Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

These sweet and buttery glazed carrots are the perfect tender side dish to balance out the savory flavors of your holiday meal. They add a beautiful pop of color and a touch of elegance to any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.​

Why make this recipe

This glazed carrot recipe is incredibly simple, yet it delivers an elegant side dish that is sure to impress your guests. It adds both color and a pleasant sweetness to your dinner table, making it a versatile option that pairs well with many main courses.​

How to make Glazed Carrots

Making glazed carrots is a quick process. The carrots are first boiled until they are tender. While the carrots cook, a glaze is made by melting butter with honey and brown sugar in a saucepan. The cooked carrots are then tossed in this sweet glaze and cooked for a few more minutes until they are beautifully coated.​

Ingredients

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced​
• 2 tbsp butter​
• 2 tbsp honey​
• 1 tbsp brown sugar​
• Salt and pepper to taste​

Directions

1. Boil the peeled and sliced carrots for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.​
2. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.​
3. Stir the honey and brown sugar into the melted butter to create the glaze.​
4. Drain the carrots and add them to the saucepan with the glaze.​
5. Toss the carrots in the glaze and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.​
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.​

How to serve Glazed Carrots

Serve these glazed carrots warm as a side dish alongside your favorite holiday mains. They are a perfect accompaniment to turkey, ham, or roast beef. For a finishing touch, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.​

How to store Glazed Carrots

Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.​

Tips to make Glazed Carrots

• For the best flavor and texture, use whole carrots and slice them yourself rather than using pre-packaged baby carrots.​
• Ensure you don’t overcook the carrots when boiling them; they should be tender but still have a slight bite before you add them to the glaze.​
• For an even richer flavor, you can use brown butter in your glaze.​
• Cut the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.​

Variation

There are several ways to vary this classic recipe.​

• Roasting: Instead of boiling, you can roast the carrots. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding the glaze and roasting for another 5-10 minutes.​
• Different Sweeteners: You can substitute the honey and brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.​
• Add Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the glaze for a warm, festive spice.​
• Savory Additions: For a more savory twist, you can add minced garlic to the butter as it melts. A splash of bourbon or whiskey can also be added to the glaze for a more complex flavor.​

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a 16-ounce bag of baby carrots as a convenient substitute for whole carrots. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.​

Can I make glazed carrots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrots a day or two in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and simply reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.​

What makes the glaze thicken?
The glaze thickens as the water from the carrots evaporates and the sugar caramelizes while cooking in the pan.

Print