Brown sugar glazed carrots are the perfect side dish when you need something quick, sweet, and savory. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes in the oven, these carrots transform into a tender, caramelized delight. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the rich glaze made from brown sugar, garlic, and butter. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, these carrots add vibrant color and bold flavor to your plate. Let’s dig into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
This recipe is a true gem. It offers a delightful balance between sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. The carrots become tender and glossy with a glaze that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how the caramelization enhances their natural sweetness, while the garlic and butter bring depth and richness. It’s versatile enough for everyday meals and elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled
- 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted (or use olive oil)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F for standard ovens or 200°C/400°F for fan-forced.
- Prepare the carrots by cutting them diagonally into 4 cm (1.75 inch) lengths. If some pieces are thicker, slice them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Combine the glaze by mixing brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss the carrots in the bowl until evenly coated with the glaze mixture.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking tray.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then take them out and gently toss the carrots.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelized around the edges.
- Finish and serve by tossing the carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Cut your carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Use parchment paper on your baking tray to make cleanup easier.
- Don’t skip tossing halfway through roasting to ensure an even glaze.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking—less sugar for a more subtle glaze.
- Watch the carrots closely near the end of cooking to prevent over-browning.
Substitutions And Variations
- Sugar alternatives: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Butter-free: Use only olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Spiced version: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm or spicy twist.
- Herb options: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Carrot types: Use baby carrots, Dutch carrots, or even purple varieties for added visual appeal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the glaze texture.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of brown sugar-glazed carrots contains approximately:
- Calories: 191
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 414mg
- Potassium: 654mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 33,555 IU
- Vitamin C: 12.2mg
- Calcium: 77mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
Serving Suggestions
These glazed carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or beef. They also complement vegetarian mains such as lentil loaves or mushroom wellington. Add them to a holiday spread with mashed potatoes and stuffing, or serve them alongside a simple green salad for a well-rounded weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the carrots in advance and reheat them just before serving. The glaze may thicken slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
While peeling gives a smoother texture, it’s not essential. Scrub them well if you prefer to keep the skin.
Can I use baby carrots instead?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as baby carrots may roast faster.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Honey or maple syrup are great substitutes. They each add their own unique taste to the glaze.
How do I prevent the carrots from burning?
Ensure they are evenly coated and spaced out on the tray. Monitor them closely during the final minutes of roasting.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by! I truly hope you enjoy making and eating these brown sugar glazed carrots as much as I do. They are simple, full of flavor, and bring a lovely touch of sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering or a regular dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy your cooking and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a quick and delicious side dish with a glossy sweet-buttery glaze. Great for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled
1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted (or olive oil)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F for standard ovens or 200°C/400°F for fan-forced.
- Prepare the carrots by cutting them diagonally into 4 cm (1.75 inch) lengths. If some pieces are thicker, slice them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Combine the glaze by mixing brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss the carrots in the bowl until evenly coated with the glaze mixture.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking tray.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then take them out and gently toss the carrots.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelized around the edges.
- Finish and serve by tossing the carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon for a warm spice note or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Use any type of carrot: standard, baby, Dutch, or purple.
Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 191
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g