Amazing Glazed Carrots: 25 Min Holiday Staple

Oh, these glazed carrots! Seriously, they’re a staple at my holiday table, and have been for years. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas lunch, these sweet and savory glazed carrots are always the first side dish to disappear. They just have that perfect balance of sweet honey and tender carrots that makes everything feel extra special. I remember making them for the first time when I was trying to impress my in-laws, and wow, did they come through!

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

• So incredibly easy! Seriously, you only need about 5 minutes of prep.
• Flavor explosion! That sweet honey glaze with tender carrots? Pure magic.
• Holiday ready! They look so pretty on the table and pair perfectly with everything.
• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – even the pickiest eaters gobble these up!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make these amazing glazed carrots! It’s super simple, which is why I love them so much, especially when the holidays get crazy. You really don’t need much, but getting the right stuff makes all the difference. Trust me, the fewer ingredients, the better when you’re juggling a whole holiday meal!

Essential Ingredients for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

First up, the star of the show: 1 pound of baby carrots. I always go for the fresh ones, they just have a better texture and sweetness for this dish. Make sure they’re washed and any little roots are trimmed off. Then, we’ve got 2 tablespoons of honey. If your honey is a bit thick, just pop the jar in some warm water for a minute to make it easier to pour. We also need 1 tablespoon of butter – real butter, none of that margarine stuff! And finally, just a touch of seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. That’s it! Simple, right?

Optional Additions for Enhanced Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Now, if you want to jazz them up a little, I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cinnamon – just a whisper! – to the honey mixture. It gives it a lovely warmth. And for serving? A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley looks so pretty and adds a nice bit of color. It’s totally optional, but it makes them look extra special on the holiday table.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Okay, let’s get these beauties in the oven! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about side dishes. These steps are really simple, and honestly, the oven does most of the hard work for you. Just follow along, and you’ll have the most delicious glazed carrots on your holiday table in no time.

Preparing the Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a medium-sized bowl. Pop your washed and trimmed baby carrots in there. Now, drizzle in that lovely honey, add the butter, salt, and pepper. Give it all a really good toss. You want to make sure every single carrot is coated in that gorgeous, sticky glaze. Sometimes I just use my hands for this part – it’s the best way to make sure everything is covered evenly. Just be prepared for slightly orange-stained fingers for a bit!

Roasting the Glazed Carrots to Perfection

Once everything is coated, grab a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze! Spread your glazed carrots out in a single layer. This is important, guys! If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you won’t get those lovely caramelized bits. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork and have these beautiful, slightly browned edges. Oh, the smell that fills the kitchen at this point is just heavenly!

Tips for Making the Best Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but let me tell you a couple of little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make these glazed carrots absolutely perfect every single time. First off, don’t crowd the pan! I know I said it before, but it bears repeating. Give those carrots some space so they can roast up beautifully, getting those lovely caramelized edges. If your baby carrots are on the larger side, just give them a few extra minutes in the oven. You’re looking for that fork-tender texture, so trust your eyes and your fork more than the clock sometimes! And if you want an even richer flavor, try a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg mixed in with the honey – it really amps up that holiday feel!

Serving and Storing Your Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

These glazed carrots are best served right away, while they’re still warm and that honey glaze is perfectly gooey. They make such a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. I love pairing them with a big roast turkey or some creamy mashed potatoes – it’s just the ultimate comforting meal!

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Serve these beauties right alongside your roasted turkey, ham, or even a beautiful prime rib. They’re also amazing with a side of stuffing or mashed potatoes. Honestly, they’re so versatile!

Storing and Reheating Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick toss in a warm oven or even a quick zap in the microwave works wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Got questions about these super easy glazed carrots? I’ve got you covered! It’s honestly one of those dishes that people always ask about because it’s so simple yet so delicious. I get asked a lot about switching things up, so let’s dive into some common queries!

Can I use different types of carrots for this Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)?

You sure can! While baby carrots are my go-to because they’re already neat and tender, regular carrots work too. Just peel them and chop them into uniform pieces, about half an inch thick, so they cook evenly.

How do I make sure my Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) don’t burn?

The biggest thing is to not overcrowd the baking sheet – spread them in a single layer! Also, keep an eye on them in the last 5-10 minutes. If they look like they’re getting too dark too quickly, you can always loosely tent them with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

What are good substitutions for honey in this Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)?

Maple syrup is a fantastic substitute for honey if you want a slightly different, warm flavor. Agave nectar works too, though it’s a bit sweeter, so you might use a tiny bit less. Both will give you that lovely sweet glaze!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting! Each serving of these delicious glazed carrots has about 90 calories. You’ll find around 10g of sugar, mostly from the honey, and about 4g of fat. They also offer roughly 14g of carbohydrates and a little bit of fiber and protein too. Perfect for a balanced holiday plate!

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