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- Baby carrots or regular carrots - Unsalted butter - Honey - Garlic - Fresh thyme or dried thyme - Salt and pepper - Optional garnish To make honey garlic butter carrots, you need a few simple ingredients. First, choose baby carrots for ease, or slice regular carrots for the same effect. You'll need unsalted butter, as it lets the other flavors shine. Honey adds sweetness, while garlic gives a nice kick. Using fresh thyme is best, but dried thyme works too. Don't forget salt and pepper to season. Lastly, you can add chopped parsley as a lovely garnish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. This dish is not only easy to make but also brings great flavor to your dinner table. First, wash the carrots under cool water. This removes dirt and debris. If you use regular carrots, peel them with a vegetable peeler. Next, slice the carrots into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Aim for about 1-inch sections to keep it simple. Now, let’s cook! In a large skillet, melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it should smell great! Then, pour in two tablespoons of honey. Stir this mixture so the honey blends with the butter and garlic. Next, add your carrots to the skillet. Make sure to coat them well in that tasty honey garlic butter. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper over the carrots. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is seasoned evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid. This helps steam the carrots and makes them nice and tender. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. If you want the glaze to thicken, remove the lid for the last 3 to 5 minutes. This will let the carrots caramelize nicely. Check for tenderness. They should be soft but still have a little crunch. Enjoy the full recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Carrots to make this easy side dish! Using baby carrots is easy and quick. They cook evenly and look cute on the plate. Baby carrots are tender and sweet, making them a great choice. If you prefer regular carrots, slice them into even pieces. Aim for about 1-inch lengths. This helps them cook at the same rate. Fresh garlic is key to getting a great taste. The flavor of fresh garlic pops in this dish. Mince it finely to release its oils. If you find the dish too sweet, adjust the honey. Start with a little less, then taste and add more if needed. You want a nice balance between sweet and savory. Cooking time matters for texture. If you want crunchy carrots, aim for about 10 minutes of cooking. For softer carrots, cook them for a few more minutes. To check doneness, simply pierce a carrot with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic butter carrots! For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can cook honey garlic butter carrots in different ways. Here are two great methods: - Oven-roasted honey garlic butter carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the carrots as in the recipe. Spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with honey and melted butter. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Toss them halfway for even cooking. - Honey garlic butter carrots on the grill: Use a grill-safe pan or foil. Toss the carrots with the honey garlic butter mix as before. Place the pan on the grill over medium heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often. This method gives a nice smoky flavor. To make your carrots even better, try these flavor options: - Adding spices: A pinch of cayenne or paprika can add a kick. Stir in about 1/4 teaspoon for a little heat or more if you like it spicy. - Incorporating other vegetables: Mix in parsnips or Brussels sprouts. Cut them to match the carrot size. This adds texture and new tastes to your dish. You can adjust this recipe to fit different diets: - Making a vegan version: Substitute plant-based butter for the regular butter. This keeps the creamy taste without dairy. - Substituting honey: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly sweetener. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious. For the full recipe, check the Honey Garlic Butter Carrots section. To keep your honey garlic butter carrots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the carrots cool before sealing. In the fridge, they last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir often to prevent sticking. This method helps you keep the carrots' nice texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make them soggy. To freeze, let the carrots cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They might be softer than fresh ones. Just add a bit more cooking time. Make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Mixing in some sriracha can also add heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference. Serve these carrots with grilled chicken or steak. They pair well with rice or quinoa too. You can also top them on a salad for added flavor. You can store them in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Yes, you can prep the carrots ahead. Wash and slice them, then store in the fridge. Cook them just before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This article covered a tasty recipe for honey garlic butter carrots. We detailed the ingredients, steps, and tips for perfecting this dish. Choosing the right carrots and adjusting flavors matter in achieving the best taste. Remember, different cooking methods can change texture and enhance flavor. Whether you keep leftovers or freeze them, you can enjoy this dish later too. With various options and adjustments, you can make honey garlic butter carrots your own delicious dish!

Honey Garlic Butter Carrots

Elevate your next meal with a tantalizing side dish of Honey Garlic Butter Carrots! This simple recipe transforms everyday carrots into a sweet and savory treat that's sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, you'll create the perfect balance of flavors. Explore variations and tips to customize this delicious dish for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by washing and peeling the carrots if necessary. If using regular carrots, slice them into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the honey to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic butter.

        Add the carrots to the skillet, coating them in the honey garlic butter mixture.

          Sprinkle fresh thyme, salt, and pepper over the carrots, then stir well to ensure the carrots are evenly seasoned.

            Cover the skillet and let the carrots cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should become tender but still crisp.

              If desired, remove the lid for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to thicken slightly and caramelize on the carrots.

                Once cooked to your liking, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve warm.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4