Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe – Sweet Side Dish Magic

Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with a luscious brown sugar glaze dance on the plate, promising a delectable side dish that elevates any meal.

Caramelized edges and a glossy sheen make these brown sugar glazed carrots irresistible to both kids and adults.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, creating a mouthwatering vegetable experience that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

The natural sweetness of carrots combines perfectly with the rich, deep notes of brown sugar.

A touch of butter adds a luxurious silkiness that rounds out each bite.

These carrots bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

One forkful will have everyone asking for seconds.

Brown Sugar Carrots – Why They Work

• Transform ordinary carrots into a delectable side dish that makes everyone excited about eating their vegetables with minimal effort.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results using basic kitchen techniques that require minimal cooking skills and just a few ingredients.
• Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weeknight meals where you want something special without complicated cooking processes.
• Add personal touches like sprinkled herbs, swap spices, or adjust sweetness levels to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Brown Sugar Carrots Ingredients List

• Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide a sweet and earthy base for this delightful side dish.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that creates a delicious coating for the carrots.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates a luscious, glossy base for the glaze that helps caramelize the carrots.

• Salt, Cinnamon: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle warmth and balances the sweetness of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.

How to Cook Brown Sugar Carrots

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for roasting deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare Carrots

Wash and peel carrots, then slice them into uniform chunks about an inch long.

Consistency is key for even cooking.

Step 3: Par-Boil Carrots

Boil carrots in salted water for 5 minutes to kickstart the cooking process.

Drain and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking.

Step 4: Create Magical Glaze

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Coat Carrots In Deliciousness

Toss par-boiled carrots in the brown sugar mixture, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating of sweet goodness.

Step 6: Roast To Perfection

Spread carrots in a single layer on a baking dish.

Roast for 10 minutes, then stir to promote even cooking.

Return to oven for another 5-10 minutes until carrots are tender and caramelized with a beautiful golden-brown edge.

Step 7: Serve And Celebrate

Transfer roasted carrots to a serving dish.

Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy the sweet, caramelized carrots straight from the oven!

Pro Tips for Brown Sugar Carrots

• Stir carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching the sugary glaze.
• Reduce brown sugar for a less sweet version or swap with honey for a different flavor profile while maintaining glaze consistency.
• Cut carrots uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft or remaining undercooked.
• Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or a dash of ground ginger to elevate the glaze and create deeper, more interesting taste dimensions.
• Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for dairy-free options, and use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative that still delivers rich caramelization.

Leftover Guide for Brown Sugar Carrots

• Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.
• Transfer cooled carrots to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread carrots in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra butter to restore moisture if needed.

Tasty Matches for Brown Sugar Carrots

• Pair Perfectly with Robust Red Wines: Choose full-bodied red wines like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the caramelized sweetness of the brown sugar glazed carrots, creating a rich and balanced flavor profile.
• Create Protein Harmony: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, or honey-glazed ham to enhance the sweet and savory notes of the carrots, offering a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
• Boost with Herbal Accents: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the carrots to add a subtle earthy dimension that cuts through the sweetness and elevates the overall dish, providing a sophisticated culinary experience.
• Match with Creamy Sides: Accompany the carrots with creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree, or a smooth risotto to balance the caramelized sweetness and provide a luxurious, comforting meal that satisfies every palate.

Switch Up Your Brown Sugar Carrots

• Vegan Carrot Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version that maintains the sweet caramelized flavor.
• Herb-Infused Roasted Carrots: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an aromatic twist that brings depth to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Carrot Alternative: Swap carrots with roasted turnips or radishes for a lower-carbohydrate option that still delivers a similar caramelized texture and sweet-savory profile.
• Spicy Glazed Carrots: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for those who enjoy a subtle heat with their sweet roasted vegetables.

FAQs

• Are brown sugar glazed carrots healthy?

Despite the sugar, these carrots offer nutrition. They’re packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. The added sugar is minimal, and roasting helps retain more nutrients compared to other cooking methods.

• Can I use different types of carrots for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use regular orange carrots, rainbow carrots, or even baby carrots. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor and visual appeal.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment required. You’ll just need a baking dish, a pot for par-boiling, a cutting board, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and mixing bowl. It’s a straightforward, simple recipe anyone can make.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the brown sugar glazed carrots are completely vegetarian. The recipe uses butter, olive oil, brown sugar, and carrots – all vegetarian-friendly ingredients. It’s a great side dish for vegetarian meals.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet brown sugar caramelizes tender carrots in this classic side dish that elevates simple vegetables with rich, buttery warmth. Southern comfort meets elegant simplicity, promising a delightful complement to your main course that you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots (peeled and uniformly sliced)

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar (dark or light, packed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter (unsalted, melted)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) olive oil (light tasting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for roasting and caramelizing carrots.
2. Carefully peel carrots and slice into uniform one-inch segments to guarantee consistent cooking.
3. Briefly blanch carrots in salted water for approximately 5 minutes, interrupting cooking process with cold water rinse to maintain crisp texture.
4. Craft glaze by whisking melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and optional cinnamon until smooth and glossy.
5. Thoroughly coat par-boiled carrots in prepared glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Arrange glazed carrots in single layer within baking dish, roasting for initial 10 minutes, then gently redistribute for balanced caramelization.
7. Continue roasting additional 5-10 minutes until carrots reach desired tenderness with rich caramelized edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling period before transferring to serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for visual appeal.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels carefully to prevent burning, as brown sugar caramelizes quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked.
• Choose medium-sized carrots with uniform thickness to ensure even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Consider using different spices like nutmeg or ginger to add complexity and enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• For a healthier version, swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, which provide natural sweetness and additional depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 63 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg