These stove top Honey Glazed Carrots are a quick and easy side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a rich honey-butter glaze. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals, this sweet and savory recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Glazed Stovetop Carrots
With their vibrant color and sweet, buttery glaze, these stove top honey glazed carrots are a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them up for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They come together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. So next time you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish, give these honey glazed carrots a try—you won’t be disappointed!
You’ll love this recipe because it is easy, family-friendly, versatile, and uses only a handful of ingredients. Not to mention it also tastes amazing, basically everything you would want in a recipe.
Ingredients
- Carrots – Fresh carrots are the star of the show! For the best results, choose carrots that are firm and brightly colored. For a fancy holiday recipe you can even use rainbow carrots for a fun effect. You can also use baby carrots if you’re short on time or don’t feel like peeling.
- Kosher Salt – Instead of using slated butter I like to add kosher salt, this was I am in control of the saltiness of the dish, if you feel like it needs more salt add more!
- Unsalted Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor, creating a smooth, glossy glaze. The unsalted version allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Honey – Adds a natural sweetness to the dish, while also helping to create a beautiful glaze on the carrots. In a pinch you can also substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for the honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
Instructions
Prepare the Carrots. Start by peeling and slicing the carrots into pieces that are about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. If your carrots are on the thicker side, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. If they are thinner, you can cut them into longer chunks. The key is to make sure the pieces are uniform in size for consistent cooking.
Cook the Carrots. Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the carrots for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the carrots will start to soften, but they shouldn’t be fully cooked just yet.
Add the Butter. Once the carrots are starting to soften, remove the lid and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Stir the butter into the carrots as it melts, making sure each piece is coated. Allow the butter and water mixture to cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.
Glaze with Honey. Now it’s time to add the honey! Pour in the honey and stir the carrots so they’re evenly coated. Continue cooking the carrots for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the honey to thicken and form a sticky glaze. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure the carrots cook evenly.
Serve. Once the carrots are tender and beautifully glazed, remove them from the heat and serve immediately. These honey glazed carrots are best enjoyed warm.
tips, tricks and questions
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots work in this recipe and save you time on peeling and chopping. Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster, so reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. These honey glazed carrots can be made a day or a few hours ahead of time. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
What can I serve with honey glazed carrots?
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any main course. Try serving them alongside spatchcock roasted chicken, easy thanksgiving turkey, bourbon glazed ham, or roasted boneless leg of lamb. The sweet and savory flavors complement rich, savory dishes perfectly.
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Of course! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will give the dish a cozy, spiced flavor. A little orange peel zest also makes a good addition. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can add an earthy note that balances the sweetness of the honey.
If you like this Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe you might also like:
Stove Top Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet honey glazed carrots made with minimal ingredients on the stovetop perfect for weeknight meals or the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces (smaller pieces if the carrot is thick and longer pieces if it is thin).
- Take a large pan (with a lid) to medium heat on the stovetop. Add the carrots, 1/2 cup of water, and the salt. Cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes checking/stirring the carrots occasionally until they are starting to soften.
- Remove the lid and add the butter. Stirring the butter in so it melts. Cook the carrots stirring occasionally until the butter/water mixture reduces slightly about 5 minutes.
- Add the honey and cook another 5 to 10 minutes until the honey mixture is reduces and the carrots are cooked. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
4 ouncesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 97Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 146mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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