If you’re looking for a mouthwatering vegetable side dish that even picky eaters will love, look no further! These brown sugar honey-glazed carrots are sweet, flavorful, and easy to make in less than 30 minutes. This versatile recipe pairs well with any protein, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or as a part of your holiday spread. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate the fresh, delicious carrots that are in season during the summer.
Why You’ll Love These Carrots
There are so many reasons to love these brown sugar honey-glazed carrots! Here are just a few:
- They are nutritious and delicious, making it a perfect dish for picky eaters.
- With just four main ingredients, plus seasonings, you can transform simple raw carrots into a superstar side dish.
- This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to put your own spin on it by making simple changes.
What You’ll Need
To make these delicious glazed carrots, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh, thin baby carrots with tops trimmed (or you can use store-bought carrots or baby carrots)
- Olive oil for frying
- Butter for flavor
- Brown sugar and honey to bring out the sweetness
- Balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors
- Seasonings like rosemary, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic
How to Make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your carrots by washing them thoroughly. If desired, you can peel the carrots, but it’s not necessary as long as they are clean and unblemished. Trim off the tops of the carrots.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle the carrots with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Make sure the carrots are well-coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large cast iron skillet. Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to roast evenly.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and seasonings until the brown sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined.
- Add the butter to the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow the ingredients to melt together, bringing the glaze to a gentle boil.
- Once the glaze is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to generously brush each carrot with the balsamic glaze. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top of the carrots on the baking sheet or skillet.
- Place the baking sheet or cast iron skillet in the preheated oven and let the carrots roast for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Making This Recipe Your Own
Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:
- Add a touch of cinnamon to the glaze for a nice twist.
- If you like a bit of heat, mix in some red chili flakes.
- Try making your own Easy Homemade Hot Honey and use it instead of regular honey for a delicious variation.
- Add peeled parsnips to the carrots for a flavorful mix.
Serving Suggestions
These brown sugar honey-glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that complements a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair them with 3 Ingredient Crockpot Shredded Chicken and Gravy, 3 Ingredient Crockpot Pork Chops, or a nice Sunday Roast.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can get creative with how to use them. Here are a few ideas:
- Cut the longer carrots into coins and add them to a salad with other vegetables for a burst of sweetness.
- Add them to a vegetable soup, making sure to add them near the end to just heat through.
- Incorporate them into a stir-fry, again adding them near the end to maintain their texture.
The roasted carrots can be stored in a tightly lidded container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you prefer to freeze them, use a freezer-friendly container and they will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight or gently reheat them in a covered skillet with a bit more butter, or in the microwave for a quick option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use on carrots instead of honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can easily substitute it with agave syrup, maple syrup, or even date paste.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze a day or two before you plan to use it. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make it pourable. Be cautious as the sugars in the glaze will be hot.
We hope you enjoy making this delicious Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots recipe! If you have any questions or if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to leave a star rating if you love it!
