When you’re looking for a side dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to your meal, Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are an excellent choice. These oven-roasted carrots are transformed into a sweet and savory delight with the perfect combination of honey, brown sugar, and a touch of butter. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or just looking to elevate a regular dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s something about glazed carrots that turns a simple vegetable into a special dish. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by the caramelizing effect of brown sugar and honey, while the butter adds a rich flavor that ties everything together. When roasted in the oven, the carrots become tender and develop a golden, shiny glaze that’s almost irresistible. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Quick and Easy: Prep the carrots in just 10 minutes, then let the oven do the work! It’s a hands-off recipe, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings.
Healthy and Delicious: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and various vitamins. With this recipe, you’re adding a sweet twist to a healthy vegetable without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: Whether for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family meal, these glazed carrots are a perfect side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to pasta dishes.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt for fancy ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and take a closer look at how to prepare these Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Whole Carrots: Choose large, fresh carrots. These can be peeled and sliced to achieve a perfect texture when roasted. If you’re short on time, baby carrots work too, but they’ll require slightly less cooking time.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
- Honey: Honey enhances the sweetness and helps the glaze to stick to the carrots.
- Butter: A small amount of melted butter creates a rich, silky glaze that coats the carrots perfectly.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to coat the carrots evenly and ensures they roast to a beautiful golden color.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt brings balance to the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Parsley isn’t just for decoration; it adds a lovely earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
Here’s a handy table of the ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Whole Carrots | 6 large or 1 lb |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Sea Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh Parsley (Optional) | 1 tablespoon minced |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Making Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots is simple and quick. Follow these steps for perfectly glazed carrots every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the carrots to roast evenly and caramelize nicely.
Next, wash and peel the carrots. Cut off the stems and ends, and then slice each carrot into pieces at an angle, about 2-3 inches long. You can cut each piece in half lengthwise for a more elegant presentation. The angled slices help with even cooking and allow more surface area for the glaze to coat.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, melted butter, olive oil, and sea salt. Stir everything together until the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture will create a thick, flavorful glaze for the carrots.
Step 3: Coat the Carrots
Add the sliced carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots in the glaze, making sure they are evenly coated. The glaze should adhere to the carrots without being too runny, ensuring a sticky, delicious finish once roasted.
Step 4: Roast the Carrots
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup (or parchment paper if preferred). Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. This will allow the carrots to roast evenly.
Place the carrots in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. After this time, take them out of the oven and flip each carrot over to ensure even cooking. Return the carrots to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and caramelized.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the carrots are fully cooked and glazed, allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an added touch of color and flavor, garnish with freshly minced parsley before serving. The parsley will provide a fresh contrast to the rich sweetness of the glaze, making it a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Tips for the Perfect Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots will roast more evenly and create a better glaze than older, softer carrots.
Cut Carrots Evenly: For uniform cooking, slice your carrots into equal-sized pieces. This will help them cook at the same rate and become tender without some pieces burning.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey. You can even substitute the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting, make sure the carrots are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause the carrots to steam instead of roast, preventing the glaze from properly caramelizing.
Substitutions and Variations
This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
1. Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey
If you’re a fan of maple syrup or want to add a unique flavor twist, substitute the honey with pure maple syrup. Maple syrup pairs beautifully with carrots, and the glaze will have a deeper, richer sweetness. For an even more robust maple flavor, you can increase the amount of syrup slightly.
2. Add Spices for Extra Flavor
If you’re looking to add a little warmth and spice to your glazed carrots, consider incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. A pinch of ground cinnamon can enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots, while a dash of ginger adds a zesty kick that pairs well with the brown sugar and honey.
3. Use Coconut Oil Instead of Butter
For a dairy-free option, coconut oil can be used in place of the butter. It will add a subtle coconut flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze. This is a great option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
4. Incorporate Citrus Zest
For a burst of freshness, add some orange or lemon zest to the glaze. The citrusy notes will cut through the sweetness and provide a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the carrots. If you enjoy a tangy kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be added to the glaze as well.
5. Add Nuts for Texture
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the roasted carrots after they’ve been glazed. These nuts will add texture and an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots.
