Name: Glazed Carrots Recipe: Sweet and Tender
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb carrots; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ½ cup water; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp thyme; Optional: Parsley; Suggested Pairings: Chicken (potatoes)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Glazed Carrots are a sweet, tender side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals. This simple recipe, featuring buttery carrots in a honey-brown sugar glaze with a hint of thyme, delivers glossy shine with balanced flavor. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper, these Glazed Carrots offer a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a stovetop method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to side that brings colorful, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Glazed Carrots:

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds or diagonal slices
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ cup water (or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth)
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ tsp dried)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, cracked black pepper
Suggested Accompaniments: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes
Suggested Pairings: White wine, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large skillet with lid, wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Carrots: Peel and slice carrots evenly—½-inch thickness ensures uniform cooking. Diagonal cuts increase surface area for glaze adhesion.
Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foaming. This browns slightly for a nutty flavor.
Add Carrots and Season: Add sliced carrots, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat in butter. Cook 2 minutes to lightly sear—this enhances sweetness.
Make Glaze Base: Add honey, brown sugar, water (or broth), and thyme. Stir until sugar dissolves. The liquid steams carrots while reducing into syrup.
Simmer Covered: Bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook 8–10 minutes until carrots are fork-tender but not mushy. Check at 8 minutes—thicker slices need more time.
Uncover and Glaze: Remove lid. Increase the heat to medium-high. Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring gently, until liquid reduces to a thick, glossy glaze that coats carrots. Shake the pan to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Taste a carrot—add a pinch of salt or extra honey if needed. The glaze should be sweet, buttery, and slightly savory.
Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked pepper.

Tips for Better Glazed Carrots

Cut carrots evenly—uniform tenderness
Simmer covered first—steams evenly
Reduce glaze uncovered—thick and shiny
Use broth for a deeper flavor
Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the orange glaze
Make a double batch for the holidays
Reheat gently with 1 tbsp water
Enhance aesthetic: add orange zest curls

Variations and Customization

Maple Glazed: Replace honey with maple syrup.
Balsamic Glazed: Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Spicy Glazed: Add ⅛ tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Herb Butter: Finish with 1 tbsp fresh dill or rosemary.
Vegan: Use plant butter and maple syrup.
Baby Carrots: Use whole baby carrots; cook 12–15 min.
Orange Glazed: Replace water with orange juice + zest.
Garlic Glazed: Sauté 1 minced garlic clove in butter.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat in skillet with 1–2 tbsp water over low heat.
Do not freeze—texture softens.
Serve warm for the best glaze shine.
Pair with white wine or sparkling water to balance sweetness.
Present in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a bright, elegant charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:

Calories: 110 kcal
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 220% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 2% Daily Value

Note: Values with butter and honey (vegan or baby carrot versions vary slightly). High in beta-carotene.

Conclusion

This Glazed Carrots recipe delivers sweet, tender perfection with glossy shine in every bite. It transforms humble roots into a holiday favorite. Its one-pan simmer method and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The buttery glaze and herbal notes delight every forkful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its simple, crowd-pleasing charm.