The holiday season is such a wonderful time of year. But let’s be honest, planning the big dinner can feel a little overwhelming. You have the main course to think about, desserts, and of course, all the sides. It’s a lot to juggle!
That’s where simple, delicious recipes come to the rescue. I’m talking about dishes that look and taste impressive but don’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe for honey glazed carrots is exactly that. It’s one of my favorite Christmas recipes side dishes because it’s so easy and flavorful.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this dish is incredibly simple to make. Even if you are a total beginner in the kitchen, you can handle this. There are no complicated steps. Just chop, toss, and roast. It’s a huge win during a busy holiday.
The flavor is just outstanding. You get the natural sweetness of the carrots, boosted by the honey. Then you have savory garlic and butter with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s a truly satisfying combination.
These carrots also look so pretty on a dinner plate. Their bright orange color and glossy glaze add a festive touch. It’s one of those Christmas food dinner side dishes that brightens up the whole table.
Plus, this is a budget friendly recipe. Carrots are available all year and are very affordable. You can make a large batch to feed a crowd without spending a lot. It’s a smart choice for your holiday side dishes Christmas menu.
Honestly, it’s one of the best Christmas side dishes for its pure simplicity and crowd pleasing taste. It’s a recipe you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather. The list is short and sweet, which is always great news when you’re planning a big meal. Most of these might already be in your pantry.
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, thyme or other herbs for garnish (optional)
This list is a great starting point for so many Christmas recipes side dishes. The combination of sweet and savory is always a hit.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious carrots? Let’s walk through the steps together. It’s a straightforward process, I promise. This is what makes it one of the best Christmas side dishes.
Step 1: Prep Your Carrots And Oven
First things first, get your oven preheating to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, you can get the carrots ready. You’ve already peeled them, so now it’s time to chop.
Cut the carrots on a diagonal. Aim for pieces that are about one to one and a half inches long. This diagonal cut just looks a bit fancier than simple rounds. It’s a small detail that enhances your Christmas recipes side dishes.
If some of your carrots are particularly thick, it’s a good idea to slice them in half lengthwise. This helps ensure all the pieces cook evenly in the same amount of time.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens. Put your sliced carrots into the bowl. Then, add all the other ingredients except for the fresh herbs.
Pour in the honey, minced garlic, melted butter, and olive oil. Sprinkle on the cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together well.
You want every single piece of carrot to be coated in that wonderful glaze. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite of your holiday side dishes Christmas treat.
Step 3: Roast To Perfection
Pour the coated carrots onto a large sheet pan. Spread them out in a single, even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, use two pans. This is key for getting a nice roast.
Place the pan in your preheated oven. Let the carrots roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, take the pan out and give the carrots a good toss.
This helps them cook evenly and get caramelized on all sides. For extra color, you can broil them for the last two or three minutes. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
Once the carrots are tender and beautifully caramelized, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to a nice serving dish. This is where you can add that final touch.
If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them up and sprinkle them over the top. Parsley or thyme work really well here. It adds a pop of color and freshness. And there you have it, one of the easiest Christmas recipes side dishes ever.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which might be surprising, storing them is simple. Let the carrots cool down completely to room temperature first. This is an important step.
Place the cooled carrots in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a great addition to lunch the next day. These are not just great Christmas recipes side dishes, they are great anytime!
You can also freeze them. Place them in a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips
I always suggest using a heavy duty sheet pan for roasting vegetables. A sturdy pan will not warp or twist in the high heat of the oven. This helps your food cook more evenly.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love ginger, add a little extra. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, you can reduce it slightly. Making it your own is part of the fun.
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. The taste of fresh minced garlic is so much brighter and adds more depth to the glaze. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in Christmas food dinner side dishes.
Always make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the carrots in. This helps them start roasting immediately and get that lovely caramelized exterior. It’s a simple tip for many Christmas recipes side dishes.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A wonderfully simple and delicious recipe for honey glazed carrots. It’s a fantastic side dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends this holiday season.
This recipe proves that amazing holiday side dishes Christmas do not need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create something truly special for your dinner table.
I hope you give these carrots a try. They are a staple in my home, and I am sure they will become one in yours too. Happy cooking and enjoy the wonderful moments with your loved ones!
FAQ
Can I Prepare These Carrots Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can do some prep work in advance. You can peel and chop the carrots a day or two before. Store them in a container of water in the fridge to keep them fresh. You can also mix the glaze ingredients and store that separately.
What Kind Of Carrots Should I Use?
You can use any kind of carrots you like. Standard orange carrots from the grocery store work great. Rainbow carrots would also be beautiful for this dish, adding even more color to your table of Christmas recipes side dishes.
Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead Of Honey?
Absolutely. If you want to make this recipe vegan or just prefer a different flavor, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey. It will give the carrots a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free. All of the ingredients used are free of gluten, making it a safe and tasty option for guests with gluten sensitivities. It’s one of the easiest gluten free Christmas recipes side dishes you can make.
Honey Glazed Carrots
This wonderfully simple recipe for honey glazed carrots is a fantastic side dish, sure to be a hit with family and friends this holiday season. It’s easy to make and full of savory-sweet flavor.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, get your oven preheating to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, you can get the carrots ready. You’ve already peeled them, so now it’s time to chop. Cut the carrots on a diagonal. Aim for pieces that are about one to one and a half inches long. This diagonal cut just looks a bit fancier than simple rounds. If some of your carrots are particularly thick, it’s a good idea to slice them in half lengthwise. This helps ensure all the pieces cook evenly in the same amount of time.
- Grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens. Put your sliced carrots into the bowl. Then, add all the other ingredients except for the fresh herbs. Pour in the honey, minced garlic, melted butter, and olive oil. Sprinkle on the cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together well. You want every single piece of carrot to be coated in that wonderful glaze. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
- Pour the coated carrots onto a large sheet pan. Spread them out in a single, even layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, use two pans. This is key for getting a nice roast. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Let the carrots roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, take the pan out and give the carrots a good toss. This helps them cook evenly and get caramelized on all sides. For extra color, you can broil them for the last two or three minutes. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
- Once the carrots are tender and beautifully caramelized, take them out of the oven. Transfer them to a nice serving dish. If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them up and sprinkle them over the top. Parsley or thyme work really well here. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
I always suggest using a heavy-duty sheet pan for roasting vegetables. A sturdy pan will not warp or twist in the high heat of the oven. This helps your food cook more evenly.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love ginger, add a little extra. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, you can reduce it slightly. Making it your own is part of the fun.
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. The taste of fresh minced garlic is so much brighter and adds more depth to the glaze.
Always make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the carrots in. This helps them start roasting immediately and get that lovely caramelized exterior.
If you happen to have any leftovers, let the carrots cool down completely to room temperature first. Place the cooled carrots in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze well in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months; reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
You can do some prep work in advance. Peel and chop the carrots a day or two before, storing them in a container of water in the fridge to keep them fresh. You can also mix the glaze ingredients and store that separately.
You can use any kind of carrots you like. Standard orange carrots from the grocery store work great, and rainbow carrots would also be beautiful for this dish.
If you want to make this recipe vegan or just prefer a different flavor, maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey. It will give the carrots a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. All of the ingredients used are free of gluten, making it a safe and tasty option for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
