Love & Best Dishes: Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots Recipe
Love & Best Dishes: Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots Recipe is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Paula Deen on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $11.77 total, $2.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Carrots (medium, peeled and trimmed, green tops left on for presentation)
- 12 slices Bacon (thick‑cut, preferably smoked)
- 0.25 cup Honey (light, pure honey)
- 0.125 teaspoon Paula Deen Hot Sauce (adjust to taste; start with a pinch)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adds subtle heat; optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (for color and mild flavor; optional)
Instructions
Prepare Carrots
Trim the green tops off the carrots, leaving a small piece for presentation, then peel if desired. Cut any overly thick carrots in half lengthwise so all pieces are uniform.
Time: PT10M
Wrap Carrots with Bacon
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each carrot, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Oven
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the bacon‑wrapped carrots on it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
First Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, checking at the 15‑minute mark. Rotate the carrots if one side is browning faster.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Honey Glaze
While the carrots bake, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/8 tsp Paula Deen hot sauce, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp paprika in a small bowl until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Glaze and Finish Baking
When the carrots are golden and the bacon is partially crisp, remove the tray. Brush each carrot generously with the honey glaze, then return to the oven for an additional 8‑10 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the glaze caramelizes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the carrots from the oven, let them rest for 2 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Discard any toothpicks.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Pork, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, sweet potatoes (cut into sticks)
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, prosciutto
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar
- Instead of Paula Deen Hot Sauce: Tabasco, Frank's RedHot
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper, crushed chili
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, sweet paprika
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven
- Whisk
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Kitchen Timer
- Tongs
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Wrap each carrot tightly with bacon to prevent slipping
- Brush the honey‑hot‑sauce glaze before the final bake
- Watch the carrots during the last 5 minutes to achieve a crisp, caramelized finish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thick‑cut bacon for better flavor and easier wrapping
- Line the sheet with foil and then a layer of parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a tiny drizzle of maple syrup after the final bake
Troubleshooting
Bacon is not crisp after the final bake.
Increase the final bake time by 2‑3 minutes or broil for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Carrots are still firm.
Extend the initial bake by 5‑7 minutes; test with a fork for tenderness.
Glaze is too runny and slides off.
Add a little more honey or reduce the glaze over low heat for 1‑2 minutes before brushing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of bacon may become soggy.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours; keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Wrap and refrigerate the bacon‑carrot bundles up to 12 hours before cooking
- Prepare the honey glaze in advance and store in the fridge; bring to room temperature before brushing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon‑wrapped carrots in Southern American cuisine?
While carrots are a staple vegetable in the South, wrapping them in bacon is a modern twist that blends the region’s love for pork with a desire to make vegetables more appealing, especially to children. The technique reflects Southern hospitality—turning simple sides into indulgent, sweet‑savory treats.
What traditional Southern side dishes pair well with bacon‑wrapped carrots?
Bacon‑wrapped carrots complement classic Southern mains like fried chicken, baked ham, or grilled steak. They also sit nicely alongside collard greens, cornbread, or a creamy macaroni‑and‑cheese casserole.
How does the use of honey and hot sauce reflect Southern flavor profiles?
Southern cooking often balances sweet and spicy; honey provides natural sweetness while hot sauce adds a gentle kick. This combination mirrors the region’s love for layered flavors found in dishes like sweet‑and‑spicy barbecue sauces.
What occasions or celebrations is bacon‑wrapped carrots traditionally served at in Southern households?
They are popular at family gatherings, holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, and casual barbecues where a kid‑friendly vegetable side is needed. Their eye‑catching presentation makes them a festive addition to any spread.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for bacon‑wrapped carrots versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include thick‑cut pork bacon, fresh carrots, honey, and a mild hot sauce like Paula Deen’s. Acceptable substitutes are turkey bacon for a leaner option, maple syrup instead of honey, and any favorite hot sauce if Paula Deen’s isn’t available.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making bacon‑wrapped carrots?
Common errors include wrapping the bacon too loosely (it will slip), under‑cooking the carrots before glazing (they stay firm), and using too much hot sauce (the glaze can become overly spicy). Follow the timing steps and keep the glaze balanced.
Why does this recipe brush the honey mixture on the carrots twice instead of just once?
The first brush adds flavor and helps the bacon begin to caramelize; the second brush after the final bake creates a glossy, sticky finish and ensures every bite has that sweet‑spicy coating.
Can I make bacon‑wrapped carrots ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can wrap the carrots and keep them refrigerated for up to 12 hours before baking. Store the glaze separately in a sealed container; brush on just before the final bake and reheat as described.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the bacon‑wrapped carrots are done?
The carrots should be fork‑tender, the bacon golden‑brown and crisp, and the glaze should be caramelized with a glossy sheen. A slight crackle on the bacon indicates perfect crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Paula Deen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Paula Deen specializes in Southern comfort food, featuring classic recipes with a modern twist, hearty home‑cooked meals, and tips for making traditional dishes approachable for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Paula Deen's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
Paula Deen’s approach emphasizes generous portions, rich flavors, and a friendly, down‑to‑earth presentation style. She often incorporates indulgent ingredients like butter and bacon, focusing on comfort and family‑friendly meals rather than strict health‑focused or ultra‑authentic techniques.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
