Thanksgiving at our home is all about the cozy warmth of familiar flavors, and glazed carrots have earned their permanent place on our holiday table. The first time I made them, it was a bit of an accident. I had extra carrots and some leftover brown sugar from baking, and I just went with it. My husband, a devoted food lover with a knack for savoring the smallest flavor note, took one bite and said, “These taste like candy—but better.”
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who’s learned over time that recipes don’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable. These honey-glazed carrots are proof. Whether you’re roasting a full turkey or making something smaller like this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast, these carrots are a delightful, vibrant side you’ll want to serve year after year.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to appreciate about these sweet and tender carrots. They strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, you can whip up a glossy, buttery carrot dish that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
The glaze, made from brown sugar and butter with a hint of honey, clings to every bite. As the carrots cook, they absorb that golden sweetness while still keeping a soft bite. They’re kid-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and one of the easiest dishes to scale up or down depending on your guest list. You can even prep them ahead, making your Thanksgiving Day a little less hectic.
For a holiday lineup, they pair incredibly well with classic mains and sides like Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a roast turkey. The vibrant orange color adds brightness to the table too, making them a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Glazed Carrots
These sweet and buttery glazed carrots are a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for any holiday meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel and slice the carrots evenly.
2. Boil carrots in salted water until just tender, about 7–8 minutes. Drain.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and honey.
4. Let the glaze bubble for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add the carrots and toss to coat. Cook for 3–5 minutes until glossy.
6. Season with salt and optional cinnamon. Serve warm.
Notes
Make ahead: Boil the carrots and refrigerate. Reheat in glaze before serving.
Try maple syrup instead of honey for an autumn twist.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients
These glazed carrots require just a few everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carrots (peeled and sliced) | 2 pounds |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Optional: ground cinnamon or nutmeg | A pinch |
These simple components transform into something special; and if you’re serving Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon & Honey, the flavor profiles complement beautifully.
How to Make Glazed Carrots
- Prep the carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into ¼-inch rounds or cut into sticks for a rustic look. Uniform sizes help them cook evenly.
- Boil: Add the carrots to a pot of salted water and boil until just tender (about 7–8 minutes). Drain well.
- Make the glaze: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and honey, letting it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
- Toss to coat: Add the cooked carrots and toss them in the glaze. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring gently until coated and glossy.
- Finish & serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or cinnamon if desired and serve warm.
These steps come together quickly and make the most of each ingredient. If you’re preparing a Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin, this stovetop carrot recipe keeps the oven free.
Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: You can boil the carrots a day in advance. Just reheat them in the glaze on Thanksgiving Day.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a savory touch to balance the sweetness.
- Try maple syrup: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a more autumnal twist.
- Go dairy-free: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
Glazed carrots aren’t just for Thanksgiving; they’re a great side to weeknight meals, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby carrots instead of slicing whole ones?
Yes! Baby carrots work well and cut down on prep time. Just boil them a few minutes longer to ensure tenderness.
What’s the best way to reheat glazed carrots?
You can reheat them on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze.
How do I make these glazed carrots ahead of time?
Boil and cool the carrots, then store them in an airtight container. Prepare the glaze fresh or reheat both together when serving.
Are glazed carrots freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best texture, undercook them slightly before freezing. Reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a colorful, sweet, and buttery side dish that screams comfort, these glazed carrots belong on your table. They’re crowd-pleasers; whether you’re feeding toddlers, teens, or turkey-loving adults. Their irresistible glaze and soft crunch make them the ideal complement to rich, savory holiday dishes like Roast Turkey. Keep this recipe in your back pocket; it might just outshine the main dish.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
