If you are looking for a side dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, sweet carrots glazed in luscious honey butter make weeknight dinners feel a little more special, and the Instant Pot speeds up the whole process without any fuss. It’s a simple, satisfying way to add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your plate, perfect for family meals or even holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s lending sweetness, richness, or that fresh, herby finish that makes the dish sing.
- 2 pounds carrots (peeled & cut into chunks): The star of this dish, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and plenty of texture.
- 1 cup water: Creates steam in the Instant Pot to perfectly cook the carrots to tender perfection.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a creamy, rich glaze that hugs the carrots with every bite.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Infuses a lovely sweetness that complements the earthy carrots without overpowering them.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped finely): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness and lovely green contrast.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Add Carrots
Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them into large chunks. Cutting on an angle is a great trick—it creates more surface area for that sticky honey butter to cling to. Place them in the Instant Pot along with one cup of water, which will steam the carrots to tender, yet not mushy, perfection.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Carrots
Seal the lid and set your valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 2 to 3 minutes depending on your preference for carrot softness or their size. Larger carrots benefit from three minutes, while smaller or baby carrots can stay crisp and bright with just two minutes of cooking. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to build pressure before counting down the cooking time.
Step 3: Quick Release and Drain
Once the cooking time finishes, perform a quick pressure release immediately to stop the cooking. Remove the lid and carefully take out the insert, draining the water without losing those perfectly cooked carrots. Leaving the carrots in the insert will ensure they don’t dry out at this stage.
Step 4: Add Honey Butter and Finishing Touches
Return the insert to the Instant Pot base and add the butter and honey right away. Close the lid loosely or just place it on top for about a minute. This gentle heat melts the butter and allows it to mingle beautifully with the honey, forming a shiny glaze. Finally, stir in salt, pepper, and the fresh parsley to awaken all the flavors and add that delightful pop of color.
How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only keeps the dish visually appealing but also adds a subtle freshness that balances the sweetness of the honey butter. For a little extra texture, consider tossing in some toasted pecans or a dash of flaky sea salt.
Side Dishes
These honey butter carrots pair wonderfully with hearty mains such as roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a juicy steak. Their natural sweetness and buttery finish make them a crowd-pleaser alongside savory meats and creamy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving these carrots in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright ceramic dish to highlight their vibrant color. For a festive touch, top with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to bring an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover honey butter carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner side dishes later in the week.
Freezing
Freezing is also an option if you want to enjoy this Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe at a later date. Simply let the carrots cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your carrots gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the butter and honey glaze from separating. Add a small splash of water or butter if needed to restore that fresh-from-the-pot shine and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Baby carrots work wonderfully. Just cook for 2 minutes on high pressure to keep them tender with a little bite.
Is there a substitute for honey?
You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. They provide a similar sweetness and blend beautifully with the butter.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, but it will take longer. You can steam the carrots on the stove until tender and then toss them with warm butter, honey, and seasonings in a pan.
What if I want softer carrots?
Simply increase pressure cooking time to 3 minutes or add an extra 30 seconds for even softer carrots, but be careful not to overcook them.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cinnamon can add a lovely twist to this already flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a side dish that feels both simple and special, and this Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s quick to make and always delights with tender, sweet carrots wrapped in buttery goodness. Give it a try and watch how it transforms any meal into a colorful, cozy celebration of flavor.
Print
Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots recipe offers a quick and delicious way to prepare tender carrots glazed with a sweet honey and rich butter sauce. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, the carrots are cooked to tender perfection in just a few minutes, then coated in a buttery honey glaze with a touch of fresh parsley for added brightness.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots (peeled & cut into chunks)
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup water
Glaze
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped finely)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Cut the carrots into fairly large chunks, preferably on an angle for better presentation. Alternatively, use pre-cut carrots. Add the carrots to the Instant Pot along with one cup of water.
- Pressure Cook Carrots: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 2 to 3 minutes depending on your texture preference and carrot size—2 minutes for crisper carrots or smaller cuts, 3 minutes for softer carrots or larger pieces.
- Release Pressure and Drain: Allow about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid immediately to prevent overcooking, then carefully remove the inner pot and drain the water, leaving the carrots inside.
- Add Honey Butter Glaze: Return the inner pot with carrots back into the Instant Pot base. Add butter and honey over the carrots. Close the lid loosely or place it on top without sealing for about one minute to let the butter melt completely.
- Season and Serve: Remove the lid again, then season the carrots with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly to coat the carrots evenly in the honey butter sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your Instant Pot model and carrot size for desired softness.
- Using fresh parsley adds freshness, but you can substitute with dried parsley or omit if unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
- Do not skip the quick pressure release to avoid overcooked mushy carrots.
