These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect side dish when you want something simple yet irresistibly delicious. Tender roasted carrots are coated in a glossy brown sugar and butter glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet-savory flavor that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, this recipe turns humble carrots into a standout dish that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and garlic.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Sweet caramelization meets a touch of savory depth.
- Versatile Side Dish: Complements roast meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A colorful, glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
This version stands out for its oven-roasted glaze, which intensifies the natural sweetness of carrots while keeping them tender inside and slightly crisp on the edges — the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients Needed
For the Carrots:
- 1 kg (2 lb) carrots, peeled and trimmed (cut thicker ones in half for even roasting)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g), melted – adds richness and shine
- 1 tbsp olive oil – helps with even roasting and crisp edges
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup (40g) brown sugar, lightly packed – gives a deep caramel note
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – adds a subtle savory layer
- ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper – enhances flavor contrast
To Finish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F (standard) or 200°C / 400°F (fan-forced).
A hot oven ensures the carrots caramelize quickly without becoming mushy.
Step 2 – Prepare the Carrots
Slice the carrots diagonally into 4 cm (1.5-inch) pieces. Halve any thick ends so all pieces are roughly the same size — this guarantees even cooking.
Step 3 – Coat in Glaze
In a large bowl, toss the carrots with melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Make sure every piece is well-coated — this helps the glaze cling and caramelize beautifully.
Step 4 – Roast to Perfection
Spread the carrots out on a large baking tray in a single layer (avoid crowding).
Roast for 15 minutes, then give them a good toss to redistribute the glaze.
Continue roasting for another 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the edges are slightly caramelized.
Step 5 – Glaze and Serve
Once done, toss the roasted carrots again in the sticky glaze left on the tray to coat them evenly.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Pro Tip: If you want extra shine, drizzle a tiny bit more melted butter just before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
Serve these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a festive main dish like ham or turkey. They also add a sweet contrast to hearty savory plates like mashed potatoes or stuffing.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prep and toss the carrots in the glaze a few hours in advance — just roast when ready to serve.
Helpful Notes
- Use uniform pieces: Evenly cut carrots roast better and prevent burnt edges.
- Try honey or maple syrup: For a twist, substitute part of the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic variation during the holidays.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overlapping carrots steam instead of caramelizing.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1 – Preheat the Oven — Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F (or 200°C / 400°F fan-forced). A hot oven ensures quick caramelization and tender texture.
- Step 2 – Prepare the Carrots — Slice carrots diagonally into 4 cm (1.5-inch) pieces. Halve any thick ends to ensure even roasting.
- Step 3 – Coat in Glaze — In a large bowl, toss carrots with melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 4 – Roast to Perfection — Spread carrots in a single layer on a baking tray. Roast for 15 minutes, toss, then roast another 10 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Step 5 – Glaze and Serve — Toss carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm. For extra shine, drizzle with a bit more melted butter.
Notes
Conclusion
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are proof that a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly caramelized, they’re a side dish that brings warmth and color to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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👉 What’s your favorite way to glaze carrots — with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots on the stovetop?
Yes! You can sauté the carrots in a skillet over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often until tender and glazed. Just watch closely so the sugar doesn’t burn.
Can I use baby carrots instead of regular ones?
Absolutely. Baby carrots work great — no peeling required. Adjust roasting time to around 20 minutes total since they’re smaller.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and flavorful.
Are these carrots freezer-friendly?
Not ideal — the glaze tends to separate after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This glaze works beautifully with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust roasting time as needed.