I perfected a recipe for Easy Honey Glazed Carrots that brings sweet, buttery notes to any table. Tender carrots are cooked with brown sugar, butter and water, then lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and optional herbs. This side dish offers a delightful balance of flavors for a memorable feast.

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I recently whipped up a batch of glazed carrots that totally impressed everyone at our Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe is all about keeping things simple but delicious.

I start with 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut diagonally. Then, I melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a hot pan with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1/4 cup water.

I add salt and black pepper, tossing the carrots until they’re perfectly coated in this sweet and savory glaze. I even like to toss in a teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme for a little extra kick sometimes.

This dish has become a favorite alternative among my usual go-to versions like baked or garlic glazed carrots, adding a fun twist to the table without overpowering the main course. Check it out if you want a side dish that’s both sweet and satisfying for your holiday feast.

Enjoy trying it out and tweaking it to your taste!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how the natural sweetness of the carrots shines through after roasting; it’s like a burst of flavor in every bite. Second, I appreciate that it’s super simple to make – perfect for when I want something delicious without too much hassle. Third, the way the butter, brown sugar, and a little bit of water create that rich glaze really makes the dish feel special. Lastly, adding fresh thyme or parsley gives it a nice, herby twist that makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something homemade and unique.

These glazed carrots are a real game-changer for my Thanksgiving table. They’re simple, sweet, and packed with flavor. I really enjoy how the roasting brings out the natural sugars in the carrots, making them tender and yummy. The recipe isn’t too complicated which makes it a go-to side dish when time is short, but even then, it never fails to impress. Plus, tossing in a bit of thyme or parsley just takes it over the top. Seriously, if you’re looking for a side dish that’s both easy and super tasty, these carrots will do the trick every time.

Ingredients

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Carrots give you good fiber and vitamin A plus a natural sweet crunch.
Butter adds rich creaminess letting other flavors shine without overwhelming the dish.
Brown sugar sweetens the dish; it caramelizes for a warm inviting flavor burst.
Water helps dissolve sugars and gently simmers carrots to keep nutrients intact.
Optional thyme or parsley add a fresh earthy note and boost antioxidants in your meal.
Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavors and balance the sweetness.
This dish celebrates a holiday medley of sweet, savory and earthy flavors.
These ingredients combine to create a simple crowd pleasing side dish for celebrations.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut diagonally

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup water

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Place the carrots, peeled and cut diagonally, in a baking dish.

3. In a small pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

4. Stir in the brown sugar and water until the sugar has dissolved completely.

5. Pour the butter mixture over the carrots and mix them well, making sure they are all coated. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Put the baking dish in the oven and roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through so they cook evenly.

7. If you like, add the chopped fresh thyme or parsley during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

8. Once the carrots are tender and nicely glazed, remove them from the oven.

9. Let the carrots cool slightly and then serve as a sweet, satisfying side dish for your meal.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven to roast the carrots at 400°F
2. A baking dish for holding the carrots
3. A small pan to melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar and water
4. A knife to peel and cut the carrots diagonally
5. A cutting board to safely prep the carrots
6. A stirring spoon for mixing the butter mixture and coating the carrots
7. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup for accurately adding butter, brown sugar, and water

FAQ

Q: Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
A: Yeah, you can use baby carrots but be careful with the cook time since they are smaller so they might get overcooked fast.

Q: How do I know when the carrots are done cooking?
A: The carrots should be tender but still have a slight crunch, so test them with a fork and look for a nice shiny glaze.

Q: Can I substitute unsalted butter with margarine?
A: Sure, you can use margarine but butter gives a richer flavor so it might not taste exactly the same.

Q: Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with extra thyme or even rosemary if you like more herb flavor.

Q: How long will leftover glazed carrots keep?
A: They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick side later.

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) Substitutions and Variations

Unsalted Butter: You can use margarine or even coconut oil if you don’t have butter, these alternatives add a slightly different flavor.
Brown Sugar: Try using honey or maple syrup instead, but remember they are liquid so you might need to adjust the water a bit.
Water: Apple cider or a light vegetable broth can substitute water to boost the flavor in your dish.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley: If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried thyme (about half the amount) or even a pinch of dried rosemary can work fine.

Pro Tips

1. Try to keep all the carrots in similar sizes so they cook at the same rate – if some are cut too thick they will be underdone while the thin ones get too soft.
2. Keep a close eye on the butter and sugar mixture when it’s melting, cause if you let it boil too hard it might burn and mess up the glaze.
3. If you wanna boost the flavor even more, adding a small squeeze of lemon juice right before the end of the roast really brings out a nice tang.
4. Let the carrots sit for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven, cause that little resting time helps the glaze thicken and stick better.