Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots

Name: Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Fresh & Healthy Plates

I absolutely love this Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots recipe! It's a super simple yet delectable side dish that brightens any meal with its vibrant flavors. The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the tangy mustard, making every bite a delightful explosion of taste. Whenever I make these glazed carrots, they vanish from the table in no time! Plus, the beautiful golden color makes them visually appealing. I often serve them during family gatherings or special dinners, and they never fail to impress my guests.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-04T15:33:27.635Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was blown away by how a few simple ingredients could transform ordinary carrots into something so special. The combination of honey and mustard creates a beautifully balanced glaze that sticks to the carrots, enhancing their natural sweetness. I learned that sautéing them briefly before glazing ensures they are tender yet slightly crisp, which adds a delightful texture to the dish.

One of my favorite tips is to use fresh, crisp carrots as they provide a better flavor and texture. Sourcing local, organic carrots whenever possible makes a noticeable difference. This recipe has become a staple in my household, and every time I prepare it, it brings back fond memories of family dinners filled with laughter and joy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet honey flavor that caramelizes beautifully
Tangy mustard adds a unique twist
Quick and easy to prepare for any meal

The Perfect Carrot Preparation

Blanching the carrots before glazing is a vital step in ensuring they are tender while still maintaining a slight crunch. This method locks in the vibrant orange color and enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. Be sure to monitor the blanching closely; you want them to take on a brighter hue without becoming mushy. Once drained, you can easily tell they’re ready when they’re just fork-tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when cooked further.

If you prefer an alternative to blanching, roasting the carrots in the oven is another option. Toss the carrot sticks with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until they begin to caramelize. This method intensifies their natural sugars and adds depth of flavor, which will pair beautifully with the honey mustard glaze.

Enhancing the Honey Mustard Flavor

The balance between honey and Dijon mustard is crucial for the glaze to shine. Honey's sweetness complements the tanginess of the mustard, but varying the proportions according to personal taste can yield different flavor profiles. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an extra kick. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.

When cooking the carrots in the glaze, keep an eye on the heat level. A medium heat allows the glaze to coat the carrots evenly without burning. Stirring occasionally ensures they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan and that the glaze gets a chance to thicken and cling. You should reduce the glaze until it appears glossy and syrupy, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful side dish:

Ingredients

1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Mix all ingredients well to enhance the flavors.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots:

Prepare the Carrots

In a large saucepan, bring water to boil. Add the carrot sticks and blanch for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Glaze the Carrots

In the same saucepan, return the carrots and pour the glaze over them. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are fully coated and glazed.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Enjoy this delightful side dish with your favorite meals!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These glazed carrots can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. This retains their flavor and prevents them from drying out; however, avoid reheating them in the microwave, as it can lead to uneven heating and texture loss.

If you are prepping for a larger gathering, you can easily scale the recipe. Just be sure to maintain the same ratios between the honey and mustard to keep that signature flavor balance intact. You can roast or blanch batches of carrots separately while preparing the glaze in larger quantities, making it a straightforward process as you increase your servings.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots can be served as a delightful side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish. They pair exceptionally well with dishes like honey-glazed ham or herb-crusted chicken, providing a vibrant contrast both visually and in flavor. I often arrange them on a serving platter garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color that's sure to impress my guests.

For a unique twist, consider adding nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts before serving. This not only introduces a pleasant crunch but also complements the sweetness of the dish. Alternatively, a sprinkle of feta cheese over the top just before serving can add a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the overall dish even further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of carrots?

Yes, baby carrots or rainbow carrots also work wonderfully!

→ Is there a vegan alternative to honey?

You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch the carrots and make the glaze ahead of time, then combine and heat before serving.

→ What dishes pair well with these glazed carrots?

They pair nicely with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a vegetarian dish alongside quinoa.