Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

The Best Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe for Your Table

Sweet and savory honey garlic butter glazed carrots bring a delightful twist to your vegetable side dish.

Bold flavors mingle together, creating an irresistible combination that changes ordinary carrots into something extraordinary.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients merge with careful technique.

Caramelized edges and glossy surfaces promise a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond typical vegetable preparations.

Subtle garlic undertones complement the natural sweetness of honey, offering a balanced and sophisticated taste profile.

This recipe delivers an elegant approach to making vegetables more appealing and delicious.

You will love how quickly these carrots come together, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Explore this culinary adventure and watch your loved ones ask for seconds.

Why Everyone’s Loving These Glazed Carrots

  • Honey garlic butter transforms ordinary carrots into a sweet, savory sensation that dances on your taste buds with rich, caramelized goodness.
  • Simplified technique lets home cooks create restaurant-quality side dishes without complicated skills, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Flexible recipe allows adjusting garlic intensity, honey sweetness, and roasting time to match personal preferences and family tastes.
  • Roasted carrots retain maximum nutrients while developing deep, complex flavors through strategic browning and caramelization techniques.

Everything You Need to Make Them Sweet and Savory

Main Ingredients:

Vegetables:
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that provides the base of the dish, best when fresh and crisp.
Fats and Sweeteners:
  • Butter, Honey: Rich, glossy coating that creates a delicious sweet and caramelized flavor profile.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the carrot glaze.

Easy Instructions for Tender Glazed Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to sizzling hot at 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and lightly spritz it with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Transform Carrots

Chop off the carrot ends and slice them into three equal sections. This helps them cook evenly and look super professional.

Step 3: Craft The Magical Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter until it’s silky smooth. Pour in honey and stir until it blends perfectly. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for 30 seconds, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 4: Shower Carrots With Flavor

Tumble carrots into the skillet and coat them generously with the sauce. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let the sauce hug each carrot piece for about a minute.

Step 5: Roast To Perfection

Spread carrots on the baking sheet in a single layer. Slide into the oven and roast for 20 minutes until they’re tender when poked with a fork.

Step 6: Add Crispy Edges

Switch oven to broil. Cook carrots for 2-3 minutes to create deliciously caramelized edges.

Step 7: Optional Sauce Intensification

For extra sauce lovers, return carrots to skillet and simmer in remaining glaze for 5 minutes on high heat.

Pro Tips to Get the Texture Just Right

  • Slice Strategically: Cut carrots into uniform thirds to guarantee even cooking and prevent burning or undercooked sections.
  • Butter Brilliance: Use fresh, high-quality butter for a richer, more luxurious glaze that enhances the carrots' natural sweetness.
  • Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic at the right moment to release its aromatic flavors without burning, creating a perfect flavor base.
  • Caramelization Technique: Broil carefully for 2-3 minutes to achieve those delectable crispy edges without turning the carrots into charcoal.
  • Sauce Simmering Secret: If you want an extra thick glaze, return roasted carrots to the skillet and reduce the sauce on high heat for maximum flavor intensity.

Storing and Reheating Without Losing Flavor

Storing Leftovers:
  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled carrots to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Separate Sauce: Keep any remaining glaze in a separate sealed container to maintain the carrots' crisp texture.
Reheating Methods:
  • Oven Reheat: Spread carrots on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to preserve their original roasted texture.
  • Skillet Warm: Quickly reheat carrots in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and restore moisture.

Tip: Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy carrots and maintain their delicious caramelized edges.

Carrot Pairings That Pop on the Plate

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Roasted chicken or honey-glazed ham complements the sweet and savory notes of the honey garlic butter carrots, creating a balanced meal that highlights the vegetable's rich flavors.
  • Wine Wonderland: A crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the butter's richness while echoing the honey's sweetness, making each bite more vibrant and refreshing.
  • Herbal Harmony: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the carrots to add a bright, green complexity that lifts the dish's earthy undertones and provides a delightful aromatic contrast.
  • Texture Twist: Scatter toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top to introduce a crunchy element that adds depth and intrigue to the soft, glazed carrots.

Mix-In Ideas for Glazed Carrots

  • Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans over carrots before roasting for a nutty, sweet flavor profile.
  • Spicy Asian-Inspired Carrots: Swap honey with soy sauce, add ginger and sriracha to the glaze for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Carrots: Mix in fresh rosemary and thyme with the butter glaze, then finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style vegetable side dish.
  • Citrus Carrot Glaze: Incorporate orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice into the butter mixture, creating a bright and tangy alternative that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Got Carrot Questions? Start Here

  • Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work great! Just adjust cooking time slightly as they are smaller and might cook faster.

  • How do I store leftover honey garlic glazed carrots?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

  • Can I make this recipe vegan?

Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.

  • What if I don't have fresh garlic?

Garlic powder works as a substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic.

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Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey garlic butter glazed carrots bring elegance to simple vegetable sides with their irresistible sweet and savory profile. Caramelized edges and glossy sheen make these carrots a delightful companion for any main course, promising a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, washed and peeled (or unpeeled if preferred)
  • ⅓ cup (76 grams) butter
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning:

  • ¼½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spraying a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Carefully trim and slice carrots into uniform thirds, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
  3. Create a luxurious glaze by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then gently incorporating honey until smooth and integrated.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the butter-honey mixture, stirring continuously for roughly 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors and prevent burning.
  5. Carefully transfer carrots into the skillet, coating them evenly with the glossy glaze and seasoning with salt and pepper while allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
  6. Arrange the glazed carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out to promote even roasting and caramelization.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, checking periodically to ensure carrots become tender but retain a slight crispness.
  8. Activate the broiler for a final 2-3 minutes to develop beautifully caramelized edges and enhance the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
  9. Optional: For an intensified glaze, briefly return roasted carrots to the skillet and simmer in remaining sauce over high heat for an additional 5 minutes.

Notes

  • Unleash a burst of sweet and savory flavors with this simple yet impressive carrot side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience.
  • Cutting carrots into equal thirds ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overly charred.
  • Melting honey and butter together creates a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting, enhancing the natural sweetness of the carrots.
  • Broiling for a few extra minutes adds a delightful crispy exterior and rich caramelized edges that elevate the dish’s texture and appearance.
  • Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor, and don’t be afraid to adjust the honey-to-butter ratio to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the carrots at their peak crispness and flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standalone vegetable side.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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