Name: Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, Buttery & Perfectly Tender
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots (peeled and sliced); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Let me tell you, these Honey Glazed Carrots are one of those sneaky side dishes that steal the spotlight. I first whipped them up on a busy weeknight when I was short on time but wanted something more exciting than plain steamed veggies. The moment those buttery, honey-coated carrots hit the table, they disappeared faster than anything else on the plate—kids and adults alike were obsessed!

They’re sweet, savory, and just the right amount of tender with a glossy glaze that makes them look as good as they taste. Whether you sauté them for a quick side or roast them for a more caramelized finish, they’re a winning choice for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or simple weeknight meals. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes—yes, please!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Honey glazed carrots in a white serving bowl, glistening with a golden butter-honey glaze, topped with fresh chopped parsley.

Key Ingredients in Honey Glazed Carrots

Carrots: Naturally sweet and earthy. When cooked, they become tender and even more flavorful.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious glaze.
Honey: The star of the glaze! It caramelizes slightly, bringing natural sweetness and shine.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, savory herbal note that balances the sweetness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Parsley: Freshness on top—plus, it looks pretty!

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots

Prep the carrots: Peel and slice them into rounds or diagonal pieces (diagonals look fancy with zero effort).
Sauté Method: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then until they’re tender-crisp.
Glaze time: Stir in honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is glossy and well-coated.
Optional Roasting Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots with melted butter, honey, and seasonings on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the glaze.
Citrusy Twist: Add a splash of fresh orange juice or zest for brightness.
Garlic Lovers: Toss in a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic with the butter.
Maple Option: Swap honey for maple syrup if that’s more your jam.

Pairings

These carrots go with just about everything:

Roast Chicken or Turkey for a hearty dinner.
Glazed Ham for festive meals.
Quinoa or Wild Rice Pilaf for a balanced vegetarian option.
Mashed Potatoes—because creamy + sweet = heaven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve them warm, right out of the pan or oven. They also work beautifully on a holiday platter or tucked into a meal prep box with grains and a protein. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or extra parsley for presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking the carrots until mushy
❌ Not stirring enough during sautéing, leading to uneven cooking
❌ Using too much honey and making it overly sweet
❌ Skipping the salt—it’s crucial to balance the sweetness
❌ Crowding the roasting pan (they’ll steam instead of roast)

Tips and Tricks

✅ Slice carrots evenly for consistent cooking
✅ Diagonal cuts make them look gourmet with zero extra effort
✅ Use baby carrots if you want to skip peeling and slicing
✅ Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor
✅ Use fresh thyme for a bolder herbal taste
✅ Prep in advance: Store peeled and sliced carrots in water in the fridge for up to 2 days

Final Thoughts

Honey Glazed Carrots are simple, stunning, and seriously tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this recipe delivers major flavor with very little effort. It’s a great way to jazz up vegetables, impress your guests, or just make Tuesday dinner a little more exciting. Try it once, and you’ll be making it on repeat—I promise!

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, Buttery & Perfectly Tender

Bellina Groschen

Sweet, buttery carrots roasted or sautéed with a touch of honey and herbs — great for weeknight dinners or festive meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound carrots peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Peel and slice the carrots into rounds or diagonal pieces.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the carrots to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Stir in the honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the carrots to become nicely glazed.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sliced carrots with melted butter, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh carrots for the best texture and taste.

Roast them for a more caramelized flavor.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten them up.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Sprinkle with toasted nuts for added crunch (pecans work great!).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 150

Fat: 7g

Carbohydrates: 21g

Sugar: 11g

Protein: 1g

Fiber: 3g

The nutritional information provided for this recipe is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Keyword carrots, glazed, honey, butter, side dish, vegetables, roast, sauté