Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a simple, sweet side dish that brings a bright splash of color and flavor to any meal. With tender carrots coated in a shiny, buttery glaze that…
Tip: save now, cook later.Glazed carrots are a simple, sweet side dish that brings a bright splash of color and flavor to any meal. With tender carrots coated in a shiny, buttery glaze that has just the right touch of sweetness, this dish is both comforting and fresh. The natural sweetness of the carrots is brought to life with a little brown sugar or honey, making it a favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
I love making glazed carrots when I want something quick but impressive. The best part for me is how easy it is to toss everything in one pan and end up with a dish that looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, the buttery glaze makes the carrots irresistible—even picky eaters usually can’t get enough!
My favorite way to serve glazed carrots is alongside a roast chicken or a simple pork chop. The sweetness really balances savory flavors perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to add a fresh twist. It’s one of those recipes that keeps showing up on my table because it’s just so satisfying and easy to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots work best for this recipe. I like slicing them diagonally for a nice shape and even cooking. Baby carrots can be used too, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor and helps create that beautiful glaze. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the glaze. Honey or maple syrup can replace it for a slightly different but still delicious sweetness.
Water or Broth: Water helps the carrots cook evenly without drying out, while vegetable broth adds more flavor. I recommend broth if you want a savory boost.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. If you don’t have parsley, chopped chives or thyme also work well.
How Can You Achieve a Perfect, Shiny Glaze on Carrots?
Getting that shiny glaze on carrots is all about timing and heat control. Here’s how I do it:
- Start cooking carrots covered to steam them gently, making sure they become tender without burning.
- Remove the lid and turn up the heat to let the liquid reduce quickly. Stir often so the glaze thickens and evenly coats the carrots.
- Keep an eye on the pan to prevent burning—glaze should be thick and shiny, not sticky or burnt.
This method locks in the carrots’ sweetness while giving you that smooth, glossy finish that looks and tastes great.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan – perfect for cooking carrots evenly and reducing the glaze without crowding the pan.
- Lid for the pan – helps steam the carrots gently, making them tender faster.
- Spoon or spatula – essential for stirring the carrots and glazing sauce without scratching your pan.
- Vegetable peeler and sharp knife – for peeling and slicing carrots neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness.
- Include minced garlic or fresh ginger to add a little bite and depth to the glaze.
- Stir in orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Toss in toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch and extra texture.
How to Make Glazed Carrots?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (about 450g) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for variation)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping and slicing the carrots, then about 10 minutes cooking them until they’re tender and nicely glazed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in Pan
In a large skillet or sauté pan, put together the sliced carrots, butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
2. Cook the Carrots Covered
Place the pan over medium heat, stir occasionally, and cover it with a lid. Let the carrots cook for about 8–10 minutes until they are just tender when you poke them with a fork.
3. Reduce Liquid to Glaze Carrots
Remove the lid and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir the carrots often so that the cooking liquid thickens into a shiny glaze that coats them well. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Parsley and Serve
Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the carrots, and gently toss everything together. Serve these bright, sweet glazed carrots right away as a delicious side dish.
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for Glazed Carrots?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water diluting the glaze. Frozen carrots may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
Can I Make Glazed Carrots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare glazed carrots a day in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, honey or maple syrup works great for sweetness and adds a nice flavor twist. Just use the same amount as the sugar called for in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring to keep the glaze nicely coating the carrots.
