Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Jump to Recipe

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these oven-roasted carrots with a sticky glaze are sure to impress your guests. The brown sugar and honey mixture caramelizes the carrots to a crispy, tender texture, while the touch of fresh herbs and cinnamon adds depth and warmth. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a staple for many families.

Why Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Are the Ultimate Side Dish

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The combination of brown sugar and honey creates a rich, caramelized glaze that infuses the carrots with a sweet yet savory flavor. This recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The ease of preparation and minimal ingredients make it a go-to dish, while the roasted texture and flavor make it stand out among other side dishes. Whether you’re serving them during the holidays or as a weeknight side, these glazed carrots will never disappoint.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

To make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Carrots: The star of the dish, offering a naturally sweet and earthy flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the glaze adhere to the carrots.
• Honey: Provides sweetness and a slight floral note to balance the savory elements.
• Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the sweetness and bring depth.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• Ground black pepper: For a mild, savory kick.
• Fresh thyme: Offers an herby aroma and adds a subtle earthy flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh, green garnish that adds brightness.
• Brown sugar: The perfect ingredient to give the glaze a sticky, caramelized texture.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to suit dietary preferences or based on available ingredients, here are a few swaps:

• Maple syrup: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to honey, maple syrup works just as well.
• Sweet potatoes or parsnips: Swap some or all of the carrots for these root vegetables for a new twist.
• Dried herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme and parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Peel and trim the carrots, then cut them in half lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, cinnamon, thyme, and parsley. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Coat the carrots: Place the halved carrots on a large baking sheet. Pour the glaze over the carrots and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Roast the carrots: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even cooking. The edges of the carrots should begin to char, which enhances the flavor.
Add brown sugar: After 20 minutes, remove the carrots from the oven and sprinkle with brown sugar. Stir to coat, then return the carrots to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until they are fork-tender.
Serve and garnish: Serve the roasted carrots with fresh pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots turn out perfectly every time:

• Evenly sized carrots: For even cooking, make sure the carrots are of similar size. If using larger carrots, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add more brown sugar or honey. Conversely, reduce the sweeteners for a more savory flavor.
• Check doneness: Depending on the size of the carrots, cooking times may vary. Test with a fork to ensure they are tender before removing them from the oven.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Roast chicken: The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
• Pork tenderloin: The caramelized glaze on the carrots is a great match for juicy, roasted pork.
• Green beans or Brussels sprouts: Pair these glazed carrots with other vegetables for a colorful, well-rounded meal.
• Rice pilaf or mashed potatoes: The rich, sticky glaze makes these carrots a perfect companion to starchy sides.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, you can make these carrots gluten-free and vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup. Additionally, adding a dash of cayenne pepper will give them a spicy kick for those who like heat.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a delicious side dish but also a nutritious one. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which supports eye health. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and parsley also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. This recipe is ideal for autumn and winter meals, adding seasonal warmth and comfort to your table.

Moreover, the balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a great choice for holiday meals, ensuring that your guests enjoy both the taste and the visual appeal of this dish.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are the ultimate side dish for any occasion, blending the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you are hosting a holiday feast or preparing a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to make and absolutely delicious. The caramelized brown sugar and honey create a sticky glaze that coats the tender roasted carrots, while the fresh herbs and cinnamon add a delightful aromatic touch. Easy to prepare, visually appealing, and packed with flavor, these glazed carrots are sure to be a crowd favorite.

With their versatility, you can pair them with a variety of main dishes and enjoy their nutritional benefits, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Plus, they are adaptable to suit dietary preferences, making them a family-friendly option for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Yes, you can definitely use baby carrots for this Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots recipe. However, keep in mind that they cook much faster than larger carrots. Reduce the cooking time by half to prevent them from overcooking or burning. If you want to cut down on prep time, baby carrots are a great option.

Can I make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the carrots by peeling, slicing, and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days before cooking. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to make the dish, simply toss the carrots in the glaze and roast them.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave or in the oven. However, we recommend not freezing them, as the texture may change when thawed.

More Relevant Recipes

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are oven-roasted to perfection, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and savory flavors. The glaze, made with brown sugar, honey, and fresh herbs, creates a sticky coating that caramelizes the carrots to crispy, tender perfection. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds (~12 large) carrots
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons brown sugar
Garnish: pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Peel and trim the carrots, then cut them in half lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, cinnamon, thyme, and parsley. Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Place the halved carrots on a large baking sheet. Pour the glaze over the carrots and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
After 20 minutes, remove the carrots from the oven and sprinkle with brown sugar. Stir to coat, then return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
Serve topped with fresh pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.

Notes

Ensure the carrots are evenly sized to promote even cooking. If using larger carrots, cut them into smaller pieces.
If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add more honey or brown sugar to the glaze.
Baby carrots can be used as an alternative, but adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster than larger carrots.
This dish can be made ahead by prepping the carrots and making the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Simply roast when ready to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American