Looking for a side dish that is as easy as it is delicious? Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are your new best friend in the kitchen. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly tender, this dish turns humble carrots into a glistening, golden treat that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re serving these with a holiday roast or a simple weeknight meal, their gorgeous color and mouthwatering glaze will steal the show. Plus, with just a handful of classic pantry staples, you can whip these up in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few everyday ingredients to bring Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots to life, but each one plays an important part. With the right balance of sweetness, richness, salt, and that signature carrot bite, this dish shines with simplicity and honest flavors.
- Carrots: Fresh, washed, and peeled carrots are the heart of this dish, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Brown Sugar: The hero ingredient! It creates that irresistible, caramel-like glaze that makes these carrots so special.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze coat every slice, giving you melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Salt: A small amount enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness so the dish isn’t too sugary.
- Water: Used to simmer the carrots until they’re perfectly tender without losing their gorgeous color.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Carrots
Start by washing and peeling your carrots to remove any dirt and roughness. Slice them into ½-inch thick rounds—this size is perfect for soaking up all that glaze without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Simmer the Carrots
Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet or sauté pan. Pour in the water, then cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Let the carrots cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re just fork-tender and bright orange.
Step 3: Drain Excess Water
Once your carrots are tender, drain off any extra water left in the pan. If there’s just a tiny bit, you can leave it to help form the glaze, but you don’t want a watery dish.
Step 4: Add the Glaze Ingredients
Turn the heat down a notch and add the brown sugar, butter, and salt directly into the pan with the carrots. Stir everything gently as the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves, making sure every carrot round gets a beautiful, glossy coat.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Continue to cook the mixture for another 4 to 5 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. The brown sugar and butter will bubble and thicken, wrapping each carrot in a luscious, shiny glaze that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the glaze is thick and silky, immediately remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Garnishes
For a pop of color and extra flavor, try sprinkling your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots with fresh chopped parsley or a tiny pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving. Toasted nuts like pecans or slivered almonds add crunch and make the dish look especially festive.
Side Dishes
These carrots pair beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or any sort of beef or pork roast. The sweetness complements savory mains perfectly, so they’re a natural fit for your holiday table—but don’t hesitate to add them to a weekday meal with grilled fish or a big pot of creamy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots into a showpiece by arranging them on a large platter and garnishing with orange zest or a drizzle of honey. For an elegant dinner, serve them in individual ramekins. Or, toss in a handful of dried cranberries or roasted pearl onions for a seasonal twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing, so the glaze stays glossy rather than sticky.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your glazed carrots, spread them out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. This helps preserve their texture and ensures they don’t clump together. Frozen, they’re best enjoyed within two months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the carrots in a nonstick skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated through and the glaze is shiny again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but do so in short bursts and stir between each to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of slicing whole carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots save time on peeling and slicing, though they may take a few extra minutes to become tender. Just adjust your simmering time accordingly and follow the rest of the instructions as written.
What type of brown sugar works best?
Both light and dark brown sugar will work beautifully, but dark brown sugar gives a deeper, more molasses-rich flavor. If you love a rich, caramelized glaze, dark brown sugar is the way to go!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Of course! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, such as vegan buttery spread or coconut oil. The glaze will still turn out delicious and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Are Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to double-check your ingredients (especially the butter substitute if making dairy-free) to avoid any hidden gluten, and you’re good to go!
Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Definitely! A pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add warmth and a little complexity to the dish. Stir spices in along with the brown sugar and butter for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side that’s both crowd-pleasing and effortless, Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are sure to become a fast favorite in your home. Each glossy, tender bite delivers a comforting blend of sweet, buttery goodness that feels just a little bit special. Don’t wait for a holiday—try them out next time you want to brighten up dinner!
Print
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. The carrots are cooked to tender perfection and coated in a luscious brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
Carrots:
- 2 lbs Carrots, washed and peeled
Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Slice the carrots: Cut carrots into 1/2″ thick slices and place in a large skillet.
- Cook the carrots: Add water to the skillet, cover, and simmer over medium-high heat until carrots are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess water: Drain any remaining water from the skillet.
- Make the glaze: Stir in brown sugar, butter, and salt. Coat the carrots in the glaze.
- Finalize the dish: Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the glaze thickens. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 199 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 347mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
