I love finding easy side dishes that bring a little something extra to the dinner table. Carrots are one of those amazing vegetables that can be both healthy and really delicious with just a few simple steps. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite ways to enjoy them: sweet honey roasted carrots and quick maple glazed carrots.
These recipes are simple enough for any weeknight but special enough for a holiday meal. They use common kitchen items and are perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
These honey roasted carrots are a wonderful simple side dish. They bring a touch of natural sweetness to any meal, making them a family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Roasting Carrots
- Carrot Choice: I suggest using fresh carrots of a similar, medium size. This helps them cook evenly.
- Even Coating: Make sure all the carrot pieces are coated well with the honey mixture. This helps them get that lovely caramelized finish.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread your carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam instead of roast properly.
What You Need for Honey Carrots
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into uniform pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Sweet Honey Carrots
Step 1: Get Ready to Roast
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will also help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Carrots
In a large bowl, place your sliced carrots. Add the olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are fully coated with the delicious mixture.
Step 3: Roast Until Tender
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when poked with a fork and slightly browned at the edges. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Take the carrots out of the oven and serve them right away. They are best when fresh and warm from the oven, complementing any main course beautifully.
📝 Final Note
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Easy Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
These maple glazed carrots are quick to make and full of comforting flavor. They make a perfect simple side for any dinner, especially during the colder months.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Glazed Carrots
- Pure Maple Syrup: For the best results and deepest flavor, use real, pure maple syrup. Imitation syrups won’t give you the same rich taste.
- Butter Adds Richness: Don’t skip the butter! It adds a wonderful richness and helps create that beautiful, glossy glaze on your carrots.
- Cook Until Tender-Crisp: You want the carrots to be soft enough to eat easily, but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooking can make them mushy.
What You Need for Maple Carrots
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Sweet Maple Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Cook the Carrots
Place the sliced carrots in a medium saucepan. Add just enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp. Drain the water very well.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Return the drained carrots to the saucepan. Add the butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it).
Step 3: Glaze Them Evenly
Cook everything over medium heat, stirring often, for another 3-5 minutes. The liquid will begin to thicken and coat the carrots beautifully, giving them a lovely shine.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Take the pan off the heat and serve your glazed carrots right away. They are delicious alongside roasted meats, poultry, or any simple dinner.
📝 Final Note
If the glaze seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or vegetable broth to thin it out a little. If it’s too thin, just cook for another minute or two, stirring, until it’s just right.
