Orange Glazed Carrots
These orange glazed carrots are made with fresh orange juice, zest, butter, and brown sugar for a bright, flavorful side dish. They’re simple enough for weeknight meals and elegant enough for holiday dinners.
These simple orange glazed carrots are a vibrant and versatile side dish. Fresh orange juice and zest give the glaze a bright citrus flavor, while brown sugar and butter create a glossy finish that clings to every slice. The carrots are simmered until tender and tossed in the glaze for a side that’s as elegant as it is easy.
This dish works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does on a holiday table. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color, or leave them plain and let the glaze shine.
Why You’ll Love It
Bright and flavorful. The fresh orange juice and zest bring natural citrus notes to balance the sweetness.
Simple ingredients. Made with carrots, butter, brown sugar, and a single orange — no fancy steps or prep.
Weeknight-friendly. Quick to prepare and ready in under 25 minutes.
Versatile side dish. Great for holiday meals, potlucks, or everyday dinners.
Glazed Carrots Preparation Steps
- Peel and slice the carrots and place them in a saucepan with salted water.
- Boil the carrots until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Zest and juice the orange to flavor the glaze.
- In the same saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, and zest. Simmer to create the glaze.
- Return the carrots to the pan and toss them in the glaze. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the carrots are well-coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish if desired.
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Add a pinch of spice. A dash of ground cinnamon or ginger adds warmth to the glaze.
- Try maple syrup. Replace some or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Use baby carrots. Substitute with whole or halved baby carrots — increase the cooking time as needed.
- Buy pre-sliced carrots. Cut the prep and cook time to less that 20 minutes using pre-sliced carrots.
- Make it dairy-free. Use a plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Add herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary makes a savory contrast to the sweetness.
- Make it savory-sweet. Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted meats or poultry for a classic pairing.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or grain-based sides.
- Add to a holiday spread with glazed ham or roast turkey.
How to Store and Reheat
Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.
Simple Orange Glazed Carrots
Fresh orange juice and zest give these brown sugar glazed carrots a sweet, citrusy finish — perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Carrots, Thanksgiving
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots (peeled and sliced)
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 orange
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the orange. Zest the orange until you have about 1 teaspoon of zest, then juice it.
- Boil the carrots. Place the carrots in a saucepan and cover with water. Add a dash of kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the carrots are just tender-crisp, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
- Make the orange glaze. To the same pan, add the butter, orange juice, brown sugar, and a dash each of kosher salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the carrots to the glaze. Return the carrots to the saucepan and toss gently to coat with the glaze. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the glaze has thickened and the carrots are tender and well-coated.
- Serve. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 11.7 g
- Sodium: 224.4 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.3 g
- Fiber: 3.2 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
