Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

There are few side dishes more universally loved than Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! Sweet, buttery, and kissed with garlic, these glistening carrots are as easy to make as they are hard to resist. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or at your next holiday gathering, you’ll watch them vanish before you can say “Pass the vegetables!”

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots is that the ingredient list is short, but every single thing packs a punch! Each adds a deliciously specific note: sweetness, richness, depth, and brightness—nothing extra, nothing missing.

• Carrots: The star! Use regular, baby, Dutch, or even purple carrots—just cut them all to a similar size for even roasting.
• Brown Sugar: Lends a caramel warmth and gorgeous glaze; light or dark brown sugar both work, or swap for honey or maple syrup.
• Garlic: Just enough minced garlic deepens the savory flavor while balancing the sweetness.
• Butter: Melted butter anchors the glaze, adding richness and that irresistible silkiness. You can use olive oil if you need to keep it dairy-free.
• Olive Oil: Helps with roasting, making the outside of each carrot perfectly glossy and helping prevent burning.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These essentials keep the sweetness in check and add spark to every bite.
• Parsley (optional): A final sprinkle adds pop-of-green freshness and lovely contrast when serving.

Variations

This recipe for Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots is delightfully flexible—swap out ingredients or dial up the flavors to fit your mood, the season, or what’s in your fridge. Here are some fun ways to mix it up!

• Spiced Up: For a cozy holiday vibe, add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of ground nutmeg to the glaze.
• Citrus Twist: Stir in a little grated orange zest or a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.
• Maple or Honey Substitute: Replace brown sugar with equal parts maple syrup or honey for a unique natural sweetness.
• A Hint of Heat: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-and-spicy kick that keeps everyone guessing.
• Herb Lovers: Along with parsley, try finishing with thyme or a sprinkle of dill for another layer of herby goodness.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Carrots

Baking is where all the magic happens, so crank your oven up to 220°C/425°F (or 200°C/400°F for fans). Peel your carrots and slice them on the diagonal into lovely, chunky pieces—about 4 cm (1.75 inches) long. If you hit any thick ones, go ahead and halve them lengthwise so they’ll roast evenly with the rest.

Step 2: Mix and Toss the Glaze

In a big mixing bowl, add the carrots, brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well with your hands or a big spoon, making sure every carrot gets a glistening coat of that brown sugar glaze. Take a second for a deep breath—the smell is already amazing!

Step 3: Roast to Caramelized Perfection

Spread the coated carrots out on a large baking tray in a single layer—don’t pile them up! Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 15 minutes, then use a spatula to toss them a bit. Put them back for another 10 minutes until the edges are golden and caramelized, with a glossy glaze pooling in the pan.

Step 4: Glaze & Serve

Once they’re tender and glazed, remove the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots from the oven. Toss the carrots right in the sugary pan juices before transferring to a serving dish, scattering chopped parsley for a fresh finish if you like. Serve warm and watch smiles all around!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

Brighten up your platter by finishing with a shower of finely chopped fresh parsley or even delicate carrot tops for a bit of garden-fresh flair. For a special occasion, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like crushed pecans or walnuts, brings wonderful crunch and a nutty note that plays beautifully with the sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the unspoken hero alongside roast chicken, turkey, pork loin, or even a juicy steak. They pair well with mashed potatoes or wild rice, and really shine next to green beans or a hearty holiday stuffing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots arranged on a long platter with a zig-zag of glaze and fresh herbs. Try placing roasted carrots atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula, or mound them in bowls as part of a colorful veggie spread for potlucks and buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the carrots cool completely first. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their flavor and tenderness for 3–4 days without a hitch.

Freezing

While Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots can be frozen, their texture may soften a bit after thawing. To freeze, transfer cooled carrots and any extra glaze into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and lay it flat. Use within 1–2 months for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place carrots with a spoonful of leftover glaze in a covered baking dish and warm in a 180°C/350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot and glossy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s full of color, flavor, and pure comfort, look no further than these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a big celebration, I hope you make them often—and watch them disappear fast. Happy cooking!

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