Looking for a delicious side dish that’s quick, easy, and sure to impress? Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect addition to any meal, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish that’s simply irresistible. This dish combines tender carrots with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these carrots bring vibrant color and incredible flavor to the table. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful recipe in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients
To create the perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, it’s important to use fresh ingredients that bring out the best in this dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Carrots (1 lb, peeled and sliced): Fresh, tender carrots are the star of this recipe. You can use whole carrots and slice them into rounds or opt for baby carrots for a more uniform appearance. The natural sweetness of carrots pairs perfectly with the brown sugar glaze.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter adds richness to the glaze, helping to create a silky, glossy coating that clings beautifully to the carrots. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): The key ingredient in the glaze, brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Light brown sugar works best, but dark brown sugar can be used if you prefer a deeper molasses flavor.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Honey adds a touch of floral sweetness and helps the glaze stick to the carrots. It also enhances the caramelization process, giving the carrots a lovely golden color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a warm, spiced note, add a pinch of ground cinnamon. This is optional but highly recommended for a fall or holiday twist.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional for garnish): Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the sweet glaze.
Instructions
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots come together quickly with minimal effort. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly glazed, tender carrots every time.
- Prepare the Carrots: Start by washing, peeling, and slicing the carrots into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If using baby carrots, simply rinse them well. Uniform slices ensure even cooking, so try to keep the pieces roughly the same size.
- Cook the Carrots: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are just tender but not mushy. Drain the carrots and set them aside. This step ensures the carrots cook evenly and absorb the glaze without becoming overcooked.
- Make the Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, honey, and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. If using, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth and extra flavor.
- Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet, tossing them gently in the glaze to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and clings to the carrots. Be careful not to cook too long, as you want the carrots to remain tender and not become too soft.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work perfectly for this recipe and save time on peeling and slicing. They may take a minute or two longer to cook, but they’ll taste just as delicious.
2. How do I store leftover glazed carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glazed carrots a few hours ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. Just be sure to reheat them gently to avoid overcooking.
4. What can I add to make the glaze more flavorful?
For added flavor, try adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or even a splash of orange juice to the glaze. These additions will complement the sweetness of the carrots beautifully.
5. Are these carrots suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a perfect side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. They add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color to any festive spread.
6. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey and adds a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor to the glaze. Use the same amount as directed in the recipe.
7. How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine and use maple syrup instead of honey. The result will be just as tasty and completely vegan-friendly.
8. What should I serve with Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?
These carrots pair well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked salmon, or any holiday roast. They also work great as part of a vegetarian meal with other roasted vegetables and grains.
9. Can I use this glaze on other vegetables?
Definitely! This brown sugar glaze works wonderfully on other vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you’re using.
10. How can I prevent the carrots from becoming too soft?
To prevent the carrots from becoming too soft, be sure not to overcook them during the boiling step. They should be tender but still have a slight bite when they go into the skillet with the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that’s sure to impress. With their beautiful glaze and perfectly tender texture, these carrots are a delightful addition to any meal. Give them a try, and they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this classic vegetable!