Short Description
Brown sugar glazed carrots are tender, buttery, and coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This simple yet flavorful side dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you need a touch of sweetness on your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory – A perfect balance of brown sugar, butter, and a hint of salt.
- Quick and easy – Ready in 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or weeknight dinners.
- Kid-friendly – A delicious way to get kids to eat more vegetables.
- Customizable – Add extra spices, citrus, or nuts for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots (peeled and sliced or whole baby carrots)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Brown sugar (light or dark)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Prepare the carrots – Peel and slice carrots into even pieces or use whole baby carrots.
- Cook the carrots – In a large skillet, add carrots and water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until just tender. Drain excess water.
- Make the glaze – Add butter, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Coat and caramelize – Continue cooking uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots are glossy and caramelized.
- Serve and enjoy – Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Maple-glazed version – Replace brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Spiced carrots – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for warmth.
- Citrus twist – Stir in a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.
- Nutty crunch – Sprinkle with toasted pecans or almonds before serving.
- Oven-roasted version – Toss carrots with melted butter and brown sugar, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the glaze may separate.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots work well and require no slicing.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat in a skillet before serving to refresh the glaze.
How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar for balance.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes! Honey adds a slightly different sweetness but works great.
What main dishes pair well with glazed carrots?
They go well with roast chicken, turkey, ham, steak, or pork chops.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes! Toss with butter and brown sugar, then roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
How do I prevent the carrots from becoming mushy?
Cook just until fork-tender, then remove from heat.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding.
What’s the best butter to use?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes! Thyme or rosemary pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Conclusion
Brown sugar glazed carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. With their rich, buttery glaze and tender texture, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite. Try them today for a quick and flavorful veggie dish!
PrintBrown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are tender, buttery, and coated in a rich brown sugar glaze with a hint of cinnamon. This easy side dish is perfect for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a sweet and savory vegetable dish!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs carrots, peeled and sliced (or use baby carrots)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Carrots
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add carrots and cook for 6-8 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and vanilla extract.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Carrots
- Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and toss to coat in the glaze.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully glazed and caramelized.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Extra Flavor: Add 1 tbsp orange juice or maple syrup for more depth.
- Roasted Version: Toss carrots with butter and brown sugar and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.