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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

4.8 from 98 reviews

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots is a comforting, easy-to-make side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a buttery, sweet brown sugar glaze. This recipe brings a nostalgic touch reminiscent of cozy Sunday dinners and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for both holiday meals and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

  • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds

Glaze

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra shine)

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep the Carrots: Peel and slice 2 lbs of carrots into ¼-inch rounds, ensuring the pieces are even for uniform cooking.
  2. Boil the Carrots: Place the sliced carrots in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Glaze: In the same saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon honey if using. Cook while stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
  4. Coat the Carrots: Add the drained carrots back to the saucepan with the glaze. Stir gently for 2–3 minutes to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the buttery brown sugar glaze.
  5. Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the carrots to avoid mushiness; they should remain slightly firm.
  • Stir frequently when glazing to prevent the sugar from burning on the bottom of the pan.
  • Use brown sugar in moderation to keep the glaze from becoming too thick or sticky.
  • Honey is optional but adds an extra shine and subtle flavor to the glaze.

Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, glazed carrots, easy carrot side dish, buttered carrots, holiday side dish, simple vegetable recipe