Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
Tender baby carrots are gently steamed and then coated in a sweet and savory glaze of honey, butter, and fresh thyme. This simple yet elegant side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, coming together in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, combine the baby carrots, unsalted butter, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the butter is melted and bring the mixture to a simmer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- 2
Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low
- a.Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots steam until they are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite.
- 3
Uncover the skillet and add the honey and chopped fresh thyme
- a.Increase the heat back to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the honey has thickened into a bubbly glaze that coats the carrots.
- 4
Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For even cooking, select baby carrots that are uniform in size.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Use a large skillet to ensure the carrots cook in a single layer, which helps them glaze properly rather than just steam.
- 3Watch the glaze very carefully in the final minutes of cooking. Honey can burn quickly once the water has evaporated.
- 4For a richer, nuttier flavor, allow the butter to brown for a minute before adding the other ingredients in step 1.
- 5If you don't have baby carrots, you can use regular carrots. Peel them and slice them into 2-inch long, 1/2-inch thick sticks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
CitrusCitrus
Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest at the end of cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.
NuttyNutty
Garnish with 2 tablespoons of toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
VeganVegan
Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Swap the thyme for 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary for a more robust, woodsy aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Vitamin A
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This essential nutrient supports healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth.
Supports Digestive Health
The fiber in carrots helps promote regular bowel movements and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, aiding in overall digestive wellness.
Rich in Antioxidants
Carrots contain powerful antioxidants like carotenoids, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of these honey glazed carrots contains approximately 130-140 calories, making it a reasonably light side dish. The exact count can vary based on the size of the carrots and the specific ingredients used.