As a kid, I remember my grandma always made glazed carrots for Sunday dinner, and honestly, they were the only vegetable I’d actually get excited about! There’s something so comforting about the sweet and savory glaze coating those tender carrots.
Today, I’m sharing my go-to glazed carrots recipe; it takes only about 25 minutes to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, these are not your average carrots!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The brown sugar glaze complements the natural sweetness of the carrots with a touch of salt for balance.
- Adaptable: Works well with different types of carrots and can be customized with various spices and flavorings.
Ingredients for Glazed Carrots
- 1 1/2 lbs carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
When it comes to carrots, different varieties can bring unique textures and flavors to your glazed carrots. Nantes carrots, known for their sweet flavor and crispness, are a great choice if you prefer a slightly firm bite. Imperator carrots, the most common type found in grocery stores, offer a classic carrot taste and hold their shape well during cooking. Chantenay carrots are shorter and wider, with a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
As for sweeteners, brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the glaze. But feel free to experiment! Honey will lend a floral sweetness, while maple syrup offers a warm, woody note. Agave syrup is a great vegan option and provides a delicate sweetness.
Keep in mind that different sweeteners can affect the glaze’s texture; honey and maple syrup tend to create a stickier glaze, while agave syrup results in a smoother, thinner consistency.
Speaking of vegan options, if you are looking for a light snack, consider this recipe for Banana Oat Breakfast Bars – The Best Healthy Grab-and-Go Morning Recipe.
How to Make Glazed Carrots: Stovetop Method
- Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots are tender. Drain off any excess water.
- Add the butter, brown sugar and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
- Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.
How to Make Glazed Carrots: Roasted Method
Roasting glazed carrots brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the carrots for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired. Roasting vegetables is a great way to unlock sweetness and enhance flavor, especially when paired with savory dishes like Easy Loaded Chicken and Broccoli Salad Anyone Can Make.
Tips for the Perfect Glazed Carrots
- Cut carrots evenly: This ensures that they cook at the same rate.
- Use a pan that’s the right size: A pan that is too small will cause the carrots to steam instead of glaze, while a pan that’s too large will cause the glaze to evaporate too quickly.
- Adjust the glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Flavor Variations for Your Glazed Carrots
| Variation | Ingredients | Cultural Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Moroccan-Spiced Glazed Carrots | Add cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. | Moroccan |
| Ginger-Orange Glazed Carrots | Add grated ginger and orange zest to the glaze. | Asian |
| Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots | Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. | Mediterranean |
Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes and cuisines.
- Serve them alongside roast chicken or pork for a classic comfort meal. The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory flavors of the meat. I especially love glazed carrots with ginger and orange alongside roast chicken!
- Pair them with grilled salmon or tofu for a balanced and flavorful meal.
- Add them to a holiday spread with turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
- Incorporate them into a grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
- Serve them as a side dish with a vegetarian curry or lentil stew for a flavorful and colorful meal. You can view more main dishes on our site.
How to Store and Reheat Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best quality, allow the carrots to cool completely before storing them. To prevent them from becoming mushy, avoid storing them in a container with excess moisture.
When reheating, there are several methods you can use to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Stovetop: Reheat the carrots in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if needed to prevent them from drying out.
- Microwave: Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make them mushy.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is best for reheating larger quantities of glazed carrots.
Glazed Carrots: Nutritional Benefits
Carrots are packed with nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Carrots also contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
The cooking method can impact nutrient retention. Boiling carrots can lead to some nutrient loss, while steaming or roasting helps preserve more of their vitamins and minerals.
Troubleshooting Common Glazed Carrots Problems
- Carrots not cooking evenly: Make sure to cut the carrots into uniform sizes. If some pieces are larger than others, they will take longer to cook.
- Glaze being too thin: Simmer the glaze for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
- Glaze being too thick: Add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Glaze burning: Use a lower heat setting and stir the carrots frequently to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Carrots being too sweet: Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Glazed Carrots Variations for Dietary Needs
| Dietary Need | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter. | Vegan butter alternatives work great and don’t compromise on flavor! |
| Low-Sugar | Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar. | Sugar-free sweeteners may not caramelize in the same way as brown sugar, so the glaze may be slightly different in texture. You could also use unsweetened applesauce to add a touch of sweetness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best carrot varieties for glazing?
Nantes and Imperator carrots are both excellent choices for glazing due to their sweetness and firm texture.
How to achieve different glaze consistencies (thick vs. thin)?
For a thicker glaze, simmer the carrots for a longer time to allow the sauce to reduce. For a thinner glaze, add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can you use frozen carrots?
While fresh carrots are ideal, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
How to prevent the glaze from burning?
Use a lower heat setting and stir the carrots frequently to prevent the glaze from burning.
Can you make Glazed Carrots ahead of time?
Yes, you can make glazed carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious glazed carrots recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple side dish that’s sure to impress, whether it be a regular weeknight meal or a special holiday dinner.
Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below with your questions, share your cooking results, or tell me how you customized the recipe to make it your own. And if you take any photos, be sure to tag me on social media. Happy cooking!
Simple Glazed Carrots: An Amazing Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots are tender. Drain off any excess water.
- Add the butter, brown sugar and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
- Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the carrots for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
