Lemon-glazed Carrots Recipe

There's something irresistible about the sweet, citrusy shine of lemon-glazed carrots on the dinner table. With their buttery glaze, zesty finish, and vibrant color, these carrots are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe during a rushed holiday dinner prep when I needed a quick side dish. It was a happy accident that turned into a signature family favorite—quick, easy, and always polished off before anything else on the plate.

Whether you're serving them with a cozy weeknight roast or dressing up your holiday spread, lemon-glazed carrots bring brightness and balance to every bite. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You'll Love These Lemon-Glazed Carrots

Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this simple yet standout recipe. These lemon-glazed carrots strike the perfect harmony between sweet and savory with just a hint of citrus.

First of all, they’re incredibly quick and easy. You only need about 20 minutes from start to finish, making this a weeknight lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.

They're also budget-friendly. Carrots are one of the most affordable vegetables you can buy year-round, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. This recipe feeds a crowd without hurting your wallet.

These carrots are surprisingly kid-approved too. The natural sweetness of the carrots and the light glaze make them an easy sell—even for picky eaters who normally turn up their noses at veggies.

And let’s not forget how elegant and versatile they are. Whether you’re serving chicken, fish, ham, or tofu, lemon-glazed carrots pair beautifully with almost any main course. Their bright color also adds a pop to any plate.

Once you make them, you’ll see why these carrots have become a repeat performer in our house.

Ingredients Notes

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its short, sweet ingredient list. Each component enhances the flavor and texture of the carrots without overpowering them.

Carrots are the star, of course. You can use whole carrots peeled and sliced diagonally for a more elegant look, or grab a bag of baby carrots for convenience. Either way, you want carrots that are fresh, firm, and vibrant orange.

Butter adds the rich, glossy finish we all love. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the seasoning, but salted butter works just fine—just be sure to taste before adding extra salt at the end.

Honey or brown sugar brings out the carrots' natural sweetness and helps form that beautiful caramelized glaze. Honey lends a lighter, floral note, while brown sugar adds a hint of molasses depth.

Lemon juice is the secret weapon. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the glaze and brightens the whole dish. Fresh-squeezed juice is ideal, but bottled will work in a pinch.

Lemon zest takes it over the top. That fine sprinkle of zest at the end adds an aromatic punch and looks beautiful, too.

You’ll just need a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid, plus a small grater or microplane if you’re using fresh lemon zest.

How To Make These Lemon-Glazed Carrots

Making these glazed carrots is as simple as it gets, but a few tips will help ensure perfect results every time.

Start by peeling and slicing your carrots on a diagonal. This not only helps them cook evenly but gives them a pretty, professional appearance. If you're using baby carrots, give them a quick rinse and pat dry.

Next, place the carrots in a large skillet with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan—about ¼ cup. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook the carrots until just tender, about 6–8 minutes. You want them fork-tender but still with a slight bite.

Once the carrots are tender, drain any excess water, then add the butter, honey, and lemon juice directly into the pan. Stir everything together as the butter melts, coating the carrots in that luscious glaze.

Continue cooking, uncovered, for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and clings to the carrots. You’ll see it turn glossy and slightly syrupy—this is your cue that they’re done.

Right before serving, sprinkle over the lemon zest and a pinch of salt to taste. Give one final toss and serve warm.

From start to finish, this dish takes less than 20 minutes—and the results are restaurant-worthy.

Storage Options

Lemon-glazed carrots store surprisingly well, making them a great option for meal prep or holiday leftovers.

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze them, let the carrots cool completely and pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture might soften slightly when reheated.

To reheat, warm the carrots gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter to help loosen the glaze. You can also microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about lemon-glazed carrots is how easily you can tweak them to suit your taste or what’s on hand.

For a savory twist, skip the honey and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze. It adds depth and a bit of tang without making the dish overly sweet.

Want more herbal flair? Toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried rosemary while the carrots simmer. The herbs infuse beautifully into the glaze.

You can also swap the citrus—try orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a softer, sweeter flavor. This works especially well with brown sugar.

Looking for a vegan version? Just use a plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of honey. The flavors still sing, and it’s 100% dairy-free.

And if you’re short on time, consider roasting the carrots instead. Simply toss sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then glaze them with a quick honey-lemon drizzle before serving.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, lemon-glazed carrots can take your side dish game from forgettable to fantastic. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—you might just discover your next family favorite along the way.

Print