When you’re craving a side dish that walks the line between savory comfort and sweet satisfaction, these Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots hit every note. Tender baby carrots, kissed with golden honey and deepened by a buttery glaze, offer the perfect pop of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a quick veggie fix on a weeknight, this dish is an easy win.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—minimal ingredients, low effort, and big rewards. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and it pairs seamlessly with everything from roasted chicken to grilled tofu. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that kids and adults both love, thanks to its natural sweetness and buttery finish.

What Kind of Carrots Should I Use?

For this recipe, baby carrots are the go-to—they’re already peeled and uniformly sized, which means they cook evenly and look elegant when served. However, if you’ve got regular carrots on hand, just peel and slice them into even sticks. The important part is that they’re cut to a similar size to ensure even cooking and maximum glaze coverage.

Ingredients for the Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

Baby Carrots: The star of the dish. Their natural sweetness intensifies when cooked and glazed.
Honey: Adds rich, floral sweetness and helps the glaze cling beautifully to the carrots.
Butter: Provides a silky texture and adds savory depth to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and adds a hint of molasses.
Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle, savory punch without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Balances the sweet elements and enhances the overall flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat for complexity.

How To Make the Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

If you’re using baby carrots, give them a quick rinse. If using whole carrots, peel and slice them into uniform sticks about 3 inches long.

Step 2: Parboil to Soften

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the carrots. Let them simmer for 6-8 minutes until they’re just starting to become tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Glaze the Carrots

Add the parboiled carrots to the skillet, stirring to coat them fully in the glaze. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze is rich and glossy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving bowl, spooning extra glaze over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a touch of orange zest if desired.

How to Serve and Store These Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

These carrots are a crowd-pleaser on any table. Serve them warm as a vibrant side to your main dishes. They pair beautifully with holiday roasts, weeknight grilled chicken, or even hearty vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or mushroom risotto.

To store, allow the carrots to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave them for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or butter if needed to loosen the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes! Maple syrup will bring a deeper, earthier sweetness. Just swap it in at a 1:1 ratio.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can parboil and glaze the carrots ahead of time, then reheat them gently before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the glaze from burning?

Keep your heat at medium or medium-low during the glazing step and stir regularly. Watch closely once the glaze starts bubbling.

Can I add herbs or spices?

Sure! Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added with the glaze for an herby twist. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg also pairs well.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

If you’re using baby carrots, they’re already peeled. For whole carrots, peeling helps achieve a smooth, tender texture.

Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

These Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots are a simple yet irresistible side dish. They feature baby carrots coated in a buttery, honey-infused glaze with just the right touch of spice. Perfect for both holiday feasts and everyday meals, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and sure to please all ages.

Instructions

Rinse baby carrots or peel and cut whole carrots into 3-inch sticks.
Boil carrots for 6-8 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Let the glaze simmer for 2-3 minutes until it bubbles slightly.
Add carrots to skillet and coat with glaze. Cook for 5-7 more minutes.
Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with extra glaze. Optional: garnish with parsley or orange zest.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish