If you’re searching for a simple, comforting side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and a glow to your dinner plate, this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is your new best friend. Tender carrots coated in a luscious, buttery brown sugar glaze deliver a harmony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and special, transforming humble veggies into a star dish you’ll want again and again. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough to charm family and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe every time. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the natural sweetness of carrots to the rich depth the brown sugar and butter bring, along with a pinch of salt to balance it all out perfectly.
- 2 lbs Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and sliced carrots provide the vibrant base full of natural sweetness and tender texture.
- ½ cup Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that creates the signature glaze.
- ¼ cup Butter: Melts into the sauce, giving it a silky richness that coats each carrot slice beautifully.
- ½ tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the glaze from being overly sweet.
- 1 ½ cup Water: Used to gently steam and tenderize the carrots before glazing.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Carrots
Start by washing and peeling your carrots, then slicing them into ½ inch thick rounds. This size lets them cook evenly and soak up the glaze without becoming mushy, ensuring perfect tenderness with just enough bite.
Step 2: Simmer the Carrots Until Tender
Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet and pour in the water. Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-high heat for about 8 to 10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still hold their shape. This gentle steaming step softens the carrots while keeping them vibrant and flavorful.
Step 3: Remove Excess Water
After the carrots have softened, carefully drain off any remaining water in the pan. You want just enough moisture left to help the glaze form without diluting the flavor or making the dish watery.
Step 4: Glaze with Brown Sugar, Butter, and Salt
Next, stir in the brown sugar, butter, and salt directly into the skillet. As the butter melts, it combines with the brown sugar and coats the carrots in a shiny, sticky glaze. Cook this mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to every slice.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once the glaze is silky and clings to the carrots, it’s ready to serve. Dish them up warm to enjoy the full, comforting sweetness and buttery richness that make this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and add a subtle crunch by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the glazed carrots. A gentle dusting of toasted pecans or slivered almonds also pairs beautifully, introducing texture and nutty notes that complement the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or ham, bringing a touch of sweetness that balances savory, hearty flavors. They also work as a vibrant vegetable side alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, arrange the glazed carrots on a bed of fresh greens or sprinkle with pomegranate seeds to add pops of color and a hint of tartness. Serving them in individual ramekins or on a decorative platter makes this dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover brown sugar glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The carrots will soften a little more but remain delicious and ready to brighten up another meal.
Freezing
While freezing glazed carrots is possible, it’s best to freeze them plain first, then glaze after thawing to preserve the texture and glaze consistency. Freeze peeled and sliced carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave them just until warmed through. Add a small splash of water or butter if the glaze needs loosening up. Avoid overheating to keep the carrots tender but intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred because of its molasses content, which gives the glaze that lovely deep caramel flavor. However, you can try using coconut sugar or even honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
What if I don’t have a skillet?
You can use a wide sauté pan or even a frying pan with a lid in place of a skillet. The key is to use a pan that allows you to simmer the carrots with a tight cover to trap steam for tenderizing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe that’s just as rich and delicious.
How do I know when carrots are tender?
Test tenderness by piercing a carrot slice with a fork. It should slide in easily with a slight resistance, meaning the carrots are soft but not mushy.
Is it better to peel carrots before cooking?
Peeling carrots helps remove any bitterness and ensures the glaze coats them evenly. You can leave the skin on if you like for more texture, but make sure to wash them thoroughly first.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is a shining example of how a few staple ingredients and just a bit of time can create something thoughtfully delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner side or a festive holiday addition, these sweet, buttery carrots bring warmth and color to any table. Give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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
This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe offers a sweet and buttery side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender carrots are simmered and then coated in a luscious brown sugar and butter glaze, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 lbs Carrots, washed and peeled
Glaze
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Cut the carrots into ½ inch thick slices and place them in a large skillet.
- Simmer Carrots: Add 1 ½ cups of water to the skillet, cover it, and simmer over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until the carrots become tender.
- Drain Excess Water: Remove any remaining water from the skillet once the carrots are tender.
- Add Glaze Ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, butter, and salt into the skillet until the carrots are well coated. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until a thickened, glossy sauce forms around the carrots.
- Serve: Serve the glazed carrots warm as a deliciously sweet and buttery side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste for more or less sweetness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze during cooking.
- These carrots pair well with roasted meats, such as chicken or beef.
- Make sure not to overcook the carrots to retain some texture and avoid them becoming mushy.
