There’s something comforting about a bowl of glossy, sweet glazed carrots sitting next to the turkey and stuffing. This humble side dish turns everyday carrots into something special; buttery, tender, and coated in a caramel-like glaze that feels like a hug on your plate. My nonna used to say that even the simplest vegetables deserve celebration, and this one truly does.
If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu and looking for something easy yet impressive, these glazed carrots will fit right in. They balance the rich flavors of the feast with a touch of sweetness, and they come together in under 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sweet carrots are everything a Thanksgiving side should be; comforting, simple, and guaranteed to disappear fast. The glaze, made from butter, brown sugar, and a drizzle of honey, coats the carrots beautifully without overpowering them. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through, complemented by the caramelized edges that develop as they cook.
You’ll love this dish because it requires no special tools or fancy ingredients. It’s budget-friendly and pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or even a savory casserole like this Green Bean Casserole. Best of all, you can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat before serving; ideal for those busy Thanksgiving mornings.
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Glazed Carrots
These glazed carrots are buttery, sweet, and perfectly tender; a classic Thanksgiving side dish that adds warmth and color to your table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs carrots (peeled and sliced evenly)
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tbsp orange juice or 1 tbsp bourbon
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Peel and slice carrots into even pieces.
2. Boil carrots for 6–8 minutes until just tender; drain well.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and honey; stir until slightly thickened.
4. Add carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
5. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze clings.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add optional orange juice or bourbon for depth of flavor.
8. Garnish with parsley or thyme and serve warm.
Notes
For an oven version, roast glazed carrots at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Make ahead: Prepare a day before and reheat with 1 tbsp water or butter.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious caramelized carrots, gather the following:
- 2 lbs of carrots (peeled and sliced into even pieces)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: a splash of orange juice or bourbon for depth
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
This recipe works well with whole baby carrots or sliced large ones. For an extra fall touch, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.
If you’re planning multiple sides, try pairing it with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a colorful table spread.
How to Make Glazed Carrots
- Prepare the carrots.
Peel and slice your carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate. - Cook the carrots.
Boil them for 6–8 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside. - Make the glaze.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and honey, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. - Combine and coat.
Add the carrots to the pan and toss until they’re fully coated in the syrupy glaze. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the glaze clings beautifully. - Serve warm.
Sprinkle with herbs and a touch of sea salt for contrast.
For an oven-roasted version, toss the carrots with the glaze, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
This process echoes the easy techniques shared in the Homely Tasty Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon & Honey recipe, which uses similar caramelization for rich flavor.
Tips and Variations
- Add citrus: A squeeze of orange juice or zest lifts the sweetness and adds brightness.
- Go savory: Add a dash of garlic powder or rosemary for a more balanced flavor.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the glaze a day before; reheat it with a splash of water when ready to serve.
- Use maple syrup: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deep, earthy sweetness.
For more Thanksgiving side ideas, see Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe; it pairs beautifully with this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make glazed carrots ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and glaze the carrots a day in advance. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of butter or water to restore shine.
Can I use frozen carrots?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and reduce boiling time to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave works perfectly. Each brings a slightly different flavor note but keeps the sweetness.
How do I keep the glaze from getting too thick?
If it thickens too much while cooking, add a tablespoon of water or orange juice to loosen it up.
Closing Note
These glazed carrots are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable results. Their buttery sweetness complements any Thanksgiving spread, balancing out savory flavors and adding a touch of elegance. Whether you roast, sauté, or simmer them, the result is always tender, golden, and irresistibly glossy.
As my nonna used to say, “It’s not the dish that makes the meal, but the love behind it.” And this one, my friends, has plenty of both.
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