Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Brown sugar glazed carrots are one of my family’s favorite side dishes for the holiday season. My kids love carrots and they especially enjoy carrots simmered in a buttery, rich, brown sugar sauce.
Make caramelized carrots two ways. On the stove or roasted in the oven.
My preferred way to prepare this holiday side dish is to cook carrots on the stove. That way my oven is readily accessible to prepare other holiday meals.
When it comes time for the holiday season you have got to have some choreography skills and learn how to manage all cooking times.
So holiday side dishes are served alongside the main course.
At the same time, warm, and most importantly, full of love.
The holidays are meant to be celebrated and spent with families and friends.
And there is no better way to say I love you or thank you.
Then enjoying a cozy, warm, meal amongst loved ones.
Why You’ll Love Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are inexpensive to make but they’re so good you’ll want seconds.
All you need to make this side dish are baby carrots, brown sugar, butter, salt, pepper, and water. Or toss baby carrots in a little bit of olive oil before roasting in the oven.
Brown sugar glazed carrots are versatile try adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients
With only five main ingredients. These brown sugar glazed carrots are one of the easiest holiday side dishes ever!
Here is what you need….
Baby carrots. Baby carrots make this holiday side dish super easy. No peeling, no chopping, and no rinsing!
Brown Sugar. The sweetener I used in this recipe is brown sugar. However, another sweetener option could be honey or molasses.
Butter.Glaze is made with just two ingredients. Butter and brown sugar go hand in hand.
Black Pepper & Salt. I love to use my electric salt and pepper grinder this kitchen gadget dispenses the perfect amount of seasoning.
Tips for Making the Best Caramelized Carrots
There really is no way to mess this side dish up! You only need five main ingredients to make these carrots.
And you can never go wrong with fresh spices like parsley and thyme.
Likewise, for this candied carrot recipe I wanted something simple where less is more.
For sweeter carrots add more brown sugar.
However, I prefer to go light on the brown sugar since I usually serve this dish with Orange Candied Sweet Potatoes.
Candied Carrots Variations
Glazed carrots are one of my family’s favorite side dishes for the holidays. Below are a few of my favorite spices and sweeteners I like to add when feeling creative.
Curry powder. Curry roasted carrots are delicious! And one of my favorite ways to eat glazed carrots. Curry is a spice that’s on the stronger side.
I’d suggest if using add a small amount.
Molasses. If you’d like a sugar replacement molasses is an alternative. I’d recommend making a carrot glaze with a few other ingredients like ginger and all spice if using molasses.
Caramelized carrots made with honey are another way to enjoy this holiday side dish. Don’t use sugar if using honey. Honey is sweet enough on it’s own.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Stove top)
Caramelized carrots can be made two ways. On the stove or roasted in the oven.
My preferred way to prepare this holiday side dish is to cook carrots on the stove.
When it comes time for holiday meal prep. You have got to have some choreography skills! And learn how to manage cooking times.
So that all food comes out on time, warm, and delicious for your family.
Here is what you do for glazed carrots on the stove.
- Cook carrots in water in a skillet on med high heat until soft.
- Add butter and brown sugar to the pan and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle glazed carrots with salt and pepper and serve warm.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Oven)
If you have the time and can organize your holiday meals effectively.
Or you’re blessed with a double oven. I’d recommend roasting candied carrots in the oven.
According to tasting table. Roasting carrots is the best way to cook carrots.
Roasting carrots brings out the sweetness of carrots and adds beautifully charred edges.
Here is what you do for roasted carrots.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
- Toss carrots in olive oil.
- Cook carrots in the oven for 20 minutes. Add brown sugar and butter and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes until carrots are soft.
- Sprinkle carrots with salt and pepper and serve warm.
More Holiday Side Dish Ideas
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Original Jiffy Corn Casserole.
And Jalapeno popper cheese ball is a delicious snack or holiday gift idea.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Tender brown sugar glazed carrots are easy to make with just five ingredients! All you need is butter, baby carrots, brown sugar, salt & pepper. Make candied carrots two ways. On the stove, or roast in the oven.
Ingredients
- 16 oz baby carrots
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- sprinkle salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook baby carrots in a pan on medium-high heat in water until soft. (about 8-10 minutes)
- Add butter and brown sugar to pan and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle carrots with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Recipe for Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Toss carrots in olive oil and add carrots to a baking dish.
- Roast carrots in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove carrots from oven and toss with brown sugar and butter.
- Return carrots to oven and roast for 10-20 minutes. Sprinkle brown sugar glazed carrots with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if using. Serve carrots warm with other holiday dishes.
Notes
This brown sugar glazed carrots recipe only uses 5 ingredients!
Roast carrots in the oven or cook on the stove.
Cook carrots longer if you would like them charred.
Optional: Add spices like cinnamon, thyme, or rosemary. Garnish with parsley if desired.