Name: Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs whole carrots; ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup honey; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp parsley

This recipe will guide you to create a simple, yet delicious side dish - honey glazed carrots. The carrots are simmered until tender and then coated in a sweet and buttery honey glaze. The final touch of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Photos of Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

All the ingredients required for this recipe are quite common and can be found in most households. Whole carrots, butter, honey, salt, and parsley are the key components. If they are not available at home, you can easily find them in any supermarket. Remember to buy whole carrots for better taste and texture.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots: The star ingredient of the dish. These are cooked until tender and then glazed with honey and butter.

Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and taste to the carrots.

Honey: This gives the carrots a sweet flavor, creating a nice balance with the savory butter.

Salt: Just a hint of salt enhances the sweetness of the honey.

Parsley: It adds color and a slight herbaceous flavor to the dish.

One reader, Katya Yancey says:

The honey glazed carrots recipe is a game-changer! The carrots are perfectly tender and the honey glaze adds a delightful sweetness. It's a simple yet impressive side dish that's become a family favorite. The combination of butter, honey, and parsley creates a flavor explosion that's simply irresistible. Highly recommended!

Katya Yancey

Techniques Required for Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

How to simmer carrots: Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1¼ cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.

How to glaze carrots: Add the butter, honey, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots thoroughly and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a glaze has formed.

How To Make Honey Glazed Carrots

For a simple and inexpensive dish, try cooking up some honey glazed carrots! It’s made with just five ingredients for a delectable side to any meal.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½lbswhole carrots,peeled, cut into ½ inch thick diagonal slices
¼cupbutter
¼cuphoney
¼tspsalt
1tbspparsley,chopped, optional

Instructions

Place the carrots in a large pan, then add 1¼ cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
Cook the carrots for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain off any excess water.
Add the butter, honey and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots thoroughly.
Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring on occasion, until a glaze has formed.
Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 157.48kcal
Fat: 7.95g
Saturated Fat: 4.90g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.42g
Carbohydrates: 22.55g
Fiber: 3.22g
Sugar: 16.99g
Protein: 1.20g
Cholesterol: 20.34mg
Sodium: 177.10mg
Calcium: 41.47mg
Potassium: 376.02mg
Iron: 0.44mg
Vitamin A: 1014.24µg
Vitamin C: 7.60mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Honey Glazed Carrots

When glazing the carrots with honey and butter, it's important to keep the heat at a medium to low setting. This prevents the honey from burning and allows the carrots to absorb the flavors more effectively. Also, stirring occasionally ensures an even coat of glaze on each carrot. Remember, the goal is to achieve a perfect balance of sweet and savory without overpowering the natural flavor of the carrots.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Honey Glazed Carrots

Prep ahead: Chop and peel the carrots the night before. Store them in a sealed container with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh.

Use baby carrots: Opt for pre-washed baby carrots to skip the peeling and chopping step, saving you time and effort.

Multi-task: While the carrots are simmering, prepare other components of your meal to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Invest in a good peeler: A sharp, efficient peeler can significantly reduce the time spent prepping the carrots.

Opt for pre-cut carrots: If available, consider purchasing pre-cut carrots to eliminate the need for peeling and chopping.

Substitute Ingredients For Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can provide a similar richness and flavor to traditional butter, while also being suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to honey, making it a great alternative for a vegan version of the recipe or for those looking to avoid using honey.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness to carrots, making them a suitable replacement in this recipe while adding a slightly different flavor profile.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, similar to parsley, to garnish the dish.

Presenting Honey Glazed Carrots Beautifully

Elevate the carrot placement: Arrange the glazed carrots in a circular or linear pattern on the plate, ensuring each carrot is visible and well-spaced.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a small amount of vibrant microgreens, such as pea shoots or cilantro, over the glazed carrots to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate honey drizzle design on the plate, adding an artistic touch to the presentation.
Utilize a contrast plate: Choose a plate color that contrasts with the vibrant orange of the glazed carrots, such as a deep blue or black, to make the dish visually striking.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as nasturtium or pansies, strategically around the glazed carrots to introduce an elegant and sophisticated element to the presentation.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate, allowing the glazed carrots to be the focal point while maintaining a visually appealing balance.
Use geometric plating: Arrange the glazed carrots in a geometric formation, such as a triangle or square, to showcase precision and attention to detail in the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Glazed Carrots

Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Saucepan: Ideal for simmering the honey glaze and coating the carrots evenly.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the carrots and glaze while cooking.
Colander: Essential for draining the excess water from the cooked carrots.
Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the honey glazed carrots before serving.

Storing and Freezing Honey Glazed Carrots Properly

Let the honey glazed carrots cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
If you want to freeze the carrots, place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to use the frozen carrots, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
To reheat the carrots, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
If the carrots seem dry after reheating, you can add a small amount of butter or water to help moisten them and restore their glazed texture.
Note: Freezing the honey glazed carrots may cause them to lose some of their original texture and flavor, but they will still be delicious and perfect for quick and easy side dishes or additions to soups and stews.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Glazed Carrots

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover honey glazed carrots in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and texture of the carrots, while also allowing the honey glaze to re-melt and coat the carrots evenly.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the honey glazed carrots in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are heated through and the glaze is melted. Be careful not to overcook the carrots, as they may become mushy.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover honey glazed carrots, try sautéing them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil. This will help to caramelize the honey glaze and give the carrots a slightly crispy exterior. Sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and the glaze is bubbling.
For a cold option, you can enjoy your leftover honey glazed carrots straight from the refrigerator. The honey glaze will have thickened and created a delightful coating on the carrots. This is a great option for a quick and refreshing snack or side dish, especially during the warmer months.
If you find that your leftover honey glazed carrots have lost some of their moisture during storage, you can revive them by adding a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating. This will help to rehydrate the carrots and prevent them from drying out further during the reheating process.

Interesting Fact About Honey Glazed Carrots

The honey glazed carrots recipe is a great way to incorporate a healthy and delicious side dish into your meals. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Honey adds a touch of sweetness while also providing natural energy-boosting properties. This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, and it's a great option for both kids and adults. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can complement a wide range of main courses. So, next time you're looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish, consider making these honey glazed carrots!

Is Making Honey Glazed Carrots at Home Cost-Effective?

This honey glazed carrots recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Carrots are affordable and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The dish is nutritious and delicious, making it a great value for money. I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its simplicity, flavor, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying side dish.

Are Honey Glazed Carrots Healthy or Unhealthy?

The honey glazed carrots recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of whole carrots, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the addition of butter and honey increases the calorie and sugar content of the dish. While honey does offer some nutritional benefits, such as antioxidants, it is still a form of added sugar. The recipe also includes a moderate amount of salt, which may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.

To make this recipe even healthier:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or coconut oil
Use a smaller quantity of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
Consider adding other herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
Experiment with different vegetable combinations, such as adding leafy greens or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
Serve the honey glazed carrots alongside lean proteins and whole grains to create a balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on This Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

This honey glazed carrots recipe is a delightful way to elevate a simple vegetable side dish. The combination of butter, honey, and a touch of salt creates a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. The addition of parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The cooking method ensures that the carrots are tender yet still have a slight crunch, providing a satisfying texture. This dish is a wonderful addition to any meal, adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the table.

Enhance Your Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Infuse the mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for a flavorful twist.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a zesty kick to the grilled asparagus with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Create a sweet and tangy glaze for the Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and honey.

Similar Recipes to Try Besides Honey Glazed Carrots

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a rich roasted garlic flavor, perfect as a side dish for any meal.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy and flavorful chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, then grilled to perfection for a delicious and healthy main course.

Berry Cobbler: A warm and comforting dessert filled with sweet and tangy berries, topped with a buttery and crispy cobbler crust. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Why trust this Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh, whole carrots to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition. The combination of butter and honey creates a rich and sweet glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. The addition of parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. With simple and wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful and satisfying side dish that you can trust.

Share your thoughts on the Honey Glazed Carrots recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this sweet and savory side dish.

FAQ:

What type of honey is best for this recipe?

I recommend using a mild-flavored honey, such as clover or wildflower honey, to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots without overpowering them.

Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Yes, you can use baby carrots for this recipe. Keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster due to their smaller size, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the honey glazed carrots ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. This swap will still give you that rich, glossy glaze on the carrots.

Can I add any other herbs or spices to the glaze?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. For a savory twist, try adding a pinch of thyme or rosemary, or for a hint of warmth, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can work beautifully.