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Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots | The Perfect Sweet & Savory Side Dish

There’s something irresistible about Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots — tender, buttery, and beautifully caramelized. This dish takes everyday carrots and turns them into a glossy, golden masterpiece that’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor. Perfect for both casual dinners and festive celebrations, these carrots pair the natural sweetness of honey with the rich depth of brown sugar, all balanced by a hint of apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs. The glaze coats every piece, giving you that deliciously sticky texture and golden shine that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, beef stew, or as part of your holiday table, these glazed carrots are guaranteed to impress. They’re easy to prepare, made with simple pantry ingredients, and taste like something straight out of a five-star restaurant — but with none of the fuss!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots:
Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs ~12 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest for a citrus twist

Equipment

  • To make these deliciously glazed carrots, you’ll need just a few basic tools:
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots — shiny, tender, and packed with flavor.
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
  1. Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks or ½-inch slices.
  2. Try to keep the pieces even so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Parboil the Carrots (Optional but Recommended)
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the carrots and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until slightly tender (they should still be firm).
  3. Drain immediately and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil (and butter if using).
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and forms a glossy glaze.
Step 4: Glaze the Carrots
  1. Add the parboiled carrots to the skillet.
  2. Toss to coat the carrots evenly in the brown sugar honey glaze.
  3. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs
  1. Sprinkle in the thyme and parsley during the last minute of cooking.
  2. Stir gently to combine and let the herbs infuse their aroma into the glaze.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish.
  2. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
  3. Garnish with extra parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
  4. Your carrots should look perfectly glossy and golden — tender inside, with a rich, buttery glaze coating every bite.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots store beautifully and reheat easily while keeping their delicious shine.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Cool completely before freezing.
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or butter.
Microwave: Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil.
🥄 Variations
Want to give your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots a unique twist? Try one of these creative variations:
1. Maple Brown Sugar Glaze
Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
2. Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness.
3. Citrus Herb Carrots
Add orange juice and zest for a bright, zesty touch that complements the glaze.
4. Garlic & Herb Version
Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the glaze and top with fresh thyme for a savory version.
5. Balsamic Honey Glaze
Add 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth and glossy finish.
6. Nutty Crunch Twist
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving for texture and flavor.
7. Roasted Version
Toss carrots with all glaze ingredients and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for caramelized edges.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use baby carrots instead of large ones?
Yes! Baby carrots work perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time — they may cook faster by 2–3 minutes.
2. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Absolutely! Butter adds a richer flavor and enhances the caramelization.
3. Can I skip parboiling the carrots?
Yes — you can cook them directly in the glaze for about 12–15 minutes, but stir often to prevent burning.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes — use only olive oil and skip the butter for a dairy-free version.
5. How can I make the glaze thicker?
Let it simmer a little longer or add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
6. What type of honey works best?
Pure, raw honey has the best natural sweetness and flavor. Avoid artificial blends.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the glaze and parboil the carrots ahead. Combine and heat just before serving.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding parsnips or sweet potatoes for a root vegetable medley.
9. How do I make the carrots more savory?
Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs.
10. What goes best with glazed carrots?
They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, beef stew, salmon, or holiday dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes.
🏁 Conclusion
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet and savory — a dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort. The combination of caramelized brown sugar, golden honey, and earthy thyme creates an irresistible glaze that clings to every tender carrot, making each bite a delicious burst of warmth and flavor.
It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that looks as stunning on the table as it tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
So grab your carrots, drizzle that honey, and let your kitchen fill with the cozy aroma of caramelized perfection. Once you taste these Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots, they’ll become a staple on your fall and holiday menu — guaranteed!