Hey y’all! If you’re looking for an easy side dish that brings vibrant color and irresistible sweet flavor to your table, glazed carrots are your new go-to! These shiny, tender carrots coated in a sweet buttery glaze complement almost any meal, from Sunday roasts to weekday dinners—or even special holiday feasts. Ready to add a bit of wholesome goodness to your plate? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Super simple ingredients—most are pantry staples!
- Ready in just 25 minutes, prep to table.
- Kid-approved thanks to the sweet, buttery glaze.
- Pairs perfectly with both casual and fancy meals.
- Stays delicious even when made ahead and reheated.
Ingredients for Glazed Carrots
- 1 pound (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or thyme
How to Make Glazed Carrots: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Peel your carrots and slice them into uniform 1/2-inch rounds for even cooking. You can also use baby carrots if you prefer.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the carrots, water, butter, and brown sugar. Add salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Simmer and Glaze
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Reduce to a Glossy Glaze
Uncover and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the liquid evaporates and turns into a shiny glaze that coats the carrots beautifully. Stir in honey or maple syrup at the very end for extra richness, if desired.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer glazed carrots to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes for the Best Glazed Carrots
- Cut carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and glazing.
- Use real butter for the richest flavor. Learn more about butter options from Serious Eats.
- Don’t rush reducing the glaze—it transforms the flavor and texture!
Glazed Carrots Variations
- Spiced Glazed Carrots: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ginger during simmering.
- Orange-Glazed Carrots: Replace water with fresh orange juice for citrusy brightness.
- Herb Glazed Carrots: Mix in 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill or tarragon before serving.
Required Equipment for Glazed Carrots
- Large skillet with lid
- Sharp vegetable peeler
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
How to Store Glazed Carrots
Let the glazed carrots cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or microwave briefly until warmed through.
What to Serve with Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are super versatile—pair them with roast chicken, glazed ham, or your favorite vegetarian mains. They’re also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. For more meal ideas, check out this guide to holiday side dishes from Bon Appétit.
Pro Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots
- For extra sheen, finish with a tiny knob of butter off the heat before serving.
- If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a splash more water or broth when reducing.
- Choose young, tender carrots for the sweetest flavor—read more about carrot nutrition at Healthline.
Glazed Carrots Recipe FAQ
- Can I make glazed carrots ahead of time?
- Yes! Glazed carrots reheat beautifully and can be made a day ahead. Just warm gently before serving.
- Can I use frozen carrots?
- Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before cooking, and reduce the simmering time by a few minutes.
- How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
- Keep the heat to medium-low when reducing the glaze, and stir often to prevent sticking or scorching.
Glazed Carrots Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a large skillet, combine carrots and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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2Cover and cook the carrots for about 8-10 minutes, until they are just tender, stirring occasionally.
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3Uncover and add butter, brown sugar, honey, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
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4Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for another 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots.
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5Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
110 caloriescal
Protein:
1gg
Fat:
5gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
16gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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