Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Printable)
Tender carrots in a buttery brown sugar glaze create a simple sweet and savory side perfect for any meal.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices or baby carrots
→ Glaze
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
07 - 2 tbsp water
→ Garnish
08 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place the sliced carrots in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until carrots are just tender. Drain well.
02 - In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon (if using), and 2 tablespoons water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbling.
03 - Add the drained carrots back to the pan. Toss to coat evenly in the glaze. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until carrots are glossy and heated through.
04 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- These come together in under 30 minutes but taste like they took much longer
- The glaze transforms ordinary carrots into something people actually get excited about eating
02 -
- Do not skip draining the carrots well after parboiling or the glaze will never thicken properly
- Keep the heat at medium once the glaze starts bubbling because sugar burns quickly and turns bitter
03 -
- Buy pre-peeled baby carrots if you are short on time, but whole carrots sliced fresh have better flavor
- Test your glaze consistency by dipping a spoon, it should coat the back without running off immediately