These glazed carrots are a colorful side dish that makes any meal special. They’re sweet, tender, and coated in a shiny glaze that makes them hard to resist!
I always tell my friends that these carrots are like candy for dinner. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just cook, glaze, and serve! You’ll love seeing everyone munch them happily!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and look great on the plate. If you can’t find baby carrots, use regular carrots cut into similar-sized pieces. This keeps the cooking time consistent.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but you could swap it with olive oil for a healthier option or a dairy-free butter if that’s your choice. Just remember, oil won’t provide the same richness, but it’s still good!
Honey or Maple Syrup: I love using honey for its flavor, but maple syrup is a fantastic alternative for a vegan option. If you prefer a less sweet taste, consider cutting the amount in half.
Dill: This herb adds a fresh taste to the dish. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can work too. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Glaze Just Right?
A shiny glaze makes these carrots special! Here are some quick tips: Start with medium heat when melting the butter, then combine it with honey or maple syrup. The key part is cooking them after adding water or broth. Cover the skillet and let them steam until tender, which takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Once they’re tender, remove the lid and keep stirring to help the liquid thicken into that delicious glaze.
- This last cooking time, around 3-5 minutes, is important for getting that glossy look. If it reduces too much, just add a splash of water.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have beautifully glazed carrots that steal the show at dinner! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Glazed Carrots with Herb Garnish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (washed and peeled if needed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: small minced garlic clove or capers for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook! You’ll spend a few minutes melting butter and mixing ingredients, and the rest is just letting those carrots get perfectly tender and glazed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melting the Butter:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt gently. You want it to become nice and bubbly, but be careful not to let it brown too much!
2. Creating the Glaze:
Once the butter has melted, add the honey or maple syrup. Stir it well until it all combines into a smooth glaze. This is where the sweet flavor comes from!
3. Cooking the Carrots:
Now, add in the baby carrots and the water (or vegetable broth). Give everything a good stir so the carrots are nicely coated in that sweet glaze. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots steam for about 10-12 minutes. Just pop back occasionally to give them a stir!
4. Finishing the Glaze:
After they’ve cooked and gotten tender, remove the lid. Stir them frequently now and let them cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This will help reduce the liquid, leaving you with a shiny glaze that coats the carrots beautifully.
5. Adding the Final Touches:
Once the carrots are glazed, stir in the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dill adds a lovely fresh flavor!
6. Serving Your Carrots:
Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle more fresh dill on top and add a bit of minced garlic or capers for an extra flavor kick. Serve warm and enjoy this vibrant side dish with your meal!
These glazed carrots will be a hit at any dinner table! Enjoy the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you use regular carrots, just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Aim for about 2-3 inches long so they cook through in the same time.
What Can I Substitute for Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you’re looking for an alternative sweetener, you can use agave syrup or brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but they will still work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glazed carrots a few hours in advance. Just cook them up to the glazing stage and keep them covered. Right before serving, quickly reheat them in a skillet to get the glaze back to a shiny consistency!