Make this recipe for Brown Sugar Carrots in just 15 minutes. It’s a sweet, glossy, and buttery side that is perfect for a busy weeknight yet special enough for a Thanksgiving or Easter table.
Glazed sweet carrots are delicious served with Beef Bourguignon or Air Fryer Chicken Breast, or Oven Roasted Turkey
Recipe Highlights: The Perfect Easy Side
- Flavor: Stovetop glazed carrots are rich, buttery, and savory with a warm caramelized sweetness.
- Skill Level: With only 4 ingredients this beginner friendly recipe is made using simple steps. Just boil, drain, and toss.
- Make Ahead: I love to prep these easy glazed carrots ahead of time to simplify busy holiday meal time. You can cook, drain, then glaze just before serving, or fully prepare and reheat.
- Budget: Carrots plus a few pantry staples are cost efficient ingredients that create a budget friendly vegetable side.
Total Time: 15 Mins Servings: 4 Cooking Method: Stovetop
Ingredient Notes
- Carrots: Fresh garden carrots, store bought, or packaged baby carrots all work. You can even use the frozen variety. Be adventurous and try colored carrots. Peeling is optional if the carrots are well scrubbed.
- Glaze:
- Salted or unsalted butter creates a rich, silky base and helps the brown sugar coat the carrots.
- Brown sugar is used to create a caramel-like sweetness. Light brown sugar has mild flavor, while dark brown sugar has a deeper, molasses note.
- Use a small amount of Kosher salt to taste.
- While black pepper is optional, it adds a subtle savory contrast.
- Parsley is also optional, but would add a pop of color and a mild, fresh, herbal finish.
Variations
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar. You can also replace part of all of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Sprinkle cinnamon for added flavor and warm spice.
- Add ¼ cup orange juice or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
How to Make Brown Sugar Carrots
- Cook carrots until tender. Drain well.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and salt (full recipe below).
- Toss until glazed and garnish.
Glazed Carrot Success Tips
- Cut carrots into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Cut ½-inch pieces, but thin carrots should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Carrots should be cooked until they are easily pierced but still hold their shape. Begin testing at the 5-minute mark
- Be sure to drain carrots well to avoid a thin glaze.
- Return drained carrots to the warm saucepan. This melts the butter and sugar without dirtying another pan.
- If doubling the recipe for a larger group, be sure to use a larger saucepan with enough room to toss carrots gently without breaking them.
Save and Reheat
- Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for 4 days, or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Just know frozen carrots will be softer after thawing.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, in the oven at 325˚F, or in the microwave until heated through. Add butter if the glaze looks dry.
- Repurpose leftovers by chopping into a roasted vegetable bowl, serve with leftover pork or ham, or mash them with sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory side.
More Holiday Sides Worth Making
Did you make this recipe for Brown Sugar Carrots? Leave a comment and rating below.
Brown Sugar Carrots
Tender sliced carrots tossed in butter and brown sugar make an easy, family-friendly side dish. Savory and glossy, sweet carrots are perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrot sliced in ½ inch pieces, or if thin, 1 inch pieces
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste, optional
- parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add about 4 cups water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add sliced carrots and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and salt and toss until sugar and butter are melted. Sprinkle with pepper and parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan, a 325°F oven, or a microwave.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 119 | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 270mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 19119IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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