Add a burst of vibrant flavour to your plate with this delicious Glazed Carrots recipe. This easy recipe is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet and makes a great side dish to any meal!
If you’re looking for a fast, easy and reliable side dish that also tastes delicious then you’re in for a treat with this Glazed Carrots recipe. It’s packed full of flavour and has the perfect balance of ingredients thanks to the honey, dijon mustard and tangy balsamic vinegar. I’m always down for a side dish that takes almost no time (or effort!) to prepare and one that goes well with pretty much anything. This simple side dish can complement various main courses and add a pop of colour to your plate, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or weeknight meals.
It became pretty apparent, when meeting the boyfriend about 8 whole years ago now, that he was a big time lover of carrots. Every single time he would whip up a batch of his oh so famous Noodless Chicken Soup, he would purposely add double the amount of carrots than any other ingredient. So I learned, rather quickly, to do the same in every soup or carrot involved dish I’ve ever served him. I also learned that sometimes, carrots don’t need to be all dolled up and tuned into a soup in order for people (including kids!) to like them. No, no. They’re glorious in their purest state – steamed, roasted or baked. Just like this simple Glazed Carrot recipe is about to show ya!
So, whether you’re serving these up to a person who makes their love for them well and known orrrr you’re trying to get your 3 year old to eat more veggies, these sweet and tangy Glazed Carrots have seriously got your back.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS GLAZED CARROTS RECIPE
Glazed carrots are a wonderful side dish that effortlessly combines simplicity and elegance. The natural sweetness of carrots, when cooked to tender perfection, pairs beautifully with a sweet and savoury glaze. Let’s discuss the exact ingredient you’ll need to make them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Carrots: Why, of course! Carrots are the star of the dish in this recipe. This root vegetable is known for its vibrant orange color and sweet, earthy flavor. Carrots are a good source of vitamins, (particularly vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene) as well as dietary fiber and various antioxidants. I used regular carrots cut into slices but you can cut them in sticks instead, if you prefer. To save on time and for convenience, you can also use bagged baby carrots for this recipe in which case there is no peeling or cutting required.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the carrots helping the seasonings stick better and also helps them roast evenly once they hit the oven. Olive oil also adds a touch of healthy fat to the dish. As always, good quality extra virgin works best in this recipe. However, you can use a different oil (such as avocado or coconut) instead, if you prefer.
- Honey: Provides the glaze with a sweet and sticky quality, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish. Also adds the perfect natural sweetness to the dish and makes the carrots caramelize as they roast in the oven. You can use maple syrup instead, if you prefer.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Contributes a tangy and slightly acidic element to the glaze. It complements the sweetness of the honey, adding the perfect depth of flavour. Because of its unique and distinct taste, I don’t recommend using a different type of vinegar in its place.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a hint of sharpness and a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the glaze. It’s a common condiment made from mustard seeds, white wine, and other seasonings. It not only adds flavour but also acts as an emulsifier in the glaze, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Salt/Pepper: Salt enhances the overall flavours of the dish and balances the sweetness, while pepper adds a subtle kick. Both seasonings are essential for bringing out the best in this glazed carrots recipe.
- Parsley: Used as a garnish for the glazed carrots, adding a pop of colour and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It’s optional but can be a lovely finishing touch to the dish. Therefore, fresh chopped parsley works best in this recipe. However, if you don’t have any on hand, try using a different fresh herb instead. Dill, rosemary, cilantro or thyme all make great options.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GLAZED CARROTS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for Glazed Carrots in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh good quality carrots for best results. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best flavour and texture. Avoid carrots that are wilted, soft, or have visible blemishes.
- Try your best to slice the carrots into uniform rounds or sticks. This ensures that they cook evenly and are all done at the same time.
- Mix the ingredients for the glaze together in a separate bowl before tossing it with the carrots. This allows you to adjust the flavours if needed and ensure that the glaze is well-mixed so the flavours get evenly distributed.
- Ensure you toss the carrots thoroughly in the glaze before baking. I like to use my hands for this! You want each piece to have a good amount of the sweet and savoury glaze and be well-coated.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before beginning. Not only does this prevent prevent the carrots from sticking to the pan but it also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Stir occasionally. While roasting, stir the carrots once or twice to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize uniformly.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time. All ovens are different and cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrot slices and the accuracy of your oven’s temperature. Keep an eye on them, and be ready to remove them from the oven when they are tender and caramelized to your liking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Make sure there is enough space between the carrot pieces on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and steaming instead of roasting.
- Taste and adjust. Before serving, taste a carrot to make sure the sweetness, saltiness, and overall flavor are to your liking. You can adjust the glaze if needed by adding a little more honey, salt, or other seasonings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The main ingredient is, of course, carrots. You can use fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks. Or you can use baby carrots. The glaze is what gives glazed carrots their sweet and savoury flavour. It typically includes ingredients like honey or maple syrup for sweetness, balsamic vinegar for a tangy element, Dijon mustard for a hint of heat, olive oil for roasting, and seasonings like salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavour. Garnishes, such as fresh chopped parsley, are optional but add a pop of colour and an extra layer of flavour to the dish.
The best cooking method for carrots depends on your preferences and the dish you’re preparing. There are many delicious ways to cook carrots which include roasting or baking, steaming, boiling, sautéeing, stir-frying, grilling and mashing or puréeing. People often favour roasting and steaming for their ability to highlight the natural sweetness and texture of carrots, but the method you choose will ultimately depend on the overall flavour and texture you want to achieve.
Carrots are versatile and you can pair them with a variety of different ingredients to enhance their flavour. Here are some of my favourite options to add flavour to carrots: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, dill, or cilantro, Grated citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, Garlic, Spices such as cumin, paprika, coriander or cinnamon, Butter, Soy Sauce, Cheese and Honey or Maple Syrup.
The time it takes for carrots to soften depends on the cooking method you’re using and the size of the carrot pieces. In this recipe for Glazed Carrots, it will generally take 20 to 25 minutes for the carrots to become tender and slightly caramelized. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat them thoroughly until they’re hot all the way through. Use a microwave, stovetop, or oven to reheat, and you can even add a little extra glaze or a sprinkle of water to help prevent drying out.
GLAZED CARROTS RECIPE
Add a burst of vibrant flavour to your plate with this delicious Glazed Carrots recipe. This easy recipe is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet and makes a great side dish to any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Honey (or Maple Syrup)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Chopped Parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the carrots to a bowl and toss them in the glaze mixture until they are well coated.
- Spread the carrots on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. Be sure to stir them once or twice during cooking. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 176mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 4gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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