The kitchen fills with warmth as butter melts into brown sugar, coating tender orange carrots in a golden sheen. There’s something comforting about glazed carrots during Christmas dinner — their sweetness cuts through the savory richness of the table, adding a touch of cheer and color to every plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots Recipe
You’ll love this glazed carrots recipe because it’s quick, simple, and beautiful on any table. With just four ingredients, you’ll turn humble carrots into a buttery, sweet side dish that feels special enough for holidays and easy enough for any weeknight.
These carrots taste rich and slightly caramelized, pairing perfectly with roasted chicken or glazed ham. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye and skin health. So you get a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ lbs carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch slices
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Ingredient Notes
You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a deeper flavor. Vegan butter also works well if you prefer a plant-based option.
Always cut carrots into even pieces so they cook evenly and glaze beautifully.
How to Make Glazed Carrots (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Place carrots in a large pan with 1 ½ cups of water. Bring to a simmer.
Step 2: Cook for 8–10 minutes until tender, then drain any extra water.
Step 3: Add butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the carrots are coated and a glossy glaze begins to form, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle with parsley if you like, then serve warm.
Pro Tip
Cook over medium heat so the sugar doesn’t burn. The glaze should thicken, not caramelize too much. If it gets too sticky, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
Flavor Variations
You can adjust this recipe easily:
- Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Spices: Try a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or fresh ginger for warmth.
- Add-ins: A squeeze of lemon juice or a hint of vanilla adds brightness.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Veggie mix-ins: Add parsnips, thin sweet potato slices, or yellow beets for a colorful medley.
Expert Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots
Cut carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate. You can peel and slice them 2–3 days ahead to save time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat for 5–7 minutes.
You can also adjust the sweetness to your taste — a little extra butter gives them a silkier finish, while less sugar keeps them light and fresh.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to glaze carrots?
Cook carrots until just tender, then stir them in butter and sugar until a glossy coating forms. The key is gentle heat and constant stirring.
What kind of glaze is best for carrots?
Brown sugar and butter make a classic glaze, but honey or maple syrup can add different notes of sweetness. A hint of citrus or spice also works beautifully.
How to make glazed carrots in South Africa?
Use the same base recipe but consider adding local touches — honeybush-infused syrup or golden syrup can replace brown sugar for a uniquely South African twist.
Is it necessary to boil carrots before roasting?
If roasting, you don’t have to boil them first, but pre-boiling makes them tender faster and helps the glaze cling better.
Glazed Carrots Recipe Card
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Glazed Carrots Recipe | Simple & Delicious Holiday Side
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Glazed Carrots with butter and brown sugar make a glossy, sweet side perfect for Christmas dinner or easy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Place carrots in a large pan with 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
3. Drain off all excess water.
4. Add butter, brown sugar, and salt, then stir to coat.
5. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a glossy glaze forms.
6. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking.
Cook over medium heat so sugar does not burn. Add a splash of water if glaze gets too sticky.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
Peel and cut carrots up to 3 days in advance.
Sweetener swaps: honey or maple syrup work well.
Add-ins: cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh ginger, lemon juice, or vanilla.
Toppings: chopped pecans or toasted almonds.
Veggie mix-ins: parsnips, thin sweet potatoes, or yellow beets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 245 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
More Such Recipes
If you loved these glazed carrots, you’ll also enjoy my
flavorful roasted carrots and green beans,
cheesy root vegetable gratin recipe,
sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, and
oven baked sweet potato fries.
Final Thoughts
These glazed carrots shine at every Christmas dinner table, their golden sweetness balancing savory roasts and creamy sides.
They’re easy, forgiving, and always crowd-pleasing. Try adding your own touch — a pinch of spice, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of nuts — and make it yours.
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