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Caramelized Carrots Recipe

5 from 149 reviews

Caramelized carrots are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. With simple ingredients like honey and olive oil, these carrots are cooked until tender and caramelized, creating a sweet and savory flavor. You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat gently before serving, making them a convenient, flavorful addition to your holiday spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds

Seasoning and Flavoring

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the carrots.
  2. Cook the carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add honey and seasoning: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the carrots, then season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Caramelize the carrots: Continue cooking the carrots, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes more. The honey will help develop a glossy, golden coating on the carrots.
  5. Add herbs (optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to infuse additional flavor.
  6. Cool and store: Remove the skillet from heat and let the carrots cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  7. Reheat before serving: When ready to serve, gently reheat the carrots in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist and prevent sticking.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh, firm carrots.
  • Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet to allow even caramelization.
  • If you prefer, omit herbs or substitute with other fresh herbs like parsley.
  • Reheat gently to avoid overcooking and drying out the carrots.

Keywords: caramelized carrots, honey glazed carrots, Thanksgiving side dish, easy carrot recipe, stovetop carrots, holiday side dish