Roasted Honey Orange Glazed Carrots Recipe

These honey orange glazed carrots come together in about 20 minutes thanks to a quick microwave head start. After microwaving, the carrots finish on the stovetop in a glossy glaze of honey, butter and fresh orange juice.

Note: this post was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2021 with new photos and clearer instructions. The glaze was adjusted slightly for even better flavor.

These honey orange glazed carrots are versatile: elegant enough for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, yet simple enough for a weeknight side. The secret to a fast finish is starting the carrots in the microwave so they cook quickly while you prep other ingredients. A brief skillet finish with butter, honey and orange juice creates a shiny, tangy-sweet glaze that complements the carrots’ natural sweetness. A final sprinkle of orange zest and fresh herbs brightens the dish.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I use and trust.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Carrots: Baby carrots are used here for convenience, but regular carrots work well too—see the Recipe FAQs for timing and cutting tips.
• Salt and pepper: Kosher salt is recommended, but use what you have; season to taste.
• Honey: Raw honey adds robust flavor, but any honey you prefer will work.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, dill, or chives add color and freshness—use your favorites or a mix.

Step by step photos

1. Zest the orange first so you have about ½ teaspoon of zest set aside. Using a fine grater or microplane works best.

2. Place the carrots in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice over the carrots, then sprinkle with salt.

3. Cover the bowl with a vented microwave lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, leave a small gap for steam and ensure there’s at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) between the carrots and the wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir, then microwave another 4 minutes. Use caution when removing the cover—hot steam can escape suddenly.

4. While the carrots cook, chop herbs and measure the honey and butter.

5. Test the carrots with a fork—done when they offer slight resistance. They should not be completely soft since they’ll finish cooking in the pan.

6. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Using a slotted spoon transfer the carrots to the skillet, reserving the cooking liquid from the bowl.

7. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved cooking liquid to the pan, then the honey and a pinch of salt and pepper.

8. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most liquid evaporates and the glaze becomes thick and glossy, about 5–6 minutes. For deeper caramelization, cook 1–2 minutes longer, stirring more often and watching closely to prevent burning.

9. Remove from heat, stir in the orange zest and fresh herbs, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra herbs and coarse sea salt if desired.

Tips and tricks

• Lightly spray a measuring cup with nonstick spray before adding honey to help it pour out cleanly.
• Zest the orange before juicing it—it’s much easier to zest a whole orange.
• Avoid zesting past the orange’s top layer to prevent bitterness.
• Use oven mitts when removing the hot bowl from the microwave and be cautious of trapped steam under the cover.

Recipe FAQs

Related recipes

If you try this recipe, please leave a rating or review below. Follow on social media for more recipes: Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to get recipes delivered to your inbox.

Recipe