If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table with a dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and a hint of savory charm, this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s incredibly simple but delivers a beautiful balance of caramelized sweetness and tender texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. These carrots roast to perfection with a luscious glaze that turns ordinary veggies into a show-stopping side dish that pairs wonderfully with anything from roast chicken to holiday feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe plays an essential role in creating that irresistible glaze and perfect texture. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the richness of butter and the freshness of garlic, these are simple pantry staples that come together to elevate humble carrots into something magical.
- Carrots: A full kilogram of peeled carrots provides the sweet, earthy base that soaks up the glaze beautifully.
- Brown sugar: About 1/4 cup gives the dish that signature sweet caramel note, lightly melted and perfectly coating each piece.
- Garlic cloves: Just two, minced finely to add a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the glaze.
- Butter: Two tablespoons, melted, bring richness and help achieve that silky glaze.
- Olive oil: One tablespoon to balance richness and help with roasting.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to enhance sweetness and round out flavors.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon for a gentle, warming spice note.
- Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a mild herbal touch for garnish.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 220°C (425°F) for standard ovens or 200°C (400°F) if you have a fan-assisted one—this high heat is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelization. While waiting for the oven to heat up, peel your carrots and slice them diagonally into roughly 4cm (1.75-inch) lengths. Make sure to halve any thicker pieces so all carrots roast evenly, ensuring a consistent tenderness throughout your dish.
Step 2: Combine the Glaze Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is your simple, flavor-packed glaze that will coat each carrot lovingly. Take care to mix everything thoroughly so the sugar and butter can melt and cling evenly during roasting, which is key to that luscious finish.
Step 3: Roast the Carrots
Spread the glazed carrots evenly on a roasting tray, making sure they’re in a single layer for the best caramelization. Roast for 15 minutes initially, then give them a good toss to encourage even cooking and glaze coverage. Roast another 10 minutes so the carrots become tender and develop that irresistible, slightly crispy, caramelized edge. Keep an eye on the tray to ensure plenty of glaze remains — this sticky coating is what makes the dish so delightful!
Step 4: Finish and Toss in the Glaze
Once roasted, toss the carrots gently in the remaining glaze on your tray. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and shine. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness. Serve them warm, and watch as these simple veggies disappear fast.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is a classic way to brighten the dish and give it a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze. You could also try a few toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and an earthy note that complements the carrots’ natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
These glazed carrots pair wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a juicy steak. Their sweet, buttery glaze works as a perfect foil to savory and rich dishes, adding a colorful splash to your plate. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside quinoa or lentil salads for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve these carrots on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh herbs. You can also slice them thinly and toss them into warm grain bowls or salads to add a sweet, caramelized bite that brings everything together. Another fun idea is to purée leftovers for a smooth carrot mash that dazzles as a side or sandwich spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover glazed carrots to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead side for busy weeknights when you want to add flavor without extra fuss.
Freezing
While these carrots freeze well, they are best enjoyed fresh due to the glaze’s texture. If you want to freeze them, spread the carrots on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain that wonderful glaze without drying the carrots out. You can also rewarm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) covered loosely with foil for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the glaze watery and compromise the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots or even multicolored heirloom carrots work beautifully in this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe. Just adjust roasting times slightly if your pieces are smaller or thinner.
Is there a substitute for butter?
Yes, you can swap the butter for an equal amount of olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to keep the glaze rich but dairy-free, while still delivering that wonderful mouthfeel.
What if I don’t like garlic?
No problem. The garlic adds a subtle depth but isn’t essential. You can omit it or replace it with a pinch of onion powder for a mild aromatic note instead.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
While roasting brings out the best caramelization and flavor, you can sauté the carrots in a pan with the glaze ingredients over medium heat. Just be sure to cook them long enough to soften and get that lovely glaze clinging to the carrots.
How do I get the carrots glossy without becoming sticky or burnt?
The key is high heat roasting combined with tossing halfway through. This allows the sugar to caramelize, not burn, giving you that shiny, sticky glaze without any bitterness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to sides whenever you want something easy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort and maximum taste. So grab those carrots and get roasting — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender roasted carrots caramelized with brown sugar, garlic, and butter. Roasted to perfection, they develop a lovely glaze and slightly crisp edges, making them an irresistible addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled
- 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (30g), melted (or substitute with 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-forced oven to ensure optimal roasting temperature.
- Prepare Carrots: Slice the peeled carrots diagonally into 4 cm (1.75 inch) lengths. For thicker ends, halve them lengthwise so all pieces are roughly the same width for even cooking.
- Toss with Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots with brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Roast Carrots: Spread the carrots out evenly on a baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, toss the carrots to ensure even caramelization, then roast for an additional 10 minutes until they are soft and have caramelized edges with a glossy glaze remaining on the tray.
- Glaze and Serve: Toss the roasted carrots in the pan glaze to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm carrots.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil completely.
- Adjust sugar according to sweetness preference.
- Carrots can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Parsley garnish adds color and fresh flavor but is optional.
