Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (2024)

by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · 11 Comments

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These brown sugar-glazed carrots are an easy, quick, and family-approved vegetable side dish that's ready to serve in just 15 minutes! The carrots are caramelized in a brown sugar and butter glaze with the added hint of garlic from the whole cloves for a tasty, sweet, and savory flavor! They're perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you have carrots to use up in your refrigerator!

Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

Whether these brown sugar-glazed carrots are part of a weeknight meal or a holiday dinner, they are always a hit, and there are never any leftovers! The brown sugar and butter glaze are just what carrots need to become extra delicious.

These carrots turn out melt-in-your-mouth tender, which is why they will instantly become a new family favorite! Plus, they're on the table in just 15 minutes.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (1)
Jump to:
  • Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
  • 🥘 Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
  • 🍽️ What To Serve With Carrots
  • ❓ FAQ
  • 🥦🥔🌽 More Tasty Vegetable Side Dishes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Reviews

🥘 Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Ingredients

With relatively few ingredients, the buttery brown sugar flavor really stands out on these carrots! All you have to do is pick up some fresh carrots and garlic to get started.

  • Carrots - 2pounds ofcarrots that are washed and cut into even-sized pieces.
  • Olive Oil - 1tablespoon of extra virginolive oil
  • Garlic - 4clovesgarlic, peeled and whole.
  • Butter - 2tablespoons ofbutter(salted).
  • Brown Sugar - ¼cup ofbrown sugar.
  • Parsley (optional) - 1tablespoon of fresh, choppedparsley as a garnish if desired.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Of course, you can use any skillet you have on hand. However, I love the added flavor of the magical way that cast iron skillets brown the carrots. You will also need some measuring spoons, a cutting board, and a chef's knife to make these delicious carrots.

This recipe will make about 6 servings with two pounds of carrots. Feel free to scale up or down the ingredients as needed.

  1. Heat. Bring your cast iron skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon (15milliliters) of olive oil. Add the 4 cloves of garlic.
  2. Add. Once the oil is heated, add the 2 pounds (907grams) of cut carrots and turn to coat all sides.
  3. Cook. Cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring, allowing the sides of the carrots to brown.
  4. Add ingredients. Add 2tablespoons (30grams) of butter and ¼cup (55grams) of brown sugar. Stir to combine the brown sugar with the melted butter.
  5. Cook. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally while your glaze sauce forms.
  6. Serve. Remove from heat, transfer to your serving dish, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon (15grams) of parsley (optional garnish).

🍽️ What To Serve With Carrots

Although these brown sugar carrots can be enjoyed at any time, I especially love serving them as a veggie side dish during the holidays. Try them with my oven-roasted turkey, Parmesan roasted mashed potatoes, and butter herb Rhodes rolls. Enjoy!

💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes

  • If you choose to decrease or increase the serving size, the carrots should have approximately thesame cooking timeso long as they are not piled in many layers in your skillet.
  • Feel free to use any type of carrot for this recipe, although I enjoy the taste of whole carrots. Baby carrots or multi-colored carrots would be delicious as well.
  • If you'd prefer a sweet and spicy version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • To prevent the glaze from becoming too thick or burning, make sure to keep the heat at a medium to medium-low level.
  • Although it's completely optional, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of color and freshness. You can also consider adding toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Allow any leftover carrots to completely cool, then place them into an airtight container. Store in your refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Reheating Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Reheat your leftovers by placing them in a skillet with some butter on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can reheat the carrots in the microwave at 30-second intervals until heated through to your liking.

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

❓ FAQ

Do I Need To Peel The Carrots For Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?

No, there's no need to peel the carrots before you cook them for this recipe. The carrots will still be melt-in-your-mouth tender after the cooking process is complete. If you prefer to peel your carrots, that's totally fine too!

What Kind Of Carrots Are Best To Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?

You can use any kind of carrots that you prefer, whether that's whole carrots (like this version), baby carrots, or multi-colored carrots! Just make a note that the cooking time might be less with baby carrots.

Can I Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare brown sugar-glazed carrots ahead of time. Cook and glaze the carrots, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

🥦🥔🌽 More Tasty Vegetable Side Dishes

  • Roasted Mini Peppers - These roasted mini peppers are the perfect addition to any of your favorite proteins!
  • Grilled Bok Choy - This summer vegetable side dish is super easy to make and is complete with a tasty umami Asian dipping sauce!
  • Baked Avocado Fries - These crispy and tasty avocado fries are a great snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces!
  • Cabbage and Noodles - An easy and comforting dish featuring tender, buttered noodles, onion, bacon, and sauteed cabbage!
  • Steamed Corn On The Cob - Sweet and tender corn on the cob that's ready to serve in just 15 minutes!
  • Air Fryer Zucchini Fries - These tasty zucchini fries are the perfect way to incorporate more veggies that even kids will enjoy!

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📖 Recipe Card

Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

These brown sugar-glazed carrots are an easy, quick, and family-approved vegetable side dish that's ready to serve in just 15 minutes! The carrots are caramelized in a brown sugar and butter glaze with the added hint of garlic from the whole cloves for a tasty, sweet, and savory flavor! They're perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you have carrots to use up in your refrigerator!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 154kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs carrots (washed and cut into even size pieces)
  • 4 cloves garlic (peeled, whole)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoon butter (salted)
  • ¼ cups brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • Bring your cast iron skillet to medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil and whole or minced garlic. Once heated, add cut carrots and turn to coat all sides.

  • Allow carrots to cook for about 5 - 7 minutes without stirring, allowing sides to brown.

  • Add the butter and brown sugar, stir to combine the brown sugar throughout the melted butter.

  • Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally while your glaze sauce forms.

  • Remove from heat, transfer to your serving dish and sprinkle with parsley (optional garnish).

Notes

  • If you choose to decrease or increase the serving size, the carrots should have approximately thesame cooking timeso long as they are not piled in many layers in your skillet.
  • Feel free to use any type of carrot for this recipe, although I enjoy the taste of whole carrots. Baby carrots or multi-colored carrots would be delicious as well.
  • If you'd prefer a sweet and spicy version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • To prevent the glaze from becoming too thick or burning, make sure to keep the heat at a medium to medium-low level.
  • Although it's completely optional, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of color and freshness. You can also consider adding toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal (8%) | Carbohydrates: 24g (8%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 6g (9%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Cholesterol: 10mg (3%) | Sodium: 141mg (6%) | Potassium: 504mg (14%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 16g (18%) | Vitamin A: 25432IU (509%) | Vitamin C: 10mg (12%) | Calcium: 61mg (6%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

holiday side dishes, pan seared carrots, Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, vegetable side dish

Course Dinner Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Side Dish, vegetable side dish

Cuisine American

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (6)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Marilyn says

    How ti make if you don't have cast iron skillet

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      A regular skillet will work as well, the caramelization wont be as good but will still work!

      Reply

  2. Anonymous says

    Tried this but added 1/2 tsp horseradish! WOW!

    Reply

  3. Anonymous says

    Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (11)
    So easy. So good!!

    Reply

  4. Helen says

    Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (12)
    This looks delicious! I haven’t tried the recipe yet, but I plan on making it for serving a large crowd (75 people) at our church. Silly question, but do you peel the carrots or leave skin on? Thanks

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      It's not a silly question! And the answer is that the option of peeling is based entirely on preference. I prefer not to peel carrots (unless I am going for a very specific appearance). However, no one will notice either way whether these carrots are peeled or not. Enjoy!!

      Reply

  5. Melinda says

    Hi Angela,
    It says allow sides to brown, but says do not stir. Are you supposed to turn the carrots over to brown when just in with the olive oil and garlic, for a total of 7 mins. Then add the brown sugar and butter to cook for another 4 mins? Also, approximately how many carrots equal 2 LB?

    Thank you
    Melinda

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      Hello! Add the carrots to your heated pan (you can stir initially to coat with olive oil) and do not stir during the first 7 minutes of cooking time. Add the butter and brown sugar and stir to combine, then continue to stir occasionally while cooking for the additional 4 minutes.
      And 1 pound of carrots is roughly 5 medium carrots that are no more than an inch in width, and about 6 inches in length. It's also roughly 3 1/2 cups sliced carrots per pound. Thanks for asking!

      Reply

  6. Addie Perkins says

    Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (13)
    Very yummy! I did notice the garlic cloves are not included in the directions but they are in the ingredients. I added them a little late I think but it was still delicious. Thank you! 🥕💚

    Reply

    • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

      I'm so glad that you enjoyed the carrots! I updated the directions and thank you very much for pointing that omission out!

      Reply

    • Anonymous says

      The garlic is listed in step 1.

      Reply

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: Easy & Flavorful Veggie Side Dish Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What enhances carrot flavor? ›

Classic Spices and Herbs That Pair Well with Carrots
  • Garlic (minced, powder or granules)
  • Onion powder or granules.
  • Black malabar pepper.
  • Cinnamon (Cassia for sweeter, Ceylon for sweetness with some more complex savory and vanilla flavors)
  • Nutmeg powder.
  • Cayenne pepper powder.
  • Ginger powder.
  • Aleppo chili.
Mar 28, 2021

What not to mix carrots with? ›

Also, fruits have more sugar content, something that can hinder the digestive process of vegetables. For the same reason, one shouldn't mix orange with carrot as when taken together, they may cause heartburn and excess bile reflux.

How to make Gordon Ramsay carrots? ›

Cooking instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add the carrots and parsnips and toss to coat in the oil. Add the thyme, cinnamon, star anise and some seasoning. Cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the vegetables frequently, until golden brown and almost cooked through.

What makes carrots taste better? ›

Or, to bring out their fresh, woody flavor, add some anise. If you're roasting your carrots, toss them in olive oil first. This will help keep the moisture in them. To bring out the sweetness in your carrots, season them with orange or lemon juice or a little brown sugar and butter.

What brings out the sweetness in carrots? ›

In his newest cookbook, Milk Street: The New Home Cooking, the former America's Test Kitchen host explains that shredding root vegetables like carrots, turnips, or yams makes them taste both sweeter and fresher. The more cells you rupture, the better the taste.

Why do carrots make my stomach feel better? ›

The fiber in carrots (and any high-fiber vegetables, actually) acts like a natural vacuum cleaner in your gastrointestinal tract, picking up debris as it runs through your body. Carrots can also help keep gut cells healthy, supporting a decreased risk of illness and improving your health overall.

Why do I feel weird after eating carrots? ›

This is because carrots and birch pollen have similar proteins and can cause your immune system to react in the same way. Your body releases histamine and antibodies to fight off the proteins, causing allergy-related symptoms. You may also be allergic to other vegetables and herbs in the parsley-carrot family.

What 2 foods should not be eaten together? ›

8 Unhealthy Food Combos to Avoid
  • Banana and milk. Banana and milk - not a good combo. ...
  • Burger and fries. It's common for people to have fries alongside burger. ...
  • Beans and cheese. Cheese is a dairy product that's rich in protein. ...
  • Pizza and soda. ...
  • Food and water/juice. ...
  • Yoghurt and fruits. ...
  • Eggs and meat. ...
  • Potato and meat.

Are carrots good or bad for inflammation? ›

Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which support a healthy immune system and may decrease inflammation. Good choices include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, spinach, kale, broccoli, and carrots.

How do you add flavor to raw carrots? ›

Carrots pair well with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary & parsley. Bring out extra flavor in carrots by adding spices like ginger, paprika, cinnamon or curry powder. Make it a meal!

Is it better to steam or bake carrots? ›

No matter which way you cook them, carrots are a healthy choice. Steaming is a slightly better pick since the carrots don't lose as many of their nutrients to the water. (Steaming is also more environmentally friendly since it uses less water.)

Can you perk up carrots? ›

But if your carrot has gone limp, it can easily be revived by soaking it in water. Research by the University of Otago found that carrots will last 10 times longer if you store them in the fridge in an airtight container with a paper towel on the bottom.

Why are some carrots tasteless? ›

Carrots or many other biennial crops, such as cabbage, will produce seed stalks the first year if young plants are subjected to cold weather. Carrots which produce seed stalks often lack flavor, are woody and have poor texture.

What is the most nutritious way to cook carrots? ›

The healthiest way to cook carrots is by steaming or baking them. Steaming carrots helps retain most of their nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, while also preserving their natural flavor and color.

How do you balance carrot flavor? ›

Consider using thyme paired with olive oil to improve the flavor of your canned carrots. Thyme is a potent herb with a lemony, earthy flavor. It's often found paired with meats, stews, and Thanksgiving foods. Thyme helps to balance the sweet taste of carrots and can improve your side dish significantly.

How do you increase carrot absorption? ›

Thus, breaking down the carrot's structure by cooking or mechanical means -- chopping, grating, liquifying -- releases more beta carotene for absorption and digestion. "If you actually nibble on a raw carrot Bugs Bunny style, you absorb very little of the carotene -- about 5 percent," says Olson.

Why are my carrots bland? ›

Carrots maturing under warm temperatures or high moisture conditions lack good root color. These carrots also have poor flavor and texture. Plant carrots so they mature under relatively cool temperatures that average less than 80 degrees F. Avoid excessive soil moisture.

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