If you’re looking for a simple yet irresistibly sweet and buttery side dish, this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Tender carrots bathed in a luscious glaze of brown sugar and butter create a perfect balance of natural sweetness and rich flavor, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or preparing a holiday feast, this vibrant dish brings color, warmth, and comfort to your table effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to achieving the perfect taste and texture. Each component plays a significant role: fresh carrots provide a natural crunch and sweetness, while brown sugar and butter form that signature glossy glaze that makes this dish so special.
- 2 lbs Carrots, washed and peeled: The star of the show, fresh carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the pan.
- ¼ cup Butter: Butter brings a creamy texture and deepens the glaze’s flavor.
- ½ tsp Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cup Water: Water is essential to gently cook the carrots until tender before glazing.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Begin by slicing your peeled carrots into ½ inch thick slices. This size ensures that they cook evenly and maintain a satisfying bite without becoming mushy. Placing the carrots in a large skillet sets the stage for the simmering process.
Step 2: Simmer the Carrots
Add 1 ½ cups of water to the skillet with the carrots, then cover it. Simmer over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the carrots become tender but still hold their shape. This gentle cooking helps the carrots soften just right and readies them to absorb the glaze.
Step 3: Drain Excess Water
Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and carefully drain out any remaining water. This step is important to avoid a watery glaze and ensures the surface of the carrots can fully embrace the rich, sweet coating you’ll add next.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium, and stir in the brown sugar, butter, and salt directly into the skillet. Keep stirring gently so the butter melts evenly and the sugar dissolves, creating that dreamy glossy glaze that clings to every piece. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes to let the glaze thicken beautifully without burning.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm to highlight their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible glaze. The aroma itself will have everyone at the table eager to dig in.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe, consider sprinkling a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme on top. These herbs add a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also add a gentle kick and enhance the depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
This glazed carrot dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a simple grilled steak. Its natural sweetness complements meats with smoky or savory notes perfectly. It can also add a vibrant vegetable component to your holiday dinner spread, balancing heavier dishes on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy family meal or arrange them creatively on a platter alongside other colorful vegetables for an impressive holiday buffet. You might also toss in some toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top right before serving for added texture and a delightful nutty crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The carrots will hold their flavor and texture well, making them an easy quick reheat for an extra side dish during the week.
Freezing
Freezing glazed carrots is possible but not ideal because their texture can become a bit mushy once thawed. If you do freeze them, be sure to cool the dish completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir occasionally to keep the glaze from sticking or burning, and add a splash of water or butter if needed to refresh the sauce’s shine.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Baby carrots work well and save prep time since they’re already peeled. Just simmer them a bit longer to ensure they become tender before glazing.
Is brown sugar necessary or can I use white sugar instead?
Brown sugar is key to achieving that rich, caramel-like flavor and deeper color. White sugar won’t provide the same depth and warmth, but it can work in a pinch if you don’t have brown sugar on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The dish will still have lovely richness and shine.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Cook the carrots a bit longer after adding the brown sugar and butter, stirring until the sauce reduces to your desired thickness. Just watch carefully to prevent burning.
Will this recipe work with frozen carrots?
Fresh carrots are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen carrots if you thaw and drain them well before cooking. They might be softer but will still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that brighten any meal. It’s easy to make, comforting, and packed with flavor—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try next time you want to add a little sparkle to your dinner, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your own home.
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
Description
A simple and delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe that features tender carrot slices simmered to perfection and coated in a buttery, sweet brown sugar glaze. This quick stovetop side dish adds a warm, caramelized flavor to your meal and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Carrots, washed and peeled
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Slice the carrots: Cut the peeled carrots into ½ inch thick slices to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Simmer the carrots: Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet, add 1 ½ cups of water, cover, and simmer over medium-high heat. Let them cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain excess water: Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and drain any remaining water from the skillet to prevent sogginess.
- Add the glaze: Stir in the brown sugar, butter, and salt with the carrots. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until a thickened, glossy glaze forms and evenly coats the carrots.
- Serve warm: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a sweet and savory side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the brown sugar amount depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
- For a softer texture, slice the carrots thinner.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or holiday dinners.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
