Glazed Carrots
Glazed Carrots are a simple, sweet side dish that brightens up any meal. They’re made by cooking carrots until tender and then coating them in a shiny, buttery glaze that…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Glazed Carrots are a simple, sweet side dish that brightens up any meal. They’re made by cooking carrots until tender and then coating them in a shiny, buttery glaze that usually has a touch of brown sugar or honey. The result is a lovely combination of soft, slightly caramelized carrots that taste both fresh and comforting.
I love making glazed carrots because they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The sweetness brings out the natural flavor of the carrots without being too much, and the buttery glaze adds a smooth finish that makes these veggies feel a little bit special. I usually stir them occasionally on the stove to make sure each piece gets coated perfectly.
My favorite way to serve glazed carrots is alongside roast chicken or a cozy dinner of mashed potatoes and meatloaf. They add a nice pop of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors on the plate. Plus, they’re a great way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect because they cook evenly and look pretty glazed whole. If you only have regular carrots, peel and slice them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Butter: Butter gives the glaze a rich, creamy taste. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or olive oil. Both add a lovely flavor, though coconut oil will add a subtle sweetness.
Sweetener: Brown sugar lends a deep, molasses-like sweetness. Honey is a great natural swap that also adds extra moisture to the glaze. Maple syrup can work too, giving a slightly different but tasty flavor.
Liquid: Water helps steam and cook the carrots, but orange juice adds a fresh, bright twist that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness. If you want more flavor, try apple juice instead.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green color and mild herbal note at the end. If you’re out of parsley, chives or fresh thyme also work well.
How Do I Get That Perfect Shiny, Caramelized Glaze on My Carrots?
The magic happens in two steps: steaming the carrots gently, then caramelizing the glaze.
- Start by simmering the carrots covered in the buttery sweet liquid. This steams and softens them without drying out.
- Once tender, remove the lid and turn up the heat. This cooks off excess liquid and makes the glaze thicken and caramelize.
- Stir often so the glaze coats each carrot evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Watch closely near the end – when the glaze turns shiny and slightly browned, it’s ready!
This two-stage cooking helps the carrots stay moist yet get that irresistible glossy coating with just a little caramel char. Patience and attention at this step really pay off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking and glazing the carrots evenly.
- Lid for the skillet – helps steam the carrots to tender perfection.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the carrots gently without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons and cup – to get the butter, sugar, and liquid amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist that works great in fall meals.
- Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end to add tang and deepen the glaze flavor.
- Mix in chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby note that pairs nicely with roasted meats.
- Toss with toasted pecans or slivered almonds for a bit of crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Glazed Carrots?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or peeled and trimmed regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup water or orange juice (for brighter flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total — 5 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes to cook and glaze the carrots until tender and shiny.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Rinse the carrots thoroughly. If you’re using regular carrots, peel and trim them so they are about the same size for even cooking.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, add the butter, brown sugar (or honey), salt, pepper, and water (or orange juice). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, forming a smooth glaze.
3. Cook and Glaze the Carrots:
Add the carrots to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the glaze. Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the carrots steam and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking.
4. Caramelize the Glaze:
Remove the lid and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir frequently as the glaze thickens and caramelizes slightly — this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning, and make sure the carrots are tender and nicely coated.
5. Serve:
Take the carrots off the heat, transfer them to a serving dish, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delicious, buttery sweet side dish everyone will enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. Keep in mind they may cook slightly faster, so watch them closely during glazing.
Can I Make Glazed Carrots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and glaze the carrots a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or orange juice to refresh the glaze.
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the glaze evenly distributed.
What Can I Substitute for Butter in This Recipe?
If you’d like a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Both add a nice flavor and work well to create the glaze, though coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness.