Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme

These carrots are buttery, lightly sweet, and finished with fresh thyme for a balanced, savory edge. They cook in one pan and make a bright, elegant side dish that fits perfectly on a Christmas table (or any weeknight dinner).

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🧡 Why You’ll Love It

• Simple ingredients: You probably have everything on hand.
• Quick cook time: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Scales up easily: Works for two or twenty guests.
• Beautiful color and shine: Looks great on any holiday table.
• Kid-friendly flavor: Sweet, soft, and mild.

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🧂 Ingredients

Serves 6

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks or slices
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tbsp honey
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp water

Optional:

• ½ tbsp brown sugar for deeper sweetness
• 1 tbsp orange juice for a citrus note
• Sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans before serving

Helpful tools:

• Nonstick skillet — ideal for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Wooden spoon — gentle for stirring without scratching pans.
• Vegetable peeler — makes prep faster and cleaner.
• Small offset spatula — great for tossing and glazing.

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🍳 Steps

1. Prep the carrots.
   Peel and cut carrots into uniform pieces — about 2 inches long and ½ inch thick. Keeping them similar in size helps them cook evenly.
2. Melt butter and honey.
   In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey until the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly.
3. Add carrots and water.
   Add carrots, salt, pepper, and water. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Uncover and glaze.
   Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook another 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a glossy glaze that coats the carrots.
5. Finish with thyme.
   Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the carrots and toss well. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a bit more honey or salt if needed.
6. Serve warm.
   Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan on top.

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💡 Helpful Tips & Substitutions

• Use baby carrots for a shortcut — no peeling or chopping.
• Try maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, more caramel flavor.
• Don’t skip the cover step: steaming first makes them tender inside before glazing.
• If carrots are large or thick: slice them on a diagonal for faster, more even cooking.
• Make them ahead: Cook fully, then re-glaze with a tablespoon of water and butter before serving.

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🎁 Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside roast turkey, pork tenderloin, or baked salmon.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or stuffing for a colorful contrast.
• Slice leftovers into thin coins and toss into rice, quinoa, or salads for an easy meal add-on.

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🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage

• To prep ahead: Peel and cut carrots up to 2 days before cooking. Store in a resealable container filled with cold water in the fridge.
• To store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until hot and glossy.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen on the stovetop with a bit of butter.

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Soft, bright, and coated in a buttery honey glaze — these carrots bring a pop of color and warmth to your Christmas spread. Easy to prep, easy to love, and the kind of side dish you’ll make all year long.