6. Use Baby Carrots
If you’re short on time or prefer smaller pieces, baby carrots are a great option. They cook faster than regular carrots, so be sure to keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid overcooking. Just leave them whole, and they’ll absorb the glaze just as well as sliced carrots.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are perfect as a side dish for various occasions, but there are endless ways to incorporate them into your meals. Here are some ideas for serving these sweet carrots:
1. Serve with Roast Meats
Brown sugar honey glazed carrots pair beautifully with roast meats like pork, beef, or chicken. The sweetness from the glaze balances the savory flavors of the roasted meats, making it an ideal addition to your main course.
2. Perfect for Holiday Dinners
These glazed carrots make a show-stopping side dish for holiday dinners. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, these carrots are sure to steal the spotlight on your festive table. They’re easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to focus on the main event.
3. Pair with Grilled Vegetables
For a lighter, healthier meal, pair your brown sugar honey glazed carrots with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or brussels sprouts. The slight smokiness from grilling the veggies will complement the sweet carrots perfectly.
4. Great for Meal Prep
You can make a large batch of these glazed carrots to enjoy throughout the week. They store well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave or oven. They also make a great addition to salads, grain bowls, or wraps.
Storing and Reheating Your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots is easy. Follow these steps to ensure they stay fresh and delicious:
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the carrots to cool to room temperature before placing them in the container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your glazed carrots, place them on a baking sheet and put them in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until hot.
More Veggie Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of these Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots, you’ll likely enjoy some other veggie-based recipes that are just as flavorful and easy to make. Here are a few ideas to add more variety to your meal planning:
1. Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is another naturally sweet vegetable that roasts wonderfully in the oven or air fryer. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the squash’s natural sweetness, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
2. Crispy Panko Cauliflower Bites
If you’re looking for a lighter, crispy option, try crispy panko cauliflower bites. These roasted cauliflower florets are coated in a crunchy panko crust and make a perfect appetizer or side dish that everyone will love.
3. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
For a refreshing and zesty side dish, spicy Asian cucumber salad is a great choice. It pairs well with grilled meats and brings a cool, tangy contrast to any heavy main dish.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
If you’re a Brussels sprout fan, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are an easy and flavorful way to enjoy them. The balsamic reduction adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
FAQs On Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
1. How Do You Bake Glazed Carrots with Brown Sugar?
To bake Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice the carrots into equal-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss the carrots in the glaze, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.
2. How to Make a Honey Glaze for Carrots?
To make a simple honey glaze for carrots, combine honey, butter, brown sugar, and a little olive oil in a bowl. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Heat this mixture in a saucepan over low heat until the butter melts and everything is well combined. Toss your carrots in the glaze and bake them in the oven until tender and caramelized.
3. How to Thicken Carrot Glaze with Honey?
If your carrot glaze is too runny and you want to thicken it, try these methods:
- Simmer the glaze: Place the glaze in a saucepan over low heat and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Add cornstarch: Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add it to the glaze. Stir continuously until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
- Use a small amount of maple syrup: Maple syrup can help thicken the glaze and add an extra layer of flavor.
4. Is It Good to Eat Carrots with Honey?
Yes, it’s not only delicious but also a nutritious pairing. Carrots are packed with vitamins like beta-carotene and fiber, while honey provides natural sweetness and has antioxidant properties. When combined, they create a tasty and healthy side dish, especially when roasted to bring out the natural flavors.
5. Can I Use Baby Carrots for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work well in this recipe, but they cook faster than whole carrots. If using baby carrots, keep an eye on them while roasting to avoid overcooking. You can also leave them whole to ensure they don’t become too soft and maintain their shape during roasting.
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large whole carrots (or 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into 2-3 inch pieces, cutting them at an angle for better presentation.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, melted butter, olive oil, and sea salt. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
- Coat the Carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss until all the carrots are evenly coated.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the glazed carrots in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip the carrots and roast for another 10-15 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Garnish & Serve: Let the carrots cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly minced parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh carrots will give you the best texture and flavor for this dish.
- Baby Carrots: You can use baby carrots for a quicker option, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you like a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar or honey to taste.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different twist, and coconut oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Vitamin A: 185% DV
- Vitamin C: 7% DV
