If you’re looking for an irresistibly easy side dish that turns carrots into something truly special, these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots deliver on all fronts—vibrant, glossy, perfectly tender, and gently coated in a buttery-sweet glaze with just a hint of warmth. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or quick weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms everyday carrots into a dish everyone will want seconds of. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and fresh parsley takes humble carrots to new heights, and you’ll come back to these again and again for their flavor, dramatic presentation, and pure veggie goodness.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient in this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe plays an important role—delivering the right amount of sweetness, a buttery texture, and gorgeous color. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple touches elevate this dish.

Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and cut into sturdy sticks so they cook evenly and soak up loads of glaze.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the brown sugar melt into a luscious, shiny coating.
Brown Sugar: The key to the glaze, lending sweetness and beautiful caramel notes that make the carrots shine.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps bring out the natural flavors of the carrots.
Black Pepper: Adds just the tiniest hint of warmth to temper the glaze and keep things interesting.
Ground Cinnamon (optional): Gives a cozy, spiced backnote—totally optional, but wonderful for fall or holiday meals.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top right before serving for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Cook the Carrots

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the sliced carrot sticks and let them simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, just until they’re fork-tender but not mushy. This gentle pre-cook ensures your carrots will be velvety and cooked-through later, while still holding their shape beautifully. Drain them well—excess water can dull the glaze later on!

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir constantly as the sugar melts and combines with the butter to form a golden, syrupy glaze—this only takes a minute or two, but wow, does your kitchen start to smell incredible.

Step 3: Glaze the Carrots

Add your drained carrots directly into the skillet with the glaze. Toss to coat each stick thoroughly, then let them cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often so the glaze doesn’t stick to the pan and everything gets a glossy, caramelized shine. You want the carrots bathed in that sweet, buttery goodness!

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Once the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots look shiny and beautifully caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish. Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green and fresh flavor. Serve right away while they’re hot and extra appetizing!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, which delivers color and a grassy counterpoint to the sweet glaze. For something extra fancy, try a dusting of toasted pecans or even a light grating of lemon zest for brightness—these simple additions take your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots from everyday to celebration-ready in seconds.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with just about any main course. Serve them alongside roasted meats like chicken, ham, or turkey for a balanced plate, or add them to a vegetarian spread with creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots bring cheerful color and sweetness to every table, no matter the occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful buffet presentation, arrange the glazed carrots on a large platter and drizzle the remaining glaze on top. Stack the sticks crisscrossed or in neat rows for visual appeal. Or, for individual servings, spoon them into small ramekins and top each with a sprig of parsley—simple steps that really make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, cool them to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead option for meal prep or leftovers.

Freezing

You can freeze glazed carrots, though the texture may soften a bit after thawing. Place cooled carrots in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the carrots in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring gently until hot and the glaze becomes shiny again. You can also microwave them (covered) in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval for even heating. A splash of water or a tiny pat of butter can help revive the glaze if needed.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots for Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work well for this recipe. You may need to adjust the boiling time slightly since they’re often smaller and more uniform. Just check for tenderness with a fork, and proceed with the glaze as directed.

Is it possible to make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the unsalted butter for your favorite plant-based butter or even coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that rich glaze and fantastic flavor.

Can I prepare Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in advance?

These carrots can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop so the glaze returns to its shiny, luscious state before serving. This makes them a lifesaver for holiday meals or dinner parties.

What type Side Dish

Either light or dark brown sugar works beautifully. Dark brown sugar imparts a deeper molasses flavor and even richer color, while light brown sugar delivers a more subtle sweetness. Choose your favorite or use whatever you have on hand!

How do I prevent glazed carrots from getting mushy?

The key is not to overcook the carrots during the boiling step and to avoid over-stirring once they’re simmering in the glaze. Drain carrots well before adding to the skillet; this helps them maintain their texture and lets the glaze stick perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about watching a simple vegetable transform into the highlight of the table, and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are proof that a little time and a handful of good ingredients can equal outright deliciousness. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to add a sweet and memorable touch to your next meal!

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender carrots are coated in a decadent brown sugar glaze, creating a dish that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your dinner table with this easy and flavorful recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots:

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks

Glaze:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Carrots: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until just tender, then drain well.
Make Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using, until the sugar dissolves and forms a glaze.
Glaze Carrots: Add the carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are glossy and caramelized.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup along with the brown sugar.
Baby carrots may also be used, though cooking time may vary slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American