Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots – Easy Recipe

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are the ultimate holiday side dish — caramelized, tender, and bursting with a balance of sweetness and earthiness. Oven-roasted to perfection, these carrots are glazed with a rich mixture of honey, brown sugar, and fresh herbs, making them not only visually stunning but irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or craving a cozy weeknight veggie upgrade, this easy recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing vegetable side.

Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

These oven-roasted carrots are more than just a side — they’re the star of the table. They’re:

• Sweet and savory: The combination of brown sugar and honey adds deep caramel notes, while herbs like thyme and parsley bring brightness.
• Crispy yet tender: Roasting at high heat gives the edges a delightful char while keeping the center tender.
• Holiday-perfect: With cinnamon and optional toppings like pomegranate seeds and nuts, these carrots feel festive and elevated.
• Kid-approved and adult-loved: A naturally sweet veggie dish that both picky eaters and foodies enjoy.
• Easy to make ahead: Prep in advance and roast just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

• Carrots: The star ingredient; choose thick, evenly-sized carrots for the best roasting results.
• Olive Oil: Helps the glaze stick while enhancing the natural flavor of the carrots.
• Honey: Adds a sticky, sweet coating and boosts caramelization.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering the glaze.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, seasonal spice that elevates the sweetness.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness to balance the sugary glaze.
• Fresh Thyme: Offers an earthy herbal note that complements the honey.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.
• Brown Sugar: Gives that deep molasses flavor and caramelized finish.
• Optional Garnishes: Pomegranate seeds, extra parsley, chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and visual appeal.

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations

• Maple Syrup for Honey: Works perfectly for a vegan version and delivers a slightly deeper sweetness.
• Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh: Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley for every 1 tablespoon fresh.
• Use Baby Carrots: These roast quicker; reduce roasting time by half to prevent burning.
• Swap Some Carrots with Root Veggies: Parsnips or sweet potatoes make excellent additions. Just cut them to similar sizes for even roasting.

How to Make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Wash, peel, and trim about 2 pounds of carrots. Slice them in half lengthwise for faster and more even cooking.
2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons chopped thyme, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
3. Coat the carrots: Toss the carrots thoroughly in the glaze and spread them evenly on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
5. Add brown sugar: Remove the pan, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over the carrots, and toss to coat.
6. Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes until the carrots are fork-tender and golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, more parsley, or chopped nuts if desired.

Tips for the Best Glazed Carrots

• Use larger, evenly-sized carrots for consistent roasting. If they’re too small, they’ll cook too fast and might burn.
• Add brown sugar later to avoid premature caramelization and burning.
• Microwave thick honey for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
• Don’t crowd the pan — give the carrots room to roast rather than steam.
• Make ahead: Peel and cut the carrots and mix the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Toss and roast when ready.

Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations

• Holiday Pairings: Serve with roast turkey, beef tenderloin, or a lentil loaf for a complete meal.
• Cheese Pairing: Crumble goat cheese or feta over the carrots for a creamy contrast.
• Add heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with roasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture. Avoid freezing as the glaze will break down.

Why Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots Are a Seasonal Favorite

With their sweet, sticky glaze and herbaceous finish, these Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots bring the best of fall and winter flavors to your plate. They’re easy enough for weeknight meals and elegant enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. Cinnamon, thyme, and parsley work in harmony with honey and brown sugar to create a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and fresh.

From their vibrant presentation to their irresistible flavor, these carrots are a seasonal staple worth savoring again and again.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are the ideal combination of simplicity, elegance, and irresistible flavor. With minimal prep and maximum impact, they’re a reliable side dish you’ll return to all year long — whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or just adding a little magic to your weeknight meals. The sticky-sweet glaze, warm cinnamon, and fresh herbs make each bite satisfying and memorable.

Add this recipe to your seasonal rotation and impress guests and family alike with this colorful, naturally sweet vegetable dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: This cozy recipe blends the sweetness of honey with tender roasted chicken and sweet potatoes, making it a savory companion to brown sugar honey glazed carrots. The caramelized flavors and herbed finish create a comforting autumn-inspired meal.
• Apple Cider Glazed Chicken: Featuring a tangy-sweet apple cider glaze, this chicken dish shares flavor profiles with glazed carrots, offering a harmonious pairing for a fall-themed dinner. The glaze also includes hints of herbs and spices for a rich, balanced taste.
• Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup: This creamy, spiced soup complements the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots with its use of fall vegetables and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A comforting and flavorful starter or side.

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