If you’re searching for a vibrant, sweet, and buttery side dish that elevates any meal, this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is your new go-to. The magic lies in simple ingredients coming together to create tender carrots coated in a rich, caramelized glaze that bursts with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels effortlessly elegant and always earns compliments around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe plays a starring role, making it beautifully balanced in flavor, texture, and color. From the natural sweetness of brown sugar to the savory touch of garlic and the silky richness of butter, each component is essential.
- Carrots: Peeled and cut to ensure even cooking and a tender bite that holds the glaze perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds that deep, molasses-sweet richness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the carrots with subtle warmth without overpowering the sweetness.
- Butter: Melted for coating the carrots, it gives a luxurious, creamy texture and enhances browning.
- Olive oil: Helps roast the carrots evenly and adds a hint of earthiness to balance the sugar.
- Salt: Amplifies the natural sweetness and ties the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- Parsley (optional): Fresh and vibrant, it’s a lovely garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 220C (425F) for a standard oven or 200C (400F) if you’re using a convection fan. This high heat is key to getting those carrots tender inside with beautifully caramelized edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Slice the carrots diagonally into 4cm (around 1.75-inch) pieces for a lovely presentation and even cooking. Make sure to halve the thicker ends so all pieces are roughly the same width, ensuring they roast uniformly and soak up that glaze perfectly.
Step 3: Toss in the Flavorful Mix
In a large bowl, combine the carrots with brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything well helps coat each carrot slice with flavor and creates that irresistible glaze as it roasts.
Step 4: Roast Until Caramelized
Spread the coated carrots evenly on a roasting tray. Roast them for 15 minutes, then toss to redistribute the glaze and ensure even coloring. Continue roasting for another 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelized on the edges, with a sticky, sweet glaze clinging to them.
Step 5: Finish with a Toss and Garnish
Once roasted, give the carrots a gentle toss in their own glaze straight on the tray to coat them well. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if using, then serve warm. This simple final step brings the dish together for a vibrant finish.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic that adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the sweet glaze. You can also try a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch and an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially chicken or pork, where the sweetness complements savory profiles effortlessly. It’s also a fantastic vegetable side for holiday meals or dinner parties when you want something impressive yet easy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these glazed carrots in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the oven for a cozy, homey vibe. Alternatively, arrange them on a bright, contrasting platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or fresh herbs layered on top for an elegant touch that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them a quick side for the next day’s meals or a snack on their own.
Freezing
While you can freeze roasted carrots, the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, spread the carrots on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve their glaze and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these carrots is in a skillet over low heat, tossing occasionally to warm them through and revive that glossy glaze. You can also use the oven, covered with foil, at 175C (350F) for 10-15 minutes until heated without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
While regular sugar can work in a pinch, brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor and moisture that enhances the glaze’s richness, making it the preferred choice for this recipe.
What type of carrots are best for this dish?
Choose fresh, medium to large carrots that are firm and sweet. Baby carrots can be used but may require adjusting the cooking time since they’re smaller and tender already.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based margarine to keep the glaze rich and flavorful while making the recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, this glaze works well with other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to accommodate different textures and sizes.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep an eye on the carrots during the last minutes of roasting and toss them once halfway through. If you notice the edges are caramelizing too quickly, lowering the oven temperature slightly can help prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is a wonderfully simple way to transform everyday carrots into a sensational side dish. The balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors combined with that irresistible caramelized finish makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen and maybe in yours too!
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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings as a side dish
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously sweet and savory brown sugar glazed carrots roasted to tender perfection, enhanced with garlic, butter, and a touch of olive oil. This easy side dish features caramelized edges and a rich, flavorful glaze, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled
Glaze and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (30g), melted (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for a standard oven or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-assisted oven to ensure perfect roasting temperature for the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Cut the carrots on the diagonal into 4 cm (1.75 inch) lengths. For thicker ends, halve them lengthwise so all pieces maintain a similar width for even cooking.
- Toss with Glaze Ingredients: Place the carrot pieces in a bowl and add the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all carrots evenly with the flavorful mixture.
- Roast Carrots: Spread the coated carrots evenly on a baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the tray, toss the carrots gently to redistribute the glaze, then roast for an additional 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and have caramelized edges, with a generous amount of glaze remaining on the tray.
- Toss and Serve: Mix the roasted carrots in the pan’s glaze to coat them well. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top if desired, and serve the carrots warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Use evenly sized carrots or cut them to uniform sizes for consistent roasting.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with additional olive oil.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze mixture.
- Leftover glazed carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh color and flavor contrast.
