BHA & BHT Free Classic Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, buttery, and finished with a glossy caramelized glaze, this skillet side dish is the kind of thing that disappears from the table before anything else. Carrots are simmered in a simple mix of butter, honey, water, salt, and pepper until just tender, then the lid comes off and the heat goes up — that's when the magic happens and the liquid reduces into a rich, shining coat that clings to every slice. For anyone navigating preservative-free eating, packaged glazed vegetables and pre-made sauces are often a minefield of additives like BHA and BHT, but this recipe keeps things completely clean with whole, recognizable ingredients from start to finish. Nothing here comes from a bottle with a long ingredient panel — just real carrots, real butter, and real honey doing all the work. A scatter of fresh thyme at the end adds a subtle herbal note that makes the whole dish feel a little more special without any extra effort. It works beautifully alongside a weeknight roast or as part of a holiday spread, and the one-pan method means cleanup is as easy as the cooking itself.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb carrots, peeled and cut on the bias into ½-inch slices
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ cup water
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the carrots, butter, honey, water, salt, and pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2
Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze that coats the carrots and the edges of the pan begin to look lightly caramelized. Watch closely in the final minute — the honey can scorch quickly once the liquid is nearly gone.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!