Get ready to transform a simple vegetable into the star of your dinner table. These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are incredibly easy to make, simmering on the stovetop in a buttery, sweet glaze until perfectly tender-crisp. It’s a classic side dish that disappears fast, and for good reason!
Whether you need a last-minute addition for a holiday meal or a simple way to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is your answer. The simple combination of carrots, brown sugar, and butter creates a rich, caramelized sauce that everyone will love. Forget boring steamed vegetables; this is a side dish that demands a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side, you’ve found it. This recipe is a favorite because it’s practically foolproof and delivers consistently delicious results.
- Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of common ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can have this amazing dish ready.
- Perfectly Balanced: The sweetness from the brown sugar is balanced by the rich, savory butter and the earthy flavor of the carrots.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from a Thanksgiving turkey to a simple weeknight baked chicken breast (coming soon).
- Family-Friendly: The sweet flavor makes it a huge hit with both kids and adults. It’s one of the best ways to get everyone to eat their vegetables!
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
While these brown sugar carrots are a must-have for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, they are simple enough for any night of the week. Their rich flavor complements roasted chicken, seared steaks, and hearty pot roasts beautifully. Consider serving them alongside a comforting French Onion Pot Roast or our popular Honey Baked Ham for a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create these irresistible candied carrots.
- Carrots: The star of the show! You can use whole carrots peeled and sliced, or save time with baby carrots.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. It forms the rich base of the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Water: This helps steam the carrots and create the syrupy glaze.
- Optional Parsley: A little fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Stovetop Method)
Making these carrots on the stovetop is quick, easy, and gives you a perfectly thick glaze. Follow these simple steps for a flawless side dish.
- Prep the Carrots: Peel your carrots and slice them into uniform ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large skillet or sauté pan, combine the sliced carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, and water.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Thicken the Glaze: Uncover the skillet and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally. The liquid will reduce and thicken into a beautiful, syrupy glaze that coats every carrot. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Once the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened, they’re ready! Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Oven-Roasted Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (A Hands-Off Alternative)
If you prefer a more hands-off approach with deeper caramelization, roasting is a fantastic option. The dry heat of the oven brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
- Coat the Carrots: Place your prepped carrots in a large bowl. Pour the melted brown sugar mixture over them and toss well to coat completely.
- Roast: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and the edges are beginning to caramelize.
Tips for the Perfect Glaze
A few simple tricks can take your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots from great to absolutely perfect.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a skillet large enough to hold the carrots in a relatively even layer. This helps the glaze reduce properly.
- Watch the Heat: Once the glaze starts to thicken, keep a close eye on it to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Adjust Thickness: If your glaze is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Spice: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add a warm, festive touch.
- Make it Savory: Add a splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a more complex flavor profile.
- Sweet Alternatives: Try swapping the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness.
What to Serve with Glazed Carrots
These carrots are the ultimate team player. They are a classic pairing with holiday meats but also work wonderfully for weeknight meals. They are fantastic alongside a classic meatloaf or our savory Salisbury Steak.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These carrots are best served fresh, but leftovers are still delicious! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
To make them ahead of time, you can prep the carrots by peeling and slicing them a day or two in advance. Store them in a container of water in the fridge to keep them crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the glaze when reheating.
The best way to thicken the glaze is to let it simmer. After the carrots are tender, uncover the skillet and allow the liquid to cook over medium heat. As the water evaporates, the butter and brown sugar mixture will reduce into a thick, syrupy glaze. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Both work perfectly well for this recipe! Baby carrots are a great time-saver as they don’t require peeling or chopping. If using whole carrots, be sure to peel them and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Maple syrup is an excellent substitute for a similar rich, sweet flavor. You can also use honey, though it has a more distinct floral taste. Both can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for the brown sugar.
Mushy carrots are usually a result of overcooking. To avoid this, start checking for tenderness around the 10-minute mark. You want them to be ‘tender-crisp’—easily pierced with a fork but still with a slight bite. Remember they will cook a little more as the glaze reduces.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (The Easiest, Most Addictive Side Dish)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the sliced carrots, butter, brown sugar, water, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Uncover the skillet, increase the heat to medium, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and thickens into a glaze that coats the carrots. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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If you make this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe, I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Your creations are always an inspiration!
