Instant Pot Carrots with the Sweetest, Silkiest Glaze

Transform humble carrots into a show-stopping side dish with this incredible Instant Pot recipe! Tender, sweet, and coated in a glossy, irresistible glaze, these carrots are unbelievably easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with these delightful glazed carrots, making them a staple in your kitchen!

• Lightning-Fast: The Instant Pot slashes cooking time, delivering perfectly tender carrots in minutes.
• Effortlessly Delicious: Minimal prep and simple steps yield a dish that tastes gourmet.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The honey and brown sugar glaze is perfectly complemented by a hint of cinnamon and a touch of salt and pepper.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or any occasion needing a touch of vibrant sweetness.
• Easy Clean-Up: Mostly a one-pot wonder, keeping your kitchen tidy!

Ingredients for the Sweetest Glaze

You will love how simple these ingredients are to find, likely already in your pantry and fridge!

• 1 pound carrots: Peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth: Or chicken broth, to help steam the carrots without diluting the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish, but salted works too—just adjust the added salt.
• 2 tablespoons honey: For natural sweetness and a lovely sticky glaze.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like note to the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The secret ingredient that enhances the carrot’s natural sweetness and adds warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all the sweet flavors.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: A tiny kick to round out the taste profile.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness as a garnish. Consider pairing these with our Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Creamy Topping for a full carrot-themed meal!

this …

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.

• Instant Pot: The star of this recipe, making quick work of the carrots.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Serving dish: To beautifully present your glazed carrots.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Glazed Perfection

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly tender carrots with an irresistible, glossy glaze every time!

1. Place the carrots and vegetable broth in the Instant Pot. Ensure the carrots are spread somewhat evenly.
2. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. This short burst of pressure cooking makes the carrots incredibly tender.
3. Quick-release the pressure. Carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid any lingering steam. For another fantastic Instant Pot recipe, try our Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Sticky, Dreamy Flavor!
4. Drain any remaining liquid from the Instant Pot. This is crucial for achieving a thick, silky glaze.
5. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot with the drained carrots.
6. Stir gently to coat the carrots with the glaze mixture.
7. Turn on the sauté function and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and is glossy, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
8. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish. These carrots pair wonderfully with a hearty meal like this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole that Fixes Busy Weeknights.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the vibrant colors and incredible flavors!

Tips for Success

Mastering this recipe is easy with a few expert tips that ensure perfectly glazed carrots every time.

• Evenly Cut Carrots: Cutting your carrots into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
• Don’t Overcook: 3 minutes on high pressure is usually perfect for firm-tender carrots. Adjust slightly based on your Instant Pot model and desired tenderness.
• Drain Thoroughly: Any excess liquid will prevent the glaze from thickening properly. Make sure to drain well before adding glaze ingredients.
• Watch the Glaze: The sauté function works quickly. Stir frequently during this step to prevent the glaze from sticking or burning. It should become glossy and coat the carrots nicely.
• Fresh Parsley is Key: While optional, fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh counterpoint to the sweetness.

Delicious Variations to Try

Experiment with these exciting variations to tailor this recipe to your unique taste preferences and impress your guests!

• Zesty Orange Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange zest along with the glaze ingredients for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Ginger Kick: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for an aromatic warmth.
• Maple Swirl: Substitute half or all of the honey with maple syrup for a delicious fall-inspired flavor.
• Herbal Freshness: Instead of parsley, try fresh thyme or rosemary for a more savory, earthy profile.
• Spicy Sweet: Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes with the glaze for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile glazed carrots complement a wide array of main dishes, elevating any meal from simple to spectacular.

• Holiday Feast Essential: A must-have side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
• Sunday Roast Companion: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, pork loin, or beef pot roast.
• Weeknight Wonder: Elevates a simple grilled chicken breast or baked fish into a complete, balanced meal.
• Brunch Side: A sweet and savory addition to a hearty brunch spread.

Storage Instructions

Planning ahead or managing leftovers is a breeze with these simple storage guidelines for your delicious glazed carrots.

• Refrigerate: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze if it has thickened too much.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Due to the texture of cooked carrots and the glaze, freezing is not recommended as it can result in a mushy texture upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get all your questions answered here to ensure your Instant Pot Glazed Carrots are a resounding success!

• Q: Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
  A: Yes, you can! Baby carrots typically cook a bit faster, so reduce the high pressure cooking time to 2 minutes, then quick release.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  A: While best served fresh, you can cook the carrots and prepare the glaze, then reheat gently just before serving. The glaze may need a tiny splash of broth to loosen it up.
• Q: Why do I need to quick-release the pressure?
  A: Quick releasing the pressure immediately stops the cooking process, preventing the carrots from becoming overcooked and mushy.
• Q: What if my glaze isn’t thickening?
  A: Ensure you’ve drained all the liquid from the Instant Pot after pressure cooking. Continue to sauté and stir; it will thicken as the water evaporates.

Ready to Savor the Sweetness?

These Instant Pot Carrots with the Sweetest, Silkiest Glaze are more than just a side dish; they’re a revelation! With their vibrant color, tender bite, and irresistible sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Don’t wait – whip up a batch tonight and prepare to be amazed!

Print