A Sweet & Savory Side That Steals the Spotlight

Carrots may be humble, but when glazed with brown sugar and butter, they turn into something truly special.

Tender, sweet, and gently spiced, these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots make a standout side dish that works as beautifully for weeknight dinners as it does on a holiday table.

The best part? They come together with just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and all the nostalgic, buttery comfort of a classic side dish.

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🥕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick – Just a few everyday ingredients and 20 minutes!
• Versatile – Great with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or vegetarian mains.
• Kid-Friendly – The sweet glaze makes these carrots irresistibly snackable.
• Holiday-Ready – Elegant enough for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this sweet-and-savory crowd-pleaser:

• 1 lb carrots – Peeled and cut, or use the whole carrot as it is.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze cling to the carrots.
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar – The star ingredient, creating a glossy, sweet coating.
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional) – Adds warmth and depth (perfect for fall/winter).
• ¼ tsp salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• ¼ tsp black pepper – A gentle contrast to the sugar.
• 1 tbsp water – Helps the glaze come together without burning.

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🔪 How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

1. Prep Your Carrots

Peel the carrots and slice them into even-sized coins. Uniformity is key here—this ensures they cook evenly. If you’re using baby carrots, give them a quick trim and skip slicing.

2. Cook Until Tender

Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover and let steam over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, or until just fork-tender.

💡 Pro Tip: If you like a bit of bite left in your carrots, cook them for the shorter end of the range. For melt-in-your-mouth softness, go a little longer.

3. Add the Glaze

Uncover the skillet, add the butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Stir everything together until the butter melts and coats the carrots in a rich glaze.

4. Simmer & Thicken

Let the carrots simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.

5. Serve Warm

Transfer to a serving dish, spoon the extra glaze over the top, and enjoy while hot!

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✨ Variations & Tips

• Add orange zest for a citrusy twist that cuts the sweetness beautifully.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a different depth of flavor.
• Roast instead by tossing the carrots with melted butter and sugar, then baking at 400°F until caramelized.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots are