Glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that can brighten up any meal. Their vivid orange color and sweet flavor pair beautifully with a variety of main courses, making them a favorite at family gatherings and holiday dinners. The combination of buttery, caramelized sugar and tender carrots creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
Why Make This Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots make a perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal. The sweet and buttery flavor of the glaze complements the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a joyfully flavorful dish. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, they bring a pop of color to your table, making your meal look as good as it tastes!
How to Make Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Step 1: Melting the Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. This will create a rich, buttery base for the carrots.
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Step 2: Sautéing the Carrots
Add the sliced carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. The aroma of the cooking butter and fresh carrots will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
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Step 3: Mixing in the Glaze
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots and stir to combine. The brown sugar will start to dissolve, creating a lovely caramel-like glaze that will enhance the sweetness of the carrots.
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Step 4: Simmering the Carrots
Add the water, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and glazed. The mixture should thicken slightly, coating the carrots beautifully.
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Step 5: Garnishing
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This step adds a lovely touch of color and freshness to the dish.
How to Serve Glazed Carrots
Serve your glazed carrots warm as a side dish to complement roasted meats like chicken or beef. They also pair wonderfully with fish and can be a star in vegetarian meals. Whether on a regular dinner table or as part of a special occasion feast, these carrots will always impress.
How to Store Glazed Carrots
Leftover glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore some moisture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots
- Slice Evenly: Cut your carrots into uniform slices for even cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your personal taste preference.
- Add Variety: Consider adding a splash of orange juice or a hint of ginger for a citrus twist.
- Make it Ahead: These carrots can be prepped a day in advance and simply reheated before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Honey Roasted Carrots: Drizzle honey over the top just as the carrots finish cooking for an added layer of sweetness.
- Herbed Carrots: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process for an aromatic lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots?
Yes! Baby carrots are a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may cook faster. -
Can I make glazed carrots in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. -
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, but consider adding a little maple syrup or a splash of molasses to mimic that caramel flavor. -
Are glazed carrots healthy?
They are a healthy choice as they are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin A, and fiber. The sweetness comes from natural sugars found in carrots and a little added brown sugar. -
Can I freeze glazed carrots?
While it’s possible to freeze them, the texture may change. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but if you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Glazed carrots are a quick, simple, and delicious way to add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your meals. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just cooking for yourself, these glazed carrots are sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the wonderful flavors of this comforting dish. Enjoy!
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Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful side dish featuring buttery, caramelized sugar and tender carrots, making them a favorite at any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots and stir to combine.
- Add the water, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Consider adjusting the sweetness or adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
