These glazed carrots are sweet, tender, and oh-so-easy to make! Just toss fresh carrots in a buttery glaze for a tasty side dish that brings color to your plate.
I love how quick they are to whip up, and my kids can’t resist the sweet flavor. They always ask for seconds, which makes me a happy cook! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are great for this recipe since they cook quickly and don’t need peeling. If you use regular carrots, cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. You can also try rainbow carrots for a vibrant dish!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for better control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for the same richness.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well here, adding a nice caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using honey or maple syrup, although they may alter the texture a bit.
Liquid: Water is usually fine, but if you want to elevate the flavor, orange juice works wonders. It adds a citrus note that complements the sweetness of the carrots beautifully.
How Do You Get That Perfect Glaze?
Creating a shiny, delicious glaze is all about cooking technique. Start by melting the butter with sugar until it bubbles. This mixture needs to coat the carrots evenly for the best flavor!
- Cook the carrots first with the butter and sugar mixture to infuse their flavor.
- When you add water or juice, ensure it covers the carrots; you want to steam them a bit as well.
- Covering the skillet helps to cook the carrots thoroughly. Remove the lid near the end to allow the glaze to thicken.
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and keep the coating even.
Don’t rush this step; let them cook until they’re tender but not mushy for the best results!
How to Make Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or peeled and cut regular carrots)
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total—5 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Start by rinsing and peeling your carrots if needed. For regular carrots, cut them into even sticks or diagonal slices about 2 inches long so they cook evenly. Baby carrots can go straight into the pan!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely but be careful not to let it brown. This will create the foundation for your sweet glaze!
3. Make the Glaze:
Add the brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble slightly. You want to ensure it’s mixed nicely for a delicious flavor on the carrots.
4. Coat the Carrots:
Now, add the carrots to the skillet and stir them around to coat them evenly in the buttery sugar mixture. This will give them a lovely sweet flavor!
5. Add Liquid and Season:
Pour in the water or orange juice, depending on your preference. Add the salt and give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. The liquid will help steam the carrots, making them tender.
6. Cook the Carrots:
Cover the skillet and let the carrots cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want them to be tender but still slightly firm when they’re done.
7. Thicken the Glaze:
Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the liquid to reduce and thicken into a nice, glossy glaze that coats the carrots.
8. Final Seasoning:
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste and toss in the fresh thyme leaves if you are using them. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and spoon any extra glaze over them. Enjoy your warm, sweet, and buttery glazed carrots as a delightful side!
This recipe results in tender, sweet carrots with a shiny buttery glaze accented by fresh herbs. It’s a perfect, simple side for holiday meals or any dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or using the microwave for a quick defrost. Slightly reduce the cooking time since frozen carrots are often pre-cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated white sugar and add a touch of molasses (about 1 teaspoon for each tablespoon of sugar) to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup works too, but keep in mind they might slightly alter the glaze’s texture.
Can I Make These Carrots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the carrots and glaze them, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the glaze if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to retain that delicious glaze.