Easy Glazed Carrots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Glazed Carrots are a quick and delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a veggie dish that even picky eaters will enjoy, these carrots are tender, glossy, and full of flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

carrots (sliced or baby carrots)unsalted butterbrown sugarsaltpepperwater (or orange juice for extra flavor)optional garnish: chopped parsley or thyme

directions

Peel and slice the carrots (or use baby carrots) and place them in a saucepan.

Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 cup, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cover and cook the carrots for 6-8 minutes, or until just tender.

Drain any remaining water and return the carrots to the pan.

Add the butter and brown sugar to the carrots and stir over medium heat.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and the glaze thickens and coats the carrots, about 3-5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-13 minutesTotal time: 20-23 minutes

Variations

Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist.

Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

Toss in some cooked pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work perfectly and save prep time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and reheat before serving.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Are these good for holiday meals?

Absolutely, they’re a classic and colorful addition to any holiday spread.

Can I freeze glazed carrots?

Yes, but the texture may soften slightly upon thawing and reheating.

Can I add herbs?

Fresh thyme or parsley add great flavor and a nice visual touch.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the heat medium to low and stir often to prevent scorching.

Do these taste very sweet?

They are lightly sweetened but balanced by butter and seasoning.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely, the sweet glaze makes them appealing to kids.

Can I use white sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and better caramelization.

Conclusion

Easy Glazed Carrots are a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. With a buttery, sweet glaze and tender texture, they elevate any meal with minimal effort. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the table!

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