Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Transform your carrots into a gourmet side dish with this quick and easy recipe for brown sugar glazed carrots. Perfect for any day of the week.
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!
Why You’ll Love These Carrots
Quick and easy. Only a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly glazed. The buttery brown sugar sauce clings beautifully to each carrot slice.
Versatile. Works for both casual weeknights and elegant holiday meals.
Ingredient Notes
- Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots work best; peel and slice evenly for consistent cooking.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor — use light or dark depending on your preference.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps the glaze cling.
- Seasoning: A touch of salt and pepper balances the sweetness.
Steps to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Combine sliced carrots, butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium saucepan. Add just enough water to come two-thirds of the way up the carrots.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and cook over medium-low heat until the carrots are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the liquid reduces to a shiny glaze that coats the carrots. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
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.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside ham, roast chicken, or beef tenderloin.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or stuffing for a comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze? Not ideal, as the glaze can separate, but acceptable for up to 2 months.
To Reheat. Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a small pat of butter if needed to refresh the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
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.
- 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!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
