Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash
A sweet and earthy side dish with tender carrots and parsnips mashed with honey and butter. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs unsalted butter, honey, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks carrots
- 2 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks parsnips
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place carrots and parsnips in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Drain vegetables thoroughly, then return to the pot. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, using a potato masher or fork.
- Step 3: Continue mashing for 5 minutes until glossy and well combined, adding a splash of milk if too thick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash?
American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this honey-glazed are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.