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Savory Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme and Brown Butter

savory honey glazed carrots - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring baby carrots glazed with nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and fresh thyme, perfect for weeknights or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) small or baby carrots, peeled if needed
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (about 34 sprigs)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Peel (if needed) and rinse about 1 pound (450g) of baby carrots or small carrots. If using larger carrots, slice them into uniform sticks about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it melts and begins to foam. When the butter turns golden and smells nutty (brown butter stage), reduce heat to low immediately.
  3. Add the carrots to the brown butter, stirring well to coat each piece. Cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender but still slightly crisp and starting to caramelize.
  4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey evenly over the carrots. Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the honey thickens into a sticky glaze.
  5. Optional: Squeeze 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice over the glazed carrots to add brightness.
  6. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and serve warm.

Notes

Use medium heat to brown butter slowly without burning. Patience is key to develop nutty aroma. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming carrots. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and honey with maple syrup. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed carrots, brown butter carrots, thyme carrots, easy side dish, quick vegetable side, glazed carrots recipe, savory carrots