Honey Glazed Carrots (Stovetop Recipe)
Honey-glazed carrots instantly add nutrition and vibrant flavor to any plate! This quick and easy stovetop side dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or an elevated gathering. A buttery honey glaze and fresh dill coat the tender carrots for a simple yet impressive result!
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What are honey-glazed carrots?
Honey-glazed carrots are a sweet, simple side dish made with just a handful of ingredients! The sweet-and-savory honey-butter glaze coats the carrots as they cook on the stovetop until reaching just the right fork-tender texture.
Why make them on the stovetop?
I make these simple glazed carrots on the stovetop much more often than oven-roasted carrots because they’re faster and I can control the texture better. By the time the oven preheats or another appliance warms, these are usually already done and ready to serve from the skillet!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Honey-glazed carrots are one of my favorite last-minute side dishes because they pair well with almost everything, from grilled chicken and pork chops to meatloaf and slow-cooker meals.
- Carrots are arguably THE easiest, and one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods to include in your weekly menu! Their sweetness and texture make them a favorite for both adults and kids alike.
- Even if you have some hesitant veggie-eaters, the sweet honey glaze makes them too tempting to pass up! The sweet and savory flavor of the carrots makes a delicious addition to your main dish.
- If you’re already using your slow cooker, oven, or other appliance, whipping up this simple recipe on the stove is the best choice! Get a tasty, nutritious side dish ready in 15 minutes or less.
- This recipe delivers vibrant color and flavor and is versatile! Switch out the dill for your favorite fresh or dried herbs to go with your main meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Carrots – I prefer using regular carrots over baby carrots in this recipe, as they tend to have a stronger flavor and are sweeter. Peel the carrots to remove any bitterness and for the best presentation and consistent texture.
- Olive oil and butter (dairy-free) – The combination of olive oil and butter delivers the best flavor without making the dish overly greasy. The butter adds richness while the oil helps the carrots caramelize without burning.
- Honey – Honey is the most delicious complement to the natural sweetness of the carrots, and a little bit goes a long way! If you are looking to reduce added sugars or sweeteners, choose pure, raw honey. Even better if you can find a local variety for added health benefits!
- Fresh dill – Fresh dill is my favorite herb to use here because it adds subtle freshness without overpowering the carrots. Fresh thyme is another great option, especially if you want a more holiday-like aroma and flavor! Lightly rinse the fresh herbs, pat dry, and chop finely to lightly season the carrots.
- Salt – Add just a pinch to balance the honey’s richness with the carrots’ natural sweetness. Adjust to taste!
How To Make Honey Glazed Carrots On The Stovetop
- Peel and slice carrots into angled coins (as shown), about ¼ inch thick or less.
- Heat the oil and butter in a skillet.
- Add the sliced carrots and sauté until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
- Add honey and dill, then continue heating through for about 1-2 more minutes.
- Add salt to taste and stir well before serving.
How Long to Cook Carrots on the Stovetop
To get the best texture, stay near the stovetop and continue stirring to monitor the carrots. I usually cook them until they’re tender but still have a little bite left. Overcooked carrots lose some of their sweetness and don’t look nearly as appealing on the plate.
How to Get the Perfect Honey Glaze
To get the perfect honey glaze on the carrots (not too thick or sticky), I like adding the honey near the end of cooking rather than at the beginning. It creates a smoother glaze and prevents the honey from scorching as the carrots cook.
Pro Tips
- Slice the carrots fairly thin and as evenly as possible. Uneven pieces can leave you with some carrots that are mushy and others that are still firm.
- The thinner you slice the carrots, the faster they will cook.
- Carrots are done when they are easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy or falling apart.
Substitutions and Variations
- I like using dairy-free butter to keep this recipe completely dairy-free, but you can absolutely use regular butter as well – either salted or unsalted.
- If you don’t have honey available or would like a deeper flavor, add about a teaspoon of maple syrup during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, and adjust the amount as needed.
- If you prefer to use dried herbs, add them a little sooner so they have time to soften before serving.
- For other herb alternatives, try fresh or dried thyme, chives, or rosemary instead of dill.
For a “set-it-and-forget-it” option, try a modified version of sweetened carrots here: Slow Cooker Carrots with Herbed Honey Butter Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
I strongly prefer regular carrots over baby carrots for this recipe due to their flavor, more natural sweetness, and better texture once cooked. If preferred, you could also use baby carrots instead of regular carrots. Slice them into coins, or lengthwise, and note that they will cook faster than regular carrots.
Can I make honey-glazed carrots ahead of time?
Stovetop carrots are best prepared and served fresh in order to prevent them from getting too soft when reheated.
How do you keep carrots from getting mushy?
To prevent the carrots from getting mushy, ensure the pan is hot (it should already be heating up to melt the butter and oil) and keep the skillet uncovered. Also, ensure that the carrots are evenly sliced so they cook to a consistent texture.
What To Serve Honey Glazed Carrots With
Honey-glazed carrots are a delightfully simple, family-friendly side dish that can go with any main dish! The seasoned carrots are a perfect addition to holiday meals, yet easy enough to serve alongside weeknight spaghetti or meatloaf.
The rustic, natural sweetness of freshly-sautéed carrots complements roasts or proteins such as Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin, Smothered Pork Chops, or Juicy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs. Add some Mashed Potatoes or a fresh side salad for a wholesome, home-cooked meal!
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover cooked carrots in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. (Refrain from freezing since the carrots will soften too much when defrosted.)
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
For the best texture, reheat the carrots on the stovetop with a pat of butter or a dash of oil until just heated through again. If you use the microwave, heat for just a short interval to prevent overcooking.
Honey Glazed Carrots (Stovetop Recipe)
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 oz carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter dairy-free
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and slice carrots into angled coins (as shown), about 1/4 inch thick or less
- Heat oil and butter in skillet
- Add sliced carrots and sauté until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often
- Add honey and dill, then continue heating through for about 1-2 more minutes
- Add salt to taste and stir well before serving
Notes
- Store leftover carrots in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For the best texture, reheat on the stovetop with a pat of butter or a dash of oil until just warmed through.
- Slice carrots as thin and evenly as possible for consistent cooking.
- The thinner the slices, the faster the carrots will cook. Adjust your cook time accordingly.
- Carrots are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape and do not fall apart.
