Glazed Carrots – Easy, Glossy, Best Ever Sweet Side

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Glazed carrots in a skillet with shiny honey butter glaze and parsley

Tender carrots coated in a shiny honey-butter glaze, ready for the table.

These Glazed Carrots are tender, sweet, and shiny in the best way. You get buttery flavor, a touch of honey sweetness, and a glaze that clings to every bite. They’re perfect for holidays, but easy enough for weeknight dinners too.

A Simple Side Dish That Feels Special

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If you want a veggie side that people actually get excited about, these Glazed Carrots are it. They taste cozy, look pretty, and take very little effort.

The standout trick is simmering the carrots first, then finishing with the glaze at the end. That way the carrots get tender without turning mushy, and the glaze stays glossy instead of watery.

My family always goes back for seconds, especially when the glaze is still warm.

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots

  • Family-friendly: Sweet, buttery flavor that even picky eaters like.
  • Holiday-ready: A classic side dish for gatherings and big dinners.
  • Easy weeknight win: Simple ingredients and quick cook time.
  • Glossy glaze: Coats the carrots instead of pooling in the pan.
  • One-pan cleanup: Everything happens in one skillet.
  • Great with many mains: Works with chicken pieces, turkey, or vegetarian meals.

Ingredients for Glazed Carrots

Carrots, butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and parsley arranged for glazed carrots
Carrots, butter, and honey make a simple, cozy glaze

Carrots and glaze

  • Carrots: Slice evenly so they cook at the same speed; baby carrots work too.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the glaze turn silky.
  • Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and shine; maple syrup also works.
  • Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness; you can reduce it for a less-sweet glaze.
  • Salt and black pepper: Balances the sweet glaze so it tastes “grown-up.”
  • Cinnamon optional: Adds warm, cozy flavor; use a pinch so it stays subtle.
  • Parsley: Fresh finish and pretty color.

How to Make Glazed Carrots

Four panel collage showing slicing carrots, simmering, glazing with honey butter, and finished carrots with parsley
Simmer, glaze, and finish for glossy, tender carrots
  • 1. Slice the carrots. Slice into even rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Even pieces cook evenly and look nicer on the plate.
  • 2. Simmer until tender. Add carrots to a skillet with a splash of water and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer on medium for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender.
  • 3. Remove the lid and add the glaze. Uncover and let extra water cook off for 1–2 minutes. Add butter, honey, and brown sugar. Stir as it melts.
  • 4. Glaze and thicken. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce looks glossy and coats the carrots. If it looks too thin, cook 1–2 minutes longer.
  • 5. Season and finish. Add black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon if using. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots

  • Slice evenly: This prevents some pieces from turning mushy.
  • Cook off extra water: Less water means a thicker, shinier glaze.
  • Use medium heat: Too hot can scorch the sugar.
  • Taste before serving: Add a pinch more salt if it tastes too sweet.
  • Keep stirring at the end: The glaze thickens quickly as it reduces.
  • Serve warm: The glaze looks best and tastes richest when warm.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Maple version: Swap honey for maple syrup.
  • Orange twist: Add a splash of orange juice and a little zest.
  • Herby finish: Use thyme instead of parsley.
  • Spicy-sweet: Add a tiny pinch of cayenne.
  • Carrot sticks: Cut into sticks and increase simmer time a couple minutes.
  • Less sweet: Reduce brown sugar and add more butter for richness.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

  • Make ahead: Slice carrots up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
  • Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water to loosen the glaze.
  • Freezing: Not recommended; carrots can turn soft after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect for holiday meals and potlucks.
  • Great next to scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus.
  • Serve with rice and a simple main dish.
  • Add to a vegetarian plate with beans and salad.
  • Great for weeknight dinners because it’s fast.

Reader Review

These glazed carrots were shiny, tender, and not overly sweet. The glaze actually coated the carrots instead of pooling. My whole family ate them and asked for more.

Glazed Carrots Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

If you make these Glazed Carrots, leave a rating and a comment. Would you add cinnamon, orange, or keep them classic honey-butter?

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