Brown sugar glazed carrots are one of my favorite easy side dishes to make when I want something tasty and slightly sweet. These carrots brighten up any meal with their rich, buttery glaze.
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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a popular vegetable side dish during the fall and winter seasons. You can find it on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions like Easter and birthday celebrations.
It’s made by cooking carrots with brown sugar and butter, creating tender, slightly caramelized carrots coated in a sweet glaze. This dish has a balance of the natural sweetness of carrots and the creamy richness of brown sugar and butter.
This candied carrot dish goes well with roasted or grilled meats, poultry, and even fish. The sweetness works nicely to balance savory or earthy flavors, while the tender texture contrasts well with crisp or hearty main dishes.
It can be served alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked ham, pork chops, or turkey. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are also a great choice. You can even enjoy this candied carrot side with vegetable main courses, such as lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, quinoa pilaf, or a hearty grain salad.
Here’s how to make the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots:
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins (450g)
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar light or dark
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional, for warmth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook for 6–8 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using) until sugar dissolves and mixture is syrupy.
- Return carrots to the pan. Toss gently for 3–5 minutes until coated and glossy.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Add a splash of orange juice or maple syrup with the glaze for extra flavor.
- Parboil carrots up to 1 day in advance, then glaze before serving.
- Use baby carrots when they’re on sale—no peeling required.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Here are some popular variations of brown sugar glazed carrots:
- Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots include minced garlic sautéed with the butter and sugar, adding a subtle savory depth to the glaze. This variation balances sweet and savory flavors and enhances aroma.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Glazed Carrots add ground cinnamon to the glaze mixture, lending a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the caramel sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup Glaze replaces brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness and a more liquid, shiny glaze. This adds a floral or rich flavor twist.
- Orange-Infused Glazed Carrots involve adding fresh orange juice and zest to the pan while glazing. This variation adds freshness and complexity.
- Spicy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to introduce a mild heat. It’s great for those who enjoy a little kick.
- Nutty Glazed Carrots feature toasted nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts sprinkled on top after cooking for added crunch and flavor. This variation adds texture and nuttiness.
- Herb-Enhanced Glaze incorporates fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley mixed into the glaze or sprinkled on top. These herbs complement the sweetness with aromatic, earthy notes.
- Oven Method allows slower caramelization with a slightly crisp edge.