Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Zingy Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe for Cozy Nights

Sweet and succulent brown sugar honey glazed carrots dance with caramelized perfection on your plate.

Vibrant orange roots absorb a luscious coating that transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible side dish.

Maple-like notes complement the natural earthiness of tender carrots, creating a sublime culinary experience.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Seasonal produce gets a delightful makeover with this effortless recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, these glazed carrots will become your new go-to vegetable preparation.

Warm, inviting flavors await you in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to steal the spotlight at any meal.

Why Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Are a Sweet Sidekick

  • Boost Vegetable Appeal: Transform ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that even picky eaters will devour, making vegetables irresistibly delicious.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Create a gourmet-style vegetable recipe with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Side Dish Delight: Complement multiple main courses from roasted chicken to grilled steak, adding a touch of sweet and savory excitement to any meal.
  • Nutrient-Packed Flavor Bomb: Combine the natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar with carrots' nutritional benefits, delivering a powerhouse of taste and health in one skillet.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Main Ingredients:
  • Baby Carrots: Tender and sweet small carrots perfect for quick and even cooking.
  • Water: Essential liquid for initially softening the carrots.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth glaze.
  • Pure Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps form the glossy coating.
  • Packed Light Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Fresh Dill: Adds a bright, herbal note that complements the sweet glazed carrots.

Instructions to Make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Boil and Soften Carrots

Add baby carrots and water to a large skillet. Heat on medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Sprinkle salt and stir occasionally. Cook until water disappears and carrots start to soften.

Step 2: Create Delicious Glaze

Add ingredients to the skillet:
  • Unsalted butter
  • Pure honey
  • Light brown sugar

Stir constantly until sugar melts and creates a thick, glossy glaze. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.

Check carrots with a fork to ensure they’re tender.

Step 3: Season and Garnish

Taste the carrots and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the carrots. Stir gently to distribute the herbs evenly.

Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, herbal goodness.

Pro Tips for Glazed Carrots That Shine

  • Opt for baby carrots to save time on peeling and chopping, ensuring a quick and easy cooking process.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to create the perfect glaze without burning the sugar or overcooking the carrots.
  • Stir continuously during the glazing stage to prevent sugar from crystallizing and to coat carrots evenly with the sweet sauce.
  • For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil and reduce sugar content while maintaining the honey for natural sweetness.
  • Try fresh herbs like thyme or parsley as alternatives to dill, adding a fresh twist to the classic glazed carrot recipe.

Variations to Sweeten Up Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

  • Maple Glazed Veggie Mix: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor. Swap carrots with a blend of parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash for a colorful, seasonal vegetable medley.
  • Vegan Herb-Infused Glaze: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous kick that complements plant-based ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Spiced Root Vegetable Option: Trade carrots for roasted radishes or turnips. Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol. Incorporate warming spices such as cinnamon or ginger to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Best Pairings with Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

  • The sweet and caramelized honey glaze complements the savory, crispy skin of roasted chicken, creating a balanced flavor profile that dances between sweet and rich.
  • The light-bodied red wine's subtle fruitiness and gentle tannins beautifully enhance the carrots' sweetness, providing a sophisticated drinking experience that elevates the entire dish.
  • The brown sugar and honey glaze cuts through the lamb's robust flavor, while the dill adds a fresh, aromatic dimension that brightens the entire plate.

How to Keep Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Fresh

  • Transfer leftover glazed carrots to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Place carrots in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm carrots in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or butter to restore moisture and recreate the original glaze's glossy texture.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the carrots are perfectly cooked?

The carrots are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork and have a tender yet slightly crisp texture, typically after the water evaporates and they’re glazed with the honey-brown sugar mixture.

  • Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Just make sure they’re cut into uniform chunks so they cook consistently.

  • What if my glaze becomes too thick or starts to burn?

Lower the heat immediately and add a small splash of water to thin out the glaze. Stir continuously to prevent burning and maintain a smooth, even coating on the carrots.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Brown sugar honey glazed carrots elevate simple root vegetables into a delightful side dish that sparkles with sweet warmth. Caramelized edges and glossy glaze invite diners to savor each tender, golden-kissed morsel you’ll adore.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) baby carrots
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons pure honey
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
  • 500 ml water
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare carrots in a large skillet by combining with water and salt. Heat to medium-high, allowing water to simmer and evaporate while softening the vegetables.
  2. Once water disappears, add butter, honey, and brown sugar to the skillet. Continuously stir the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until a glossy, thick glaze forms and carrots become tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Evaluate the seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Gently fold in fresh dill, ensuring the herb is evenly distributed throughout the glazed carrots for a vibrant and aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, uniform baby carrots for consistent cooking and vibrant color, ensuring each piece absorbs the glaze equally.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother melting and more even glaze distribution, preventing potential burning or uneven coating.
  • Select pure, high-quality honey to enhance the natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile in the glazed carrots.
  • While dill offers a fresh finish, experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or parsley to match different meal preferences and culinary styles.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star