Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’ve got a simple yet elegant side dish that’s going to change the way you look at carrots: Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme. Sweet, slightly caramelized, and infused with just the right amount of savory thyme, these carrots are the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe can easily elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests during a weekend gathering.
If you’re looking for a quick, one-pan side that’ll have everyone going for seconds, these honey-glazed carrots are about to become your new favorite vegetable dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a weeknight or a holiday dinner, these carrots shine no matter the occasion.
- Healthy & Delicious: Carrots are packed with vitamins, and this recipe lets their natural sweetness shine without adding heavy sauces.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Carrots: Peeled and cut into similar-sized strips. You can use regular carrots or baby carrots.
- Honey: Adds a gorgeous caramelized sweetness.
- Butter: Helps the carrots get that irresistible glaze. You can substitute with olive oil if needed.
- Fresh Thyme: The earthiness of thyme cuts through the sweet honey and brings it all together. Dried thyme works too, but fresh is best here!
- Salt & Pepper: Balances the sweetness and amps up the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the carrots: Peel your carrots and slice them into even strips. You want them all roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Heat the butter and honey: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the honey and stir to combine. Let it bubble gently for about a minute to start getting that delicious glaze.
- Add the carrots: Toss the carrots in the skillet so they’re coated with the honey-butter mixture. Lower the heat slightly and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes, until the carrots are tender but still have a slight bite.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper: Just before the carrots are done, toss in the fresh thyme, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Stir everything together to heat the thyme through.
- Serve: Transfer your honey-glazed carrots to a serving dish, and don’t forget to drizzle any extra honey-butter sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of thyme for that perfect finishing touch!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your carrots have room to breathe in the skillet. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of caramelizing.
- Use a Nonstick Pan: This will make it easier to gently caramelize the honey without it sticking to the skillet.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried thyme works in a pinch, fresh thyme really makes all the difference in flavor for this recipe.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness with some heat.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh orange juice at the end ties everything together with a pop of refreshing acidity.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan margarine option to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Serving Suggestions: These carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a light fish like salmon. For a vegetarian meal, try serving them alongside a grain bowl or lentil salad.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make these honey-glazed carrots a few hours in advance, then gently reheat them in the skillet just before serving.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Can I use baby carrots?
- Absolutely! Baby carrots work perfectly in this recipe, just adjust the cooking time as they might need a little longer to reach full tenderness.
- Can I freeze honey-glazed carrots?
- While you can freeze cooked carrots, the texture may change slightly when reheated. I recommend enjoying them fresh for best results.
Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into even strips
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Peel and slice the carrots into even strips.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey and stir, letting it bubble for just under a minute.
- Add the carrots, tossing to coat them in the honey-butter mixture. Lower the heat slightly and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Enjoy & Share!
I hope these Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme bring a little extra joy to your table! They’re quick, special, and so satisfying. If you give this recipe a try, drop me a comment below or tag your creation on Instagram using #TheKitchensAid.
