Carrots never fail to bring color and warmth to any dinner table, but when they’re glazed with honey and roasted to perfection, they become something unforgettable. This article will walk you through an easy glazed carrots recipe that combines buttery sweetness and earthy herbs in a way that will make your guests ask for seconds. We’ll cover everything — from choosing the right carrots to roasting tips, flavor pairings, and expert tweaks for your Thanksgiving spread or any weeknight dinner.
The Story & Intro
Memories of Sunday Dinners
There’s something nostalgic about the scent of roasted carrots caramelizing in the oven. Growing up, my mom’s glazed carrots recipe was the ultimate comfort dish. Every Sunday, she’d toss fresh carrots in honey and butter, letting the edges brown just enough to give that irresistible mix of sweetness and earthiness. That golden glaze became the symbol of family dinners — simple, hearty, and full of love.
This dish isn’t just about taste — it’s about tradition. Whether you’re serving honey glazed carrots at Thanksgiving or a quiet dinner at home, it’s a reminder that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients — honey, butter, herbs, and patience — you can create something that tastes like home.
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Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey glazed carrots roasted to perfection, tossed in butter + fresh herbs. The easiest (and tastiest) side dish to any meal!
Ingredients
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2 pounds medium carrots, scrubbed
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1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
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1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place carrots on the baking sheet; toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Roast 20–25 minutes, until almost tender.
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Add honey and thyme; roast 5 more minutes.
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Stir in parsley and butter; toss until melted and glossy.
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Serve warm.
Notes
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a spiced variation. Great with turkey, chicken, or salmon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~150 g)
- Calories: ~139 kcal
- Sugar: ~13 g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: ~6.3 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4.0 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: ~21 g
- Fiber: ~4.2 g
- Protein: ~1.4 g
- Cholesterol: ~8 mg
Why Glazed Carrots Deserve a Spot at Every Table
A well-made glazed carrots recipe is more than a side dish; it’s the bridge between savory and sweet. The honey amplifies the natural sugars in the carrots, while butter gives them that luscious texture. Add thyme and parsley, and you get a dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and aromatic.
These carrots pair beautifully with Honey Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, or even a Roasted Carrots with Honey Mustard Glaze for variation. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for your holiday feast.
Choosing & Preparing Carrots
The Best Carrots for Roasting
The secret to the perfect honey glazed roasted carrots lies in your choice of produce. Medium carrots with firm texture and deep orange color deliver the richest flavor. Avoid oversized ones — they can be woody inside. If you’re short on prep time, opt for baby carrots; they roast faster and look lovely on the plate.
Always scrub, not peel, unless the skin looks rough. Keeping the skin adds nutrients and helps the carrots retain a rustic, roasted charm.
Prepping for Flavor
After scrubbing, pat your carrots dry before adding oil — this ensures the glaze sticks beautifully. Coat evenly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. A touch of thyme at this stage infuses aroma while roasting.
| Step | Prep Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash & scrub carrots | 5 min |
| 2 | Toss in olive oil, salt & pepper | 2 min |
| 3 | Roast until tender | 25–30 min |
| 4 | Glaze with honey & butter | 5 min |
This base technique ensures caramelization while keeping the interior soft.
The Perfect Glaze
The Power of Honey and Butter
What makes this sweet and savory honey glazed carrot recipe shine is balance. Honey provides sweetness and that glossy finish, while butter adds silkiness and depth. Melted together in the oven, they form a delicate coating that clings to every carrot.
If you’re feeling creative, try a Honey Glazed Spiced Carrots twist by adding a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika. The mild heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Timing is Everything
Add the honey glaze during the last five minutes of roasting. This prevents burning while letting the sugar caramelize. Once out of the oven, toss the carrots gently with butter and parsley. The residual heat melts the butter into a rich, golden glaze.
Serve warm and watch how quickly they disappear.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal Pairings
This easy honey glazed carrots dish pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, turkey, or ham. For vegetarians, try serving it alongside quinoa or mashed potatoes. The glaze complements any savory entrée.
Here’s a quick pairing guide:
| Main Dish | Complement |
|---|---|
| Roast Chicken | Honey Glazed Carrots |
| Grilled Salmon | Lemon-Herb Carrots |
| Thanksgiving Turkey | Sweet Herb-Glazed Carrots |
| Pan-Seared Tofu | Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots |
Holiday Twist
During Thanksgiving, double the recipe. Add a drizzle of Dijon mustard for a roasted carrots with honey mustard glaze version that adds subtle tang. Garnish with thyme sprigs for that festive touch.
Storage & Variations
Make-Ahead Tips
You can roast these carrots a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes. The glaze will refresh perfectly with a touch of butter.
Flavor Variations
Try these combinations to keep the dish exciting:
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Maple Glazed Carrots: Swap honey for maple syrup.
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Spiced Carrots: Add cumin and coriander for a warm, earthy note.
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Garlic Butter Carrots: Stir in roasted garlic with the butter for depth.
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe with baby carrots?
Yes. Baby carrots roast faster — about 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What’s the best way to reheat glazed carrots?
Warm them in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter to refresh the glaze.
Can I add spices to this recipe?
Yes — nutmeg, cumin, or smoked paprika all add unique twists to this easy honey glazed carrots recipe.
Are glazed carrots healthy?
Yes. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and while honey adds sugar, this dish remains nutritious when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
This glazed carrots recipe proves that elegance can come from simplicity. With minimal effort, you create a side dish that brightens the table with color, flavor, and warmth. Whether you’re planning a Sunday dinner or your Thanksgiving menu, these honey-glazed roasted carrots are the perfect companion for any feast.
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