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Savory Brown Butter Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme

brown butter honey glazed carrots - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring carrots glazed in nutty brown butter, sweet honey, and fresh thyme for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 2 teaspoons (about 1 tablespoon fresh leaves) fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut 1 pound (450 grams) of carrots into sticks about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) long and roughly ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter. Brown the butter by cooking for 4 to 6 minutes until it foams and turns golden-brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme into the browned butter. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice if using.
  4. Return skillet to medium heat and add the carrot pieces. Toss gently to coat evenly in the glaze. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until carrots are tender but still slightly firm.
  5. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Transfer glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with extra fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning. Use medium heat and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook carrots in batches if needed. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, honey glazed carrots, thyme, side dish, easy recipe, savory carrots, quick side, healthy carrots