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Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots pinterest

Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

This timeless side dish balances the natural sweetness of carrots with a caramelized honey glaze, creating a perfect complement to almost any main course. Simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, these glazed carrots are ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Glazed Carrots, Honey Carrots, Sweet Carrots, Holiday Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Vegetable Peeler

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh carrots peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup honey preferably local wildflower honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  • Thoroughly wash and peel the carrots. Cut them diagonally into approximately 1/4-inch slices, keeping the thickness uniform for even cooking.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Immediately drain the carrots and plunge into ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve the vibrant color.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming but not brown. Add the honey and brown sugar, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
  • Season the honey-butter mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Drain the cooled carrots thoroughly and add them to the skillet with the honey-butter mixture. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the carrots develop caramelized edges.
  • Once the carrots are glazed and the sauce has reduced to a syrupy consistency, remove the skillet from heat.
  • Add the fresh thyme, orange zest (if using), and lemon juice. Toss gently one final time to incorporate these finishing touches.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.

Notes

For a healthier version, reduce butter to 2 tablespoons and replace the remainder with vegetable broth, decrease honey to 1/4 cup, and omit the brown sugar entirely.
These carrots can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and gently reheated in a skillet with a splash of water.
Rainbow carrots can be used for visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 225mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 2mg
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