Disgustingly Good Glazed Carrots in Under 20 Minutes

Grandma always said the best way to get kids to eat their veggies was to make ’em taste like candy! Okay, maybe not exactly like candy, but you get the idea. Her secret weapon? These amazing Glazed Carrots. Seriously, this recipe has been a lifesaver for generations in my family. It’s the perfect way to turn plain old carrots into a side dish that everyone actually *wants* to eat.

Now, my grandma wasn’t one for fancy techniques or complicated ingredients. She believed in simple, honest food that tasted great. And these Glazed Carrots? They’re a perfect example of that. They’re so easy to throw together, even on a crazy weeknight. Plus, that sweet and savory glaze? It’s totally addictive. I’ve been making these *glazed carrots* for my supper club guests for years, and they always disappear fast. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!

Growing up in Asheville, we always had the freshest carrots from the local farmers. And let me tell you, that makes all the difference! But don’t worry, even store-bought carrots taste amazing with this recipe. It’s all about that glaze, baby!

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots Recipe

Seriously, you’re gonna love these! Why? Let me tell ya:

Quick and Easy Glazed Carrots

I’m talking minutes, y’all! Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and have zero time.

Wonderfully Flavorful Glazed Carrots

That honey and brown sugar? It’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds. But with a little savory kick! Mmm!

Versatile Glazed Carrots Side Dish

Chicken, pork, even a lentil loaf – these glazed carrots go with everything. They’re the ultimate sidekick! Try them with our melt-in-your-mouth chicken recipes.

Kid-Friendly Glazed Carrots

Sweet veggies? It’s a magic trick! Even the little ones will gobble these up. Sneaky, right?

Ingredients for the Best Glazed Carrots

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. Just simple ingredients that come together to make pure magic. Remember, good ingredients make *great* glazed carrots!

What You’ll Need to Make Glazed Carrots

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced (I like ’em about 1/4 inch thick, but do your thing!)
• 2 tablespoons butter (Real butter, folks! It makes a difference)
• 2 tablespoons honey (Adds that touch of sweetness we all crave)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (Packed, for extra molasses-y goodness)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch to balance the sweet)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Don’t skip it! It adds a little zing)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (Optional, but pretty!)

How to Make Glazed Carrots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! These *glazed carrots* are so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Preparing the Carrots for Glazed Carrots

First things first, we gotta cook those carrots! You can either steam ’em or boil ’em. I usually steam ’em because I think it keeps ’em a little sweeter. Either way, you’re aiming for tender-crisp – not mushy! About 8-10 minutes should do the trick. You’ll want to drain them really well after they’re cooked. Nobody likes soggy carrots!

Making the Glazed Carrots Glaze

Now for the magic! Grab a nice big skillet and melt that butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melty and gorgeous, add in the honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until that brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth as silk. Careful, it splatters a bit sometimes!

Glazing the Glazed Carrots

Okay, here comes the fun part! Dump those cooked carrots into the skillet with the glaze and toss ’em around until they’re all coated in that sweet, sticky goodness. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the glaze has thickened up and the carrots are beautifully glazed. Ooh, they’ll be lookin’ shiny and delicious!

Serving Your Glazed Carrots

Almost there! Now, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and a little bit of freshness. But honestly, they’re amazing even without it. Serve ’em up hot and enjoy! I guarantee everyone will love ’em!

Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots Every Time

Want to take your glazed carrots from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time. Trust me, these little tips make a big difference!

Don’t Overcook the Glazed Carrots!

Seriously, this is key! Mushy carrots are a no-go. You want them tender, but still with a little bite. Nobody likes a sad, soggy carrot. Aim for that perfect “tender-crisp” stage. It’s worth it!

Adjusting the Sweetness of Your Glazed Carrots

Taste as you go, folks! If you like things extra sweet, add a little more honey or brown sugar. Not a huge fan of super sweet? Cut back a bit. It’s your kitchen, your carrots! Do what tastes good to *you*.

