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Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots Tasty Side Dish Recipe

by on April 1, 2025

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Looking for a side dish that impresses without the fuss? Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots are here to save your meal! This easy recipe combines sweet honey and savory garlic, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just want to spice up your weeknight meals, these glazed carrots are a perfect choice. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this tasty treat together!

- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme) - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) You can swap baby carrots for regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil you prefer if you don't have olive oil. Maple syrup works great instead of honey. If you lack fresh thyme, use dried thyme. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are stronger. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh carrots are crisp and sweet. They add a nice texture to the dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that really shines in this recipe. Using fresh thyme adds a bright note that pairs well with honey. Always choose quality ingredients for the best results. This will enhance your cooking and impress your guests. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your carrots well. If you use regular carrots, peel them. Cut them into sticks about 2-3 inches long. If you prefer baby carrots, you can keep them whole. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to eat. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the carrots to the boiling water. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. After cooking, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step helps keep the bright color and crunch. Now, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a rich flavor to the glaze. Then, stir in 3 tablespoons of honey. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes. You want it to bubble and thicken slightly. Finally, add your cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. This allows the carrots to soak up the flavors. Once they are well coated and heated through, you are ready to serve. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots! To make the glaze shine bright, you want to use fresh garlic. Mince the garlic finely. This helps it blend well with the honey. Sauté it in olive oil until fragrant. But watch it closely; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Once it’s ready, stir in the honey. Let it bubble for a few minutes. This thickens the glaze and enhances the flavor. For the best texture, start with fresh carrots. Baby carrots work well, but cut regular ones into sticks. Make sure they are about 2-3 inches long. Boil them for just 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp. After boiling, drain and toss them in the glaze quickly. This way, they soak up all that sweet and savory goodness. Honey garlic glazed carrots shine as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats. Try them with chicken or pork for a complete meal. For a fun twist, add sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty option. Enjoy these carrots warm for the best flavor! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, vibrant carrots for the best flavor and texture. Fresh carrots will have a sweeter taste and will hold up better during cooking. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give the dish a unique twist that complements the honey and garlic. Perfect Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the carrots when boiling; they should be tender but still crisp to maintain their color and nutrients. {{image_2}} You can customize honey garlic glazed carrots by adding fresh herbs. Thyme gives a nice flavor. Try fresh dill or parsley for a bright touch. Rosemary adds a strong taste, while basil offers a sweet note. Experimenting with different herbs can change the dish completely. To heat things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This spice will contrast with the sweet honey. You can also use black pepper for a bit more kick. If you love heat, try a dash of chili powder. These spices will make your glazed carrots pop. If you want less honey, try maple syrup. It has a great flavor and works well. You can also use agave nectar for a vegan option. Brown sugar adds sweetness but changes the glaze's texture. Choose your sweetener based on your taste and dietary needs. To store leftover glazed carrots, let them cool completely. Place the carrots in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep air out. Store the container in the fridge. The carrots will stay fresh for up to four days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the carrots in a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam them. Heat on medium until warm, stirring often. If using the microwave, place them in a bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can freeze glazed carrots if you want to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen glazed carrots can last for up to three months. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. Aim for pieces about 2-3 inches long. This helps them cook evenly and look nice on the plate. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Try them with roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also go nicely with rice or quinoa. Their sweet and savory flavor adds a great touch to any meal. These carrots can last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them, just reheat and serve! Yes, you can make these carrots ahead of time. Prepare them and keep them in the fridge. Just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes meal prep easy and fun! In this blog post, I covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. I also shared ways to change the recipe and store leftovers. Remember, with easy swaps and fun variations, you can customize this recipe. Get creative, enjoy the cooking process, and serve up a dish that impresses everyone. Happy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of honey and garlic creates a delightful contrast that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
  2. Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it a quick and hassle-free side dish option.
  3. Versatile Dish: These glazed carrots pair well with a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to vegetarian meals.
  4. Nutritious and Delicious: Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– ¼ teaspoon salt

– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)

– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap baby carrots for regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil you prefer if you don’t have olive oil. Maple syrup works great instead of honey. If you lack fresh thyme, use dried thyme. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are stronger.

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh carrots are crisp and sweet. They add a nice texture to the dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that really shines in this recipe. Using fresh thyme adds a bright note that pairs well with honey. Always choose quality ingredients for the best results. This will enhance your cooking and impress your guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Carrots

Start by washing your carrots well. If you use regular carrots, peel them. Cut them into sticks about 2-3 inches long. If you prefer baby carrots, you can keep them whole. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to eat.

Cooking the Carrots

Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the carrots to the boiling water. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. After cooking, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step helps keep the bright color and crunch.

Making the Honey Garlic Glaze

Now, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a rich flavor to the glaze.

Then, stir in 3 tablespoons of honey. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes. You want it to bubble and thicken slightly.

Final Steps to Glaze Carrots

Finally, add your cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. This allows the carrots to soak up the flavors. Once they are well coated and heated through, you are ready to serve. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect the Glaze

To make the glaze shine bright, you want to use fresh garlic. Mince the garlic finely. This helps it blend well with the honey. Sauté it in olive oil until fragrant. But watch it closely; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Once it’s ready, stir in the honey. Let it bubble for a few minutes. This thickens the glaze and enhances the flavor.

Achieving the Right Texture for Carrots

For the best texture, start with fresh carrots. Baby carrots work well, but cut regular ones into sticks. Make sure they are about 2-3 inches long. Boil them for just 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp. After boiling, drain and toss them in the glaze quickly. This way, they soak up all that sweet and savory goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Honey garlic glazed carrots shine as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats. Try them with chicken or pork for a complete meal. For a fun twist, add sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty option. Enjoy these carrots warm for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, vibrant carrots for the best flavor and texture. Fresh carrots will have a sweeter taste and will hold up better during cooking.
  2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
  3. Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give the dish a unique twist that complements the honey and garlic.
  4. Perfect Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the carrots when boiling; they should be tender but still crisp to maintain their color and nutrients.

Variations

Adding Different Herbs

You can customize honey garlic glazed carrots by adding fresh herbs. Thyme gives a nice flavor. Try fresh dill or parsley for a bright touch. Rosemary adds a strong taste, while basil offers a sweet note. Experimenting with different herbs can change the dish completely.

Spice Up the Recipe

To heat things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This spice will contrast with the sweet honey. You can also use black pepper for a bit more kick. If you love heat, try a dash of chili powder. These spices will make your glazed carrots pop.

Alternatives for Sweetness

If you want less honey, try maple syrup. It has a great flavor and works well. You can also use agave nectar for a vegan option. Brown sugar adds sweetness but changes the glaze’s texture. Choose your sweetener based on your taste and dietary needs.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Glazed Carrots

To store leftover glazed carrots, let them cool completely. Place the carrots in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep air out. Store the container in the fridge. The carrots will stay fresh for up to four days.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the carrots in a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam them. Heat on medium until warm, stirring often. If using the microwave, place them in a bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing Glazed Carrots

You can freeze glazed carrots if you want to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen glazed carrots can last for up to three months. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. Aim for pieces about 2-3 inches long. This helps them cook evenly and look nice on the plate.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots?

These carrots pair well with many dishes. Try them with roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also go nicely with rice or quinoa. Their sweet and savory flavor adds a great touch to any meal.

How long do honey garlic glazed carrots last in the fridge?

These carrots can last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat and serve!

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make these carrots ahead of time. Prepare them and keep them in the fridge. Just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes meal prep easy and fun!

In this blog post, I covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. I also shared ways to change the recipe and store leftovers.

Remember, with easy swaps and fun variations, you can customize this recipe. Get creative, enjoy the cooking process, and serve up a dish that impresses everyone. Happy cookin

- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme) - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) You can swap baby carrots for regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Use any oil you prefer if you don't have olive oil. Maple syrup works great instead of honey. If you lack fresh thyme, use dried thyme. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are stronger. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh carrots are crisp and sweet. They add a nice texture to the dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that really shines in this recipe. Using fresh thyme adds a bright note that pairs well with honey. Always choose quality ingredients for the best results. This will enhance your cooking and impress your guests. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your carrots well. If you use regular carrots, peel them. Cut them into sticks about 2-3 inches long. If you prefer baby carrots, you can keep them whole. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to eat. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the carrots to the boiling water. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. After cooking, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step helps keep the bright color and crunch. Now, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step adds a rich flavor to the glaze. Then, stir in 3 tablespoons of honey. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. If you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes. You want it to bubble and thicken slightly. Finally, add your cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. This allows the carrots to soak up the flavors. Once they are well coated and heated through, you are ready to serve. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic glazed carrots! To make the glaze shine bright, you want to use fresh garlic. Mince the garlic finely. This helps it blend well with the honey. Sauté it in olive oil until fragrant. But watch it closely; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Once it’s ready, stir in the honey. Let it bubble for a few minutes. This thickens the glaze and enhances the flavor. For the best texture, start with fresh carrots. Baby carrots work well, but cut regular ones into sticks. Make sure they are about 2-3 inches long. Boil them for just 5 minutes. This keeps them crisp. After boiling, drain and toss them in the glaze quickly. This way, they soak up all that sweet and savory goodness. Honey garlic glazed carrots shine as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats. Try them with chicken or pork for a complete meal. For a fun twist, add sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them over rice or quinoa for a hearty option. Enjoy these carrots warm for the best flavor! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, vibrant carrots for the best flavor and texture. Fresh carrots will have a sweeter taste and will hold up better during cooking. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give the dish a unique twist that complements the honey and garlic. Perfect Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the carrots when boiling; they should be tender but still crisp to maintain their color and nutrients. {{image_2}} You can customize honey garlic glazed carrots by adding fresh herbs. Thyme gives a nice flavor. Try fresh dill or parsley for a bright touch. Rosemary adds a strong taste, while basil offers a sweet note. Experimenting with different herbs can change the dish completely. To heat things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This spice will contrast with the sweet honey. You can also use black pepper for a bit more kick. If you love heat, try a dash of chili powder. These spices will make your glazed carrots pop. If you want less honey, try maple syrup. It has a great flavor and works well. You can also use agave nectar for a vegan option. Brown sugar adds sweetness but changes the glaze's texture. Choose your sweetener based on your taste and dietary needs. To store leftover glazed carrots, let them cool completely. Place the carrots in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep air out. Store the container in the fridge. The carrots will stay fresh for up to four days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the carrots in a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam them. Heat on medium until warm, stirring often. If using the microwave, place them in a bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can freeze glazed carrots if you want to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen glazed carrots can last for up to three months. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. Aim for pieces about 2-3 inches long. This helps them cook evenly and look nice on the plate. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Try them with roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also go nicely with rice or quinoa. Their sweet and savory flavor adds a great touch to any meal. These carrots can last for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them, just reheat and serve! Yes, you can make these carrots ahead of time. Prepare them and keep them in the fridge. Just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes meal prep easy and fun! In this blog post, I covered how to make honey garlic glazed carrots. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. I also shared ways to change the recipe and store leftovers. Remember, with easy swaps and fun variations, you can customize this recipe. Get creative, enjoy the cooking process, and serve up a dish that impresses everyone. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish of carrots glazed with honey and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • optional Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel them and cut them into uniform sticks, about 2-3 inches long. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.
  • Cook the Carrots: In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and simmer for about 5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Glaze: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add Honey and Seasoning: Stir in the honey, salt, pepper, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and slightly thickened.
  • Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet, tossing them gently in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the carrots are well coated and heated through.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Optional sesame seeds can be added for garnish.
Keyword carrots, glazed, honey, side dish

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