Brown sugar-glazed carrots are perfect for a holiday dinner and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Carrots are one of those versatile vegetables that can easily transform from a crunchy snack to a gourmet side dish with just a few ingredients. They take on a new level of elegance and flavor when prepared with a rich brown sugar glaze. This simple yet delightful recipe for glazed carrots is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your table while maintaining a balance of savory undertones. It’s also an effortless way to make vegetables more appealing to kids.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flexibility. With just a handful of pantry staples—like butter, brown sugar, and carrots—you can create a craveable dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. The glossy glaze clings to each slice of carrot, adding a caramelized finish and a lovely sweetness. Brown sugar-glazed carrots pair beautifully with ham, a holiday roast, hearty casseroles, or savory baked fish.
With a few tweaks, you can customize it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or available ingredients. Below, you’ll find some exciting variations to try!
Recipe Variations
- Warm Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus: Squeeze a little lemon or orange juice for a bright, tangy finish.
- Honey: Replace the brown sugar with honey for natural sweetness.
- Maple Glazed: Swap out the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Pecans: For nutty crunch, toss the glazed carrots with toasted pecan halves.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetables
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 medium carrots (sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- Fine sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Put the carrots in a medium saucepan with the butter and brown sugar, a dash each of salt and pepper, and enough water to come up nearly to the top of the carrots—about 2/3 of the way. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the carrots are just tender.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Uncover the pan and cook until the water has cooked down and the carrots are left with a shiny brown sugar glaze. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Credit: Diana Rattray
