My grandma used to make these every Thanksgiving, and I never understood why everyone fought over carrots until I tried making them myself. These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots turn something simple into the side dish people actually get excited about. The butter, brown sugar, and herbs create this glossy coating that makes the carrots taste like candy but in the best way possible.
I made them for Easter dinner last year and my kids, who normally refuse vegetables, ate three servings each. Now I make these sweet carrots brown sugar style at least once a month because they're that good and take less than 20 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect answer when you need carrot recipes side dishes that don't taste boring. This glazed carrots recipe stove top method means you get tender, caramelized carrots without heating up the oven. My sister made these honey brown sugar carrots for her first dinner party and people asked for the recipe before dessert even came out.
The sweet glaze for carrots balances perfectly with savory mains like roast chicken or pork chops. They work as dinner ideas Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday when you want something special. Plus, this easy brown sugar carrots recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
Just a few simple ingredients turn ordinary carrots into the best glazed carrots you've ever tasted. I keep all of this on hand because these sugar glazed carrots have become a staple in my house.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots or regular carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
Optional Extras
Add a splash of orange juice for orange glazed carrots, or try balsamic vinegar for balsamic glazed carrots with a tangy twist. My mom likes to add a tablespoon of bourbon for bourbon glazed carrots when she's feeling fancy.
The full instructions are right in the recipe card.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Prep the Carrots
If you're using whole carrots, peel them and slice them into even sticks about 2 to 3 inches long. Baby carrots work great too and save you prep time. The key is making sure they're all similar in size so they cook evenly for this recipe for glazed carrots.
Cook Until Tender
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they're just tender but still have a slight bite. You don't want them mushy. Drain well and set aside. This step is important for cooked carrots with brown sugar to have the right texture.
Make the Glaze
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. The smell alone will make everyone come running to the kitchen.
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes! For baked carrots brown sugar style, toss raw carrot sticks with melted butter, brown sugar, and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You'll get caramelized edges that are incredible.
Toss and Coat
Add the cooked carrots to the skillet with the glaze. Toss everything together over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots are fully coated and the glaze thickens and clings to them. The carrots should look shiny and gorgeous. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to perfect brown sugar carrots stovetop is not overcooking them in the water first.
If they get too soft, they'll turn to mush when you toss them in the glaze.
My husband made this mistake once and we ended up with carrot baby food instead of glazed perfection.
Also, don't walk away while the glaze is cooking, it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Stir constantly and keep the heat at medium, not high.
Trust me on this one.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup if you want a different flavor profile for your brown sugar glazed carrots. You can also make these as crockpot carrots brown sugar by adding raw carrots, butter, brown sugar, and a splash of water to a slow cooker on low for 3 to 4 hours. For baked carrots recipe lovers, try roasting them with herbs for herb-seasoned roasted carrots or oven-roasted carrots with herbs.
If you're out of butter, olive oil works but won't give you quite the same richness in these brown sugar glazed carrots. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist on these sugar carrots.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover brown sugar glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a tiny bit of butter or water to loosen the glaze. You can also microwave them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one. The glaze might separate a bit when cold, but it comes back together beautifully when reheated. These don't freeze well because the texture gets watery, so I recommend just making what you'll eat within a few days.
What to Serve With Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These sweet carrot side dish options pair perfectly with roast turkey, baked ham, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin. I love serving them alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete holiday spread. They also work great with ideas for carrots as part of a weeknight dinner with steak or salmon. My family requests these every time we have company because they look fancy but require almost no effort.
FAQs About Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar gives a richer, deeper flavor with molasses notes that white sugar doesn't have. If you must substitute, use white sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses.
How do I prevent the glaze from crystallizing?
Make sure to stir constantly while the sugar melts and add a bit of liquid like honey or water to keep it smooth. Don't let it sit without stirring or it can seize up.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the carrots and make the glaze separately a day ahead, then combine and reheat just before serving. This is perfect for dinner ideas Thanksgiving when you're juggling multiple dishes.
What's the difference between glazed and roasted carrots?
Glazed carrots are cooked in liquid first, then coated in a sweet glaze on the stovetop. Roasted carrots cook entirely in the oven and get caramelized edges from dry heat. Both are delicious but have different textures.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved these brown sugar glazed carrots, you'll want to try my Honey Butter Roasted Carrots for another sweet twist. Or check out my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables for a savory side dish option. For more carrots in oven recipes, my Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables is always a crowd-pleaser. You'll find all of these and more ideas for carrots in my DINNER category.
Made it your way? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes; I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe:
Leave a Reply