Okay, so, you know how sometimes the simplest things are the absolute BEST? That’s totally the case with these Glazed Carrots! Seriously, who doesn’t love a good glazed veggie? They’re sweet, they’re tender, they’re like candy but…good for you! And the best part? These are so unbelievably easy, you won’t believe it. My grandma used to make glazed carrots for every holiday – Thanksgiving, Easter, even just a regular Tuesday when she felt like it. I have the best memories of sitting at her kitchen table, watching the steam curl up from the pan, and the sweet smell filling the whole house.
I tweaked her recipe a bit, but the heart of it – and the incredibly delicious flavor of these Glazed Carrots – remains the same. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be putting them on the menu every week! They’re the perfect side dish, and they’re about to become a new favorite in *your* house, too!
Why You’ll Love These Glazed Carrots
Okay, friends, let me tell you why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Glazed Carrots! It’s because they’re:
- Crazy easy. Seriously, like, only one pan and a few minutes on the stovetop.
- Sweet, but not *too* sweet, thanks to the honey.
- Perfectly tender, with a little bite, just the way carrots should be.
- Versatile – they go with EVERYTHING! Seriously, chicken, fish, even burgers!
Trust me, these carrots are a total game-changer!
Ingredients for the Best Glazed Carrots
Alright, so, before we get to the good stuff (eating!), let’s gather our ingredients. You won’t believe how simple this is. You probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen! Here’s what you need for these amazing Glazed Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced. I like to slice them about ¼ inch thick, but do whatever floats your boat!
- 2 tablespoons butter. Real butter, people! It makes all the difference, trust me.
- 2 tablespoons honey. Any kind will do (local is the best if you can get it!).
- ¼ cup water. Just plain old water, straight from the tap is fine.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is key, friends! Don’t be shy!
That’s it! Pretty easy, right?
How to Make Perfectly Glazed Carrots
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these delicious Glazed Carrots! It’s super simple, I promise. You don’t even need to preheat your oven or anything crazy like that. Just grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Glazed Carrots
First, put those sliced carrots, butter, honey, and water right into your skillet. Don’t worry about the pan being *too* hot; we’re starting low and slow. Then, sprinkle in some salt and pepper. I like a generous pinch of salt, you know, to really bring out the sweetness. A little cracked black pepper is great too!
Next, turn your heat to medium. We want a gentle simmer, not a boil. Stir everything around a bit so the carrots get coated in all that honey-butter goodness. Now, just let them cook! Stir them every few minutes, so nothing sticks to the bottom. It usually takes around 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and have a beautiful glaze. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily slips into them. Be careful, it splatters! When they’re looking good, they’re ready to eat!
Tips for Success: Achieving the Perfect Glazed Carrots
Okay, friends, wanna make sure your Glazed Carrots are absolutely *perfect*? Here are a couple of little secrets I’ve learned over the years. First up, the carrots! I usually grab the regular, orange, “baby” carrots from the grocery store. I like to slice them myself, though, because pre-cut carrots sometimes dry out. And seriously? Don’t overcook them! You want them tender but still with a little bit of bite.
My number one tip? Taste as you go! Seriously, take a little taste test now and then, and adjust the salt and pepper (or honey) to your liking. That’s the most important thing! When the carrots are tender enough, take them off the heat and enjoy. Your family will adore these Glazed Carrots!
Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk about the *why* behind these Glazed Carrots! It’s all about simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role. You know, I’m always messing around in the kitchen, and I have found the best ingredients!
First up, the butter! Real butter is a MUST, in my opinion. It gives the carrots that lovely richness and helps create the glaze. If you absolutely can’t do butter (maybe a dietary thing), you *can* use a good quality olive oil or even coconut oil. But trust me, butter… *chef’s kiss*! And the honey? Well, that’s what gives these Glazed Carrots their delicious sweetness. You could, in a pinch, use maple syrup instead. It’ll give a slightly different flavor, but it will work!
And those carrots? Freshly sliced, please! Don’t even think about the pre-cut, dried-out sticks!
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Glazed Carrots
Okay, so, what do you serve with these amazing Glazed Carrots? Honestly, pretty much anything! Because the carrots are so versatile, you can pair them with practically anything! They go great alongside a roasted chicken or turkey. I also love to serve them with a nice piece of grilled salmon.
For a vegetarian meal, they’re fantastic with a lentil loaf or even just a simple veggie burger. Basically, think of them as the perfect sidekick to any meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Glazed Carrots
Okay, so, you *might* actually have leftovers of these Glazed Carrots (though I wouldn’t bet money on it!). If you do, lucky you! Here’s how to keep them tasting just as good the next day.
All you need to do is pop those leftover carrots into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny splash of water (or a teeny bit more honey!) if they seem a little dry. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it, or they can get mushy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Carrots
Okay, friends, let’s get to those burning questions! I know you probably have some, so I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about these wonderful Glazed Carrots. Let’s dive right in!
Can I use frozen carrots?
You *can* use frozen carrots in a pinch, but fresh is always best. Frozen carrots might be a little softer and they can sometimes release extra water, so your glaze might be a bit more watery. If you *do* use frozen, make sure to add them directly to the pan frozen. You may need to cook them for a shorter amount of time than the fresh carrots. Keep an eye on them, and don’t overcook them! You want them tender, but not totally mushy. But, honestly? Fresh is best for these Glazed Carrots for texture and flavor!
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Easy peasy! To make these Glazed Carrots totally vegan, you just need to swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative. You can use vegan butter, or even a little olive oil or coconut oil. The rest of the recipe is already vegan-friendly, so you’re good to go! Just make sure your honey is from a reputable source, since some vegans avoid honey. Easy, right?
What if I don’t have honey?
No problem! If you don’t have honey, you can absolutely substitute it. My favorite alternative is maple syrup. It’ll give your Glazed Carrots a slightly different flavor profile (a little more earthy, perhaps), but it’s still delicious! You could even use brown sugar, but you’ll probably want to add a tiny splash more water, so it forms a nice glaze. Experiment and see what you like best!
Nutritional Information (Disclaimer)
Okay, friends, let’s talk about the numbers! Keep in mind that the nutritional info for these Glazed Carrots is just an estimate. It can change depending on the carrots you use, the exact amount of honey you add (and hey, you might add a tad more salt or pepper!), and the brands of butter and honey you choose. So, consider it a rough guide, not a hard-and-fast rule!
Print
Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple recipe for glazed carrots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place carrots, butter, honey, and water in a skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender and glazed, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust honey to your taste.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: glazed carrots, carrots, side dish, vegetable recipe