Description
Delicious brown sugar honey glazed carrots cooked to perfection. A sweet side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Tablespoons (1/2 cup or 56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pounds (900g) carrots, peeled & sliced
- 2 Tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30g) honey
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme
- 2–3 cloves garlic (optional)
- Optional for serving: 1 cup (240g) ricotta, fresh parsley, and thyme
Instructions
- Cook Carrots First: Start by cooking the sliced carrots in a pan over medium heat until they are tender yet crisp. You will notice the vibrant color deepening and a sweet aroma filling your kitchen. Stir occasionally to achieve that sweet spot, ensuring they do not become mushy.
- Add Honey & Brown Sugar: Once the carrots are just right, stir in the honey and brown sugar. Observe as they glisten and the sugar melts, creating a sticky coating that elevates the flavor. Make sure not to add too much sugar at once; you are aiming for a glaze, not a syrupy mess.
- Simmer Until Glazed: Let the carrots simmer over low heat, allowing the glaze to thicken nicely. You will see the sauce becoming more concentrated and sticky. Patience is key; too high a heat can cause the glaze to burn. Keep stirring to ensure all the carrots are evenly coated.
- Serve Fresh & Enjoy: Once the glaze beautifully coats the carrots, remove them from the heat. The sweet aroma will be inviting! Serve them warm for the best flavor experience. Just be cautious, as they can be quite hot right out of the pan!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the carrots are a bit firm after cooking, add a splash of water and continue cooking until they reach your desired tenderness.
- If the glaze appears too thin, increase the heat slightly to reduce the sauce, or sprinkle in a bit more brown sugar to thicken it.
- For a little spice, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while the glaze simmers.
- To reheat, place the glazed carrots in a pan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve alongside roast chicken or turkey for the holidays. They also pair well with grilled steak for a hearty dinner or can be included in a spread with other vegetable sides for a potluck.
- You may add orange juice or zest for a citrus twist, use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness, or mix in some crushed nuts for added texture.
- Choose fresh carrots for the best sweetness and flavor. Look for carrots that are firm and brightly colored to ensure quality. If desired, you can substitute honey with maple syrup at equal measurements for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 251mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 31mg