Honey Glazed Carrots

Delicious honey glazed carrots served as a colorful side dish

Easy Homemade Honey Glazed Carrots — A Traditional, Healthy Side Dish

Honey Glazed Carrots are one of those comforting, simple recipes that feel like home in every bite. I first learned this easy, homemade version from my grandmother — every Sunday she’d make a small pot while the roast came out of the oven, and the whole house smelled like warm honey and caramelized carrots. Serve this side for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or holiday feasts — it’s a traditional favorite that’s healthy enough for everyday and special enough for company.


🧂 Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds or baby carrots
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 tbsp olive oil for vegan)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or 2 tbsp maple syrup for vegan / maple-glazed option)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or 1 tsp maple sugar (optional — adds deeper caramelization)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium vegetable/chicken broth
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (brightens the glaze)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for a warm or smoky twist

Yield: serves 4
Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes


👩‍🍳 Directions:

  1. Prep the carrots: Peel and slice carrots into uniform pieces so they cook evenly (or leave baby carrots whole).
  2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter (or warm oil) until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  3. Sauté the carrots: Add carrots and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and gain a little color.
  4. Add liquid + sweetener: Pour in water or broth, then add honey, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer and glaze: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes until carrots are tender but not mushy.
  6. Reduce to thicken: Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and let the liquid reduce and the glaze thicken, stirring frequently — about 3–4 minutes. The honey will coat the carrots in a shiny glaze.
  7. Finish with brightness: Stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and any optional spices, taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve warm.

Quick tip: For a deeper caramelization, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes on a rimmed baking sheet (watch closely so the honey doesn’t burn).


💡 Tips & Variations:

  • Vegan swap: Use olive oil or coconut oil + maple syrup instead of butter and honey. You’ll have delicious Maple-Glazed Carrots.
  • Low-carb / Keto: Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like liquid erythritol or monk fruit (use sparingly) and use butter or MCT oil.
  • Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free — just use broth labeled gluten-free if using broth.
  • Roasted version: Toss carrots with oil, honey, salt, and pepper; roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–30 minutes, tossing once, for a hands-off option with more caramelized edges.
  • Add-ins: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or toss with a handful of chopped fresh dill for a bright herb note.
  • Spicy-sweet: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a kick.
  • Serving ideas: Serve alongside roast chicken, glazed ham, turkey at holiday dinners, or add to grain bowls and salads for color and sweetness. Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
  • Leftovers & storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through. You can freeze cooked carrots, but texture softens; store up to 2–3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in:
Carrots are low in calories and packed with beta‑carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants — great for eye health and digestion. Swapping heavy sides for a healthy vegetable like honey-glazed carrots can be a small habit that adds up: eating better now may reduce long-term health risks and associated costs. Small, tasty changes to your meals are an easy step toward both physical well-being and smarter financial health choices over time.


❤️ Conclusion:
If you make these Honey Glazed Carrots, let me know in the comments or tag me — I’d love to see your version and any family twists! This easy, traditional, and healthy side dish is one of my favorite ways to add warmth and color to the table. Happy cooking!

#fblifestyle #rezepte #DDR #Hydration #Gesundheit

Honey Glazed Carrots

A comforting and traditional side dish of carrots glazed in honey, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds or baby carrots
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) adds deeper caramelization
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium vegetable/chicken broth
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar brightens the glaze
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped for garnish
  • 1 pinch cinnamon or smoked paprika (optional) for flavor twist

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel and slice carrots into uniform pieces so they cook evenly (or leave baby carrots whole).
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter (or warm oil) until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add carrots and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and gain a little color.
  3. Pour in water or broth, then add honey, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes until carrots are tender but not mushy.
  5. Remove the lid, increase heat to medium-high, and let the liquid reduce and the glaze thicken, stirring frequently — about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and any optional spices, taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve warm.

Notes

For deeper caramelization, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes on a rimmed baking sheet, watching closely to prevent burning.

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