When you think about Thanksgiving dinner, what comes to mind? Probably a golden brown turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy. It’s a meal full of tradition. But sometimes the side dishes can feel a little, well, predictable. I get it. Planning a big holiday meal can feel overwhelming. You want delicious food without spending all day in the kitchen.
Let me introduce you to a dish that will become a staple on your holiday table. These honey glazed carrots are one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes side dishes because they are so easy to make and pack so much flavor. They look absolutely beautiful and taste even better. This recipe will make your dinner special without adding any extra stress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a recipe that requires very few ingredients and minimal effort? This is one of those dishes that delivers big results with little work. It is a fantastic choice if you are looking for easy side dishes for Thanksgiving.
The flavors are just so comforting and delicious. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the rich honey glaze. The garlic adds a wonderful savory note that balances everything beautifully. It’s a simple combination that tastes incredibly thoughtful.
Plus, they look stunning on the table. The carrots get beautifully caramelized in the oven. They develop a gorgeous golden brown color with slightly crispy edges. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of green that makes the dish look so vibrant. It is a visual treat for any of your Thanksgiving meals.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. It’s a total crowd pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. Whether you are hosting a formal family dinner or a casual get together, these carrots fit right in. They are one of the best Friendsgiving food ideas because they are so easy to transport and reheat.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create one of the most memorable Thanksgiving recipes side dishes you’ve ever had. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen right now.
- 2 pounds medium carrots (about 8)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 small lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious carrots? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s very straightforward, I promise. This is a great recipe for beginners who want to contribute to the big meal. Following these steps will give you a standout dish for your holiday table.
Step 1: Prep The Oven and Carrots
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Go ahead and arrange a rack in the middle position and preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A nice hot oven is key to getting that beautiful caramelization we are after.
Now for the carrots. You’ll want to peel and trim about two pounds of medium carrots. Cut them crosswise into two inch pieces. If any pieces are thicker than one inch, slice them in half or into quarters lengthwise. You want them all to be a similar size, about a half inch to three quarters of an inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
Once they are all cut, place them on a rimmed baking sheet. While you’re at it, mince your three garlic cloves so they are ready to go. Good prep makes everything smoother.
Step 2: Create The Honey Glaze
This glaze is where the magic happens. In a small saucepan, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds. You’ll just want to swirl it around until you smell that amazing garlic aroma.
Remove the pan from the heat. Now, add one and a half tablespoons of honey to the garlic butter. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. This simple mixture will turn your carrots into one of the best Thanksgiving food sides ever.
Step 3: Glaze and Roast
Drizzle about half of your beautiful honey glaze over the carrots on the baking sheet. Toss them well to make sure every piece gets coated. Season them with one teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, then toss them again.
Spread the carrots out in a single, even layer. It is important not to crowd the pan. This gives them space to roast instead of steam. Now, pop them into your preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Final Toss and Serve
After 15 minutes, take the carrots out and give them a good toss. Pop them back into the oven to continue roasting. They will need about 15 to 20 more minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender and nicely browned on the bottoms.
Once they are done, take them out of the oven. Drizzle the remaining honey glaze all over the hot carrots. Squeeze the juice from half a small lemon over them and toss everything to coat one last time. The lemon juice really brightens up the flavors.
Transfer your finished carrots to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. This step is optional but adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. And there you have it, one of the most fantastic Thanksgiving recipes side dishes ready to be enjoyed.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is very simple. Just let the carrots cool down to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two. Or, you can warm them in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Honestly, they are also pretty tasty cold, straight from the fridge!
Tips
Want to make these carrots even better? Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when you are making these easy side dishes for Thanksgiving.
- Give Them Space: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Spreading the carrots in a single layer allows them to roast and caramelize properly. If they are too crowded, they will steam and become soft instead of getting those delicious browned edges. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Uniform Size Matters: Try to cut your carrots into similarly sized pieces. This ensures they all cook at the same rate. You will not have some pieces that are too soft while others are still hard. Consistent cuts lead to a consistently delicious batch of carrots.
- Play With Flavors: Feel free to add your own twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary during roasting can add a lovely earthy flavor. Customizing recipes is part of the fun of cooking.
- Plan Ahead: You can do some prep work to save time on Thanksgiving day. Peel and cut the carrots a day or two in advance and store them in a container of water in the fridge. You can also mix up the honey glaze ahead of time. This makes assembling one of your Thanksgiving meals components much faster.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, elegant, and incredibly tasty side dish that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. These honey glazed carrots prove that you do not need complicated recipes or fancy ingredients to make amazing food. It is one of those fantastic Thanksgiving recipes side dishes that everyone will love.
This recipe is all about bringing out the natural goodness of the carrots with a few simple additions. It’s a reliable dish that you can count on year after year. It’s also a great option when looking for new Friendsgiving food ideas. I hope you give this recipe a try. Happy cooking and enjoy your wonderful feast with family and friends!
FAQ
Can I Use Baby Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can. Using baby carrots makes the prep even easier since you do not need to peel or chop them. Just be sure to pat them very dry before tossing with the glaze. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them. This makes it one of the most easy side dishes for Thanksgiving.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
Of course. To make this recipe dairy free, simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy free butter alternative or use a good quality olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. It’s a simple change to accommodate dietary needs for your Thanksgiving food sides.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, pure maple syrup is an excellent substitute. It will give the carrots a slightly different but equally delicious sweet glaze. The method remains exactly the same. This flexibility is great for different Thanksgiving meals.
Is This a Good Make Ahead Dish?
It is a great dish to prep ahead. As mentioned in the tips, you can cut the carrots and prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving day, all you have to do is toss them together and roast. This is a huge time saver when you have many Thanksgiving recipes side dishes to prepare.
Honey Glazed Carrots
These easy honey glazed carrots are a flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with simple ingredients, they look beautiful and taste even better, adding a special touch without stress.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, arrange a rack in the middle position and preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and trim about two pounds of medium carrots. Cut them crosswise into 2-inch pieces. If any pieces are thicker than one inch, slice them in half or into quarters lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Place the cut carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Mince your three garlic cloves, setting them aside for the next step.
- To create the honey glaze, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, swirling until a fragrant garlic aroma is released. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in one and a half tablespoons of honey, whisking until well combined.
- Drizzle about half of the honey glaze over the carrots on the baking sheet. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated. Season with one teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, then toss again. Spread the carrots out in a single, even layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for proper roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the carrots from the oven and give them a good toss. Return them to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender and nicely browned on the bottoms.
- Once done, take the carrots out of the oven. Drizzle the remaining honey glaze all over the hot carrots. Squeeze the juice from half a small lemon over them and toss everything to coat one last time. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors.
- Transfer your finished carrots to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley leaves for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful side dish.
Notes
Taste the glaze before adding to the carrots and adjust sweetness if needed. Roasted vegetables often taste less sweet than the raw glaze.
Ensure carrots are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the carrots instead of roasting them, preventing a nice caramelization.
For an extra touch, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the glaze for a subtle heat, or fresh thyme for an earthy aroma.
Prep ahead: Peel and chop carrots a day in advance, storing them in water in the fridge. The honey glaze can also be prepared ahead and gently reheated before use.
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