Bourbon-Glazed Carrots with Honey

4.78 from 9 votes

This easy elegant recipe for Bourbon-Glazed Carrots with Honey is perfect for any holiday celebration. The carrots cook in the buttery glaze as it reduces for a side dish that's nearly hands-off so you can wrap up your holiday meal with ease!

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Side Dishes - Vegetables

Cuisine: American, American / New Orleans

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Author: Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds carrots peeled and cut into equal-sized pieces
1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
4 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
1/2 cup water
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch cayenne pepper optional
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions

Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat.
When the butter foams, add the carrots. Reduce heat to medium and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
SHUT THE HEAT COMPLETELY OFF.
Add the bourbon then turn the heat back on to medium and cook 2-3 minutes to reduce and cook the bourbon.
Add the water and honey.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-16 minutes, stirring frequently until a thick glaze forms and the carrots deepen in color.
Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne if using.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme and serve.

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for the honey.
Also great with sweet potatoes.

TIPS:

Spray measuring cups and spoons with cooking spray before measuring honey.
Please be safe and turn the heat OFF or remove the pan from the burner entirely when adding the bourbon. Anything with a high alcohol content can ignite.

MAKE AHEAD:

Prepare as directed, but cut back on the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes, and don't add the thyme. Refrigerate until needed.
Reheat over medium-low or low heat in a nonstick skillet, saute pan or saucepan until heated through. Garnish with the fresh thyme.

Nutrition