These brown sugar glazed carrots are a tasty side dish that looks great on any plate! Sweet and tender, they really brighten up dinner time.
I love how easy they are to make—just slice, cook, and mix in brown sugar. Your family will think you’re a gourmet chef, but you’ll know it took hardly any effort! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and easy to prepare, but if you can’t find them, regular carrots work just as well! Just peel and cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. I prefer using organic carrots when possible for better taste.
Brown Sugar: This gives the carrots their sweet glaze. If you need a substitute, try honey or maple syrup. They’ll add a different flavor but still create a lovely sweetness!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. However, you could use olive oil for a dairy-free version, though it will change the flavor a bit. I love the buttery taste, so I stick with the original!
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze on My Carrots?
The secret to achieving that shiny glaze lies in how you cook the carrots. Start by sautéing them until they’re slightly tender, then add the brown sugar. Here are the steps:
- Use a medium heat to melt the butter—this helps the sugar incorporate smoothly.
- After adding the brown sugar, let it melt and coat the carrots evenly. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Keep cooking until the carrots are fork-tender, around 5-7 minutes, for the best texture.
The end result should be shiny and beautifully coated carrots. Enjoy your delicious side dish with your meals!
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots peeled and cut into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time at all, you’ll have the perfect side dish ready to complement your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
If you’re using regular carrots, start by peeling them and cutting them into even-sized pieces. For baby carrots, a simple rinse and drain are all you need. This ensures they cook evenly and look great on your plate!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly—this helps create a nice base for the glaze we’re about to make.
3. Cook the Carrots:
Add the carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them to start softening but not fully cooked just yet.
4. Make the Glaze:
Sprinkle the packed brown sugar evenly over the carrots. This is where the magic happens! Continue to cook and stir for about another 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and fully glazed with a shiny brown sugar mixture. You’ll notice how the sugar melts and creates a delicious coating.
5. Season:
Season the glazed carrots with salt and black pepper. Give them a good stir to mix everything nicely.
6. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and fresh flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy this sweet and savory side dish that will bring smiles to the dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess water. This will help them glaze evenly, similar to fresh carrots.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor and color. Honey or maple syrup can also work in a pinch, though they will yield slightly different tastes.
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or butter if needed to restore moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!
