Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
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.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prep the Carrots: Peel and slice 2 lbs of carrots into ¼-inch rounds, ensuring the pieces are even for uniform cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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