Roasting for Deeper Flavor in Your Glazed Carrots

Wanna kick things up a notch? Try roasting your carrots! Toss ’em with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Then, toss them with the glaze. Wow! The roasting adds a whole new level of flavor. My favorite part is the slightly caramelized edges! For more roasting tips, check out this guide on how to roast vegetables.

Glazed Carrots Variations to Try

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic glazed carrots recipe. Awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? What if you want to take these carrots to the *next level*? Well, my friend, you’re in luck! I’ve got a few fun variations that’ll totally change the flavor profile. Let’s get creative!

Spice it Up: Adding Flavor to Your Glazed Carrots

Want to add a little warmth and cozy vibes? A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg will do the trick! I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of my favorite spice right when I’m making the glaze. It’s like a hug in a carrot!

Maple Syrup Glazed Carrots

Out of honey? No problem! Maple syrup works beautifully in this recipe. It adds a slightly different sweetness, with lovely caramel notes. Use the same amount as the honey, and you’re good to go. These maple syrup glazed carrots are divine, especially in the fall! Try them with our pumpkin bars recipe.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots: A Tangy Twist

Ready for something a little unexpected? A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy complexity that’s seriously addictive. Drizzle about a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the carrots right before they’re done cooking. It’ll create a rich, glossy glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Trust me on this one!

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots

Now, what to serve with these beauties? Well, pretty much anything! But here are a few of my absolute faves:

Glazed Carrots with Roasted Chicken

The sweetness of the carrots? It’s like a high-five for savory chicken. A match made in heaven, I tell ya!

Glazed Carrots with Pork

Pork loin, pork chops… it doesn’t matter! These carrots add a touch of sunshine to any pork dish. Consider pairing them with our stuffed pork loin recipes.

Glazed Carrots as a Vegetarian Side

Lentil loaf, veggie burgers… these carrots are the perfect way to round out a vegetarian meal. Adds a little sweetness and makes everything feel complete!

Storing and Reheating Your Glazed Carrots

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! These glazed carrots are just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious:

How to Store Leftover Glazed Carrots

Pop those leftover carrots into an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Glazed Carrots

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can either microwave ’em for a minute or two, or heat ’em up in a skillet on the stovetop. If you’re using the stovetop, add a tiny splash of water to keep ’em from drying out. Just heat ’em until they’re warmed through. Mmm!

Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Carrots

Got questions about these amazing glazed carrots? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:

Can I make Glazed Carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally prep these ahead. I’d recommend cooking the carrots until they’re tender-crisp, then storing them in the fridge. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and keep it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, just toss the carrots in the glaze and heat ’em up. Easy!

Can I use frozen carrots for Glazed Carrots?

Okay, so fresh carrots are *always* best, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen carrots will work. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. They might be a little softer than fresh carrots, but they’ll still taste delicious with that glaze!

Are Glazed Carrots vegan?

Good question! As written, no, because they use butter and honey. But it’s super easy to make ’em vegan! Just swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and the honey for maple syrup. Boom! Vegan glazed carrots! For more vegan options, check out our vegan recipes.

How do I prevent my Glazed Carrots from being too sweet?

If you’re worried about them being too sweet, start with less honey and brown sugar. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Also, a pinch of extra salt can really help balance out the sweetness. Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking!

Nutritional Information for Glazed Carrots

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just an *estimate*, okay? But roughly, per serving, you’re looking at:

Calories: About 120 (Hey, not bad for something so yummy!)

Fat: Around 5 grams (Mostly from that lovely butter!)

Protein: Just about 1 gram (Carrots aren’t exactly protein powerhouses!)

Carbohydrates: Roughly 18 grams (That includes the natural sugars from the carrots and the honey/brown sugar.)

Remember, these are just ballpark figures. It all depends on the exact ingredients you use and how big your servings are. But hey, at least you have a general idea!

Ready to Make These Glazed Carrots?

Alright, what are you waiting for? Go make some magic! And hey, if you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to share your pics on social media, too!

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