the skillet, tossing them gently in the honey garlic glaze until they are fully coated. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and beautifully glazed.
  • Final Seasoning and Serve: Season the glazed carrots with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and, if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color just before serving.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with parsley for an elegant touch.
Keyword carrots, glazed, honey, side dish

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