Honey Glazed Carrots: A Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Side!
Looking for the perfect side dish to wow your guests this Thanksgiving? These Honey Glazed Carrots are sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make! Simple ingredients transform ordinary carrots into a delightful treat that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Whether you’re planning a full-blown thanksgiving feast or a cozy family dinner, these glazed carrots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This is a family-friendly recipe, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Carrots
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the honey makes these carrots a hit with kids.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, butter, and spices creates a delicious, balanced flavor.
- Healthy(ish!): A great way to sneak in some veggies with a touch of sweetness.
- Elevates Simple Carrots: Turns plain carrots into a delectable side dish.
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Carrots
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions: For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Evenly sized slices will ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Be careful not to burn the butter!
- Add Carrots and Water: Add the sliced carrots and water to the skillet. Stir to coat the carrots with the melted butter.
- Cook the Carrots: Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Honey and Spices: Remove the lid, and add the honey, salt, cinnamon, and ginger (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Glaze the Carrots: Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the carrots are nicely glazed and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep an eye on the honey!
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. It’s best to serve these honey glazed carrots fresh!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: For the best texture, cook the carrots until they are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Carrots: Fresh carrots will always taste better and have a more vibrant color than older carrots.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, start with less honey and add more as needed.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Herbed Honey Glaze: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbed twist.
Serving Suggestions
These honey glazed carrots are the perfect addition to any meal, especially your Thanksgiving dinner table! Their vibrant color and sweet and savory flavor enhance a classic thanksgiving spread. They pair wonderfully with:
- Roasted Turkey: The sweetness compliments the savory turkey flavor perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic combination that everyone loves.
- Stuffing: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory stuffing.
- Green Bean Casserole: Another Thanksgiving staple that pairs well with the carrots.
- Cranberry Sauce: Enhances the sweet and tart flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover honey glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. A splash of water can help prevent them from drying out.
FAQ about Honey Glazed Carrots
Q: Can I make these Honey Glazed Carrots ahead of time for my Thanksgiving menu ideas?
A: Yes! You can cook them a day in advance and reheat them before serving. They might lose a bit of their glaze, but they’ll still taste delicious. Just reheat them gently with a little extra honey or water to revive the glaze.
Q: Are these honey glazed carrots vegan?
A: Not in the traditional sense. However, by substituting the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and the honey with maple syrup or agave, you can easily make them a delicious vegan thanksgiving option.
Q: Can I use baby carrots instead of slicing regular carrots?
A: Absolutely! Baby carrots are a convenient option. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to these honey glazed carrots for thanksgiving side dishes?
A: Yes, you can! Consider adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a colorful and flavorful mix.
Q: Are these honey glazed carrots gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Enjoy guilt-free as one of your gluten-free thanksgiving recipes side dishes.
Final Thoughts on Honey Glazed Carrots
These Honey Glazed Carrots are a simple yet delightful addition to any meal, especially when you’re looking for easy thanksgiving recipes side dishes! Their sweet and savory flavor and vibrant color make them a standout side. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
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Honey Glazed Carrots
Equipment
- Large skillet,
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch ground ginger (optional)
- fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Evenly sized slices will ensure they cook at the same rate.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Be careful not to burn the butter!
- Add the sliced carrots and water to the skillet. Stir to coat the carrots with the melted butter.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the lid, and add the honey, salt, cinnamon, and ginger (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the carrots are nicely glazed and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep an eye on the honey!
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. It’s best to serve these honey glazed carrots fresh!
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