Glazed Carrots
Tender-crisp carrots are gently simmered and then tossed in a sweet and savory brown sugar-butter glaze. This classic American side dish is incredibly simple to make, perfect for holiday feasts or elevating a simple weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Carrots
- b.Place the sliced carrots in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1 inch.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp (easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite).
- d.Drain the carrots thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Glaze
- b.While the carrots are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Once melted, stir in the packed light brown sugar, orange juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Thicken the Glaze
- b.Continue to cook the glaze, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, for about 2-3 minutes.
- c.The sugar should completely dissolve, and the glaze will begin to bubble and thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Glaze the Carrots
- b.Add the drained carrots to the skillet with the hot glaze.
- c.Gently toss and stir to coat all the carrot slices evenly.
- d.Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened further and clings beautifully to the carrots.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- c.Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the carrots and give them one final toss.
- d.Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For uniform cooking, ensure your carrot slices are all about 1/4-inch thick.
- 2Avoid over-boiling the carrots. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy, as they will cook further in the glaze.
- 3Using baby carrots is a great time-saver. Simply boil them whole until tender-crisp, adjusting the time as needed (usually 8-10 minutes).
- 4For a richer, more caramel-like flavor, use dark brown sugar or a tablespoon of maple syrup.
- 5A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg added to the glaze introduces a lovely warm spice note, perfect for holidays.
Adapt it for your goals.
Maple-Ginger Glazed
Replace the brown sugar with 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup and add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the glaze for a zesty twist.
Herby Savory GlazedHerby Savory Glazed
Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves to the butter as it melts. This creates a more savory, aromatic side dish.
Spiced Holiday GlazedSpiced Holiday Glazed
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the brown sugar for a classic holiday flavor profile.
Vegan Glazed CarrotsVegan Glazed Carrots
Substitute the unsalted butter with 4 tablespoons of vegan butter or coconut oil to make this dish completely plant-based.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
This dish provides dietary fiber from the carrots, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Provides Antioxidants
Carrots contain several antioxidants, like carotenoids and anthocyanins, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A standard serving (about 3/4 cup) of this Glazed Carrots recipe contains approximately 229 calories. The majority of calories come from the butter and brown sugar in the glaze.