Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots — Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Side
These Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots are the perfect easy make-ahead side dish for Christmas. The carrots are lightly browned in a pan for extra flavour, coated in a buttery honey mustard glaze and roasted until tender and caramelised. They can be prepared up to three days in advance, which takes the stress out of Christmas Day — simply bring them out of the fridge for 30 minutes and reheat in the oven for 10–15 minutes before serving. A simple, delicious and reliable Christmas side that pairs with any festive spread.
Ingredients
- 1kg (2.2lb) - Carrots, Halved
- 1 ½ Tbsp (30ml) - Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp (42g) - Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tbsp (50g) - Honey
- 1 Tbsp (20g) - Dijon Mustard
- 12 - Sprigs of Thyme
- Dill, Roughly Chopped (Optional)
- Roasted & Chopped Nuts of Choice (Optional)
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set to 200°C (400°F). Line a tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Brown the Carrots
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes to develop a light brown colour. This gives depth of flavour.
Add the Glaze
- Reduce to medium heat. Add the butter, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir until the carrots are fully coated and the glaze bubbles.
Roast
- Transfer everything to the lined tray. Roast for 15–18 minutes, or until the carrots are tender with caramelised edges.
Finish & Serve
- Toss gently. Garnish with thyme, dill and chopped nuts and serve warm.
Nutrition Guide
The above nutrition guide is based on daily averages and is calculated for a single portion.
Recipe Notes
Storage Instructions
These carrots are designed to be made ahead, which makes Christmas Day so much easier.
Storage
Allow the carrots to cool fully.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep any leftover glaze in the container to help them stay glossy when reheated.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating (Best Method – Oven):
Take the container out of the fridge 30 minutes before reheating to remove the chill.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread the carrots onto a tray and reheat for 10–15 minutes until hot and caramelised again.
Other Reheating Options
Air Fryer: 160°C (320°F) for 6–8 minutes.
Pan: Medium heat with a splash of water or leftover glaze, 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Works in a pinch, but carrots will be softer.
Watch How To Make The Recipe
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