Go Back
- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - Salt to taste - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) To make brown sugar glazed carrots, you'll need a few simple items. First, grab some baby carrots. If you can't find them, regular carrots work too. Just cut them into sticks. Next, get unsalted butter. This will help create a rich flavor. Brown sugar is a must for that sweet glaze. For extra warmth, use cinnamon and nutmeg. If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper. Don't forget salt to balance the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a nice touch as a garnish. This recipe is quick and fun. You can find the full recipe in the main article. First, you need to clean the carrots. If you use regular carrots, peel them. Then, cut them into sticks. If you choose baby carrots, just rinse them well. Next, you will cook the carrots for tenderness. Fill a large saucepan with about 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes. You want them to be just tender, not mushy. Drain the carrots and set them aside for later. Now let's make the glaze. In the same saucepan, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch it melt slowly. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg. For a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don't forget a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture constantly for about 2 minutes. You will see it start bubbling, which means it is ready. It is time to glaze the carrots. Put the cooked carrots back into the saucepan. Toss them in the brown sugar mixture. Make sure all the carrots are well-coated. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. This will help the glaze thicken and stick to the carrots. You want them to be shiny and caramelized. Once they reach that point, they are ready to serve. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get a great glaze, you need to stir constantly. This helps the sugar melt evenly and coat the carrots. If you stop stirring, the sugar might burn. Cook the carrots just until tender, about five minutes. This keeps them firm and helps the glaze stick well. You can boost the flavor with spices. Try adding ginger or clove for a warm taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For a kick, increase the cayenne pepper. Adjust these to fit your taste. Serving matters for any dish. Place the glazed carrots on a nice platter. This makes them pop on the table. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste, making your dish look inviting. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily modify this recipe for dietary needs. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. It gives a nice flavor while keeping it plant-based. For sugar substitutes, try using maple syrup or agave syrup. Both add sweetness without using brown sugar. The flavor of glazed carrots can change with different herbs. Adding thyme or rosemary gives a fresh taste. For a sweet twist, mix in dried cranberries or raisins. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. You can also add a splash of orange juice for a zesty kick. Instead of boiling, you can roast the carrots in the oven. Toss them with the glaze and roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This method gives the carrots a nice caramelized edge. If you prefer a quicker method, use an Instant Pot. Cook the carrots for 2 minutes on high pressure, then toss them in the glaze. You will have tender carrots fast! Feel free to explore the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To keep your brown sugar glazed carrots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the glazed carrots in the fridge within two hours after cooking. They can last up to four days. If you have leftovers, make sure they cool down first. This helps avoid excess moisture in the container, which can lead to sogginess. When you want to reheat your glazed carrots, use a skillet. Place them in the pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to keep them moist. Stir occasionally for about five minutes. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor. You can also use the microwave. Put the carrots in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm. If you want to freeze glazed carrots, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave for best results. This way, you can enjoy your sweet treat anytime! For the full recipe, check the instructions above. You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. Both work well. They add a nice flavor too. You can also try using applesauce for a lower-fat option. This gives sweetness without extra fat. Each alternative will change the taste slightly, so pick what you like best. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Frozen carrots are convenient and save time. They are already cut and ready to cook. However, fresh carrots taste better. They have a crunch that frozen ones might lack. If you use frozen, cook them a bit longer to ensure they get tender. Brown sugar glazed carrots go well with many dishes. They complement roasted chicken or turkey nicely. You can also serve them with pork chops or ham. For a vegetarian option, they pair well with quinoa or rice dishes. Adding these sides makes a balanced meal. This blog post showed you how to make delicious brown sugar glazed carrots. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, storage, and FAQs. These carrots add flavor and sweetness to any meal. You can adjust the recipe to fit your needs, like using different spices or cooking methods. As you try this recipe, keep in mind the tips for the perfect glaze. Enjoy the tasty results and impress your friends and family with beautifully glazed carrots. Cooking is fun and rewarding, so get started today!

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Elevate your dinner game with these Sweet & Spicy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! This delicious recipe combines tender carrots with a rich glaze of brown sugar, butter, and a hint of spice that will delight your taste buds. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, these carrots are quick and easy to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, cut into sticks)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks resembling baby carrots. Rinse and pat dry.

    Cook the Carrots: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for about 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Glaze: In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to bubble.

        Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots back into the saucepan. Toss the carrots in the brown sugar mixture until they are well-coated. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is thick and sticky.

          Serve: Once the carrots are fully glazed and caramelized, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4