These honey glazed carrots are sliced carrots simmered with honey and butter until tender. A super easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main course options including chicken, beef and seafood.

I’m always looking for quick vegetable options to go alongside our meals. Some of my favorites include roasted green beans, grilled zucchini and these sweet and savory honey glazed carrots.

I always have a bag of carrots in my fridge – they’re inexpensive, last forever and are so versatile! These honey glazed carrots are one of my all-time favorite ways to prepare this nutritious veggie.

How do you make honey glazed carrots?

Start by peeling and slicing your carrots. Simmer the carrots in water until they’re tender, then drain off any excess water. Add butter, honey and salt to the pan. Bring everything to a simmer and cook until a glaze forms on the carrots. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve and enjoy.

Tips for the perfect side dish

I typically make these honey glazed carrots with full sized carrots that have been cut into slices. That being said, pre-cut baby carrots will also work, they may just take a bit longer to cook.
If you’re looking for a more elegant dish, try using rainbow colored carrots for a fun and unique presentation.
You can use any type of honey that you like in this dish. I often use clover honey because I always have it on hand, but a wildflower honey would also be a great choice.
You can peel and slice your carrots up to 2 days before you plan to use them.
I find that this dish tastes best with fresh carrots, but frozen sliced carrots will work in a pinch. If you’re using frozen carrots, they’re already pre-cooked and will not need to be simmered in water.
Short on time? Many stores sell prepared carrot coins that will work just fine in the recipe.

How to store honey glazed carrots

This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat your glazed carrots on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Honey glazed carrots can be frozen for up 2 months. You can cook the carrots from frozen in a pan over medium heat until they’re warmed through. Frozen carrots will release excess water when cooked, which means the dish may have a thinner glaze than if it was cooked fresh.

Flavor Variations

These carrots are delicious as-is, but you can add other ingredients to the mix to customize them to your tastes.

Sweetener: If you don’t have any honey on hand, you can use an equal amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
Vegetables: Try a combination of root vegetables such as parsnips, sweet potatoes and beets.
Spice: Go for a sweet and spicy combination by adding a few teaspoons of hot sauce or chipotle pepper puree.
Garnishes: Add a little extra flavor with a garnish like cooked crumbled bacon or chopped candied pecans.

I often serve these carrots as a side to pot roast or a whole roasted chicken. They make the perfect addition to a holiday meal and are always a hit with both kids and adults alike!

More vegetable dishes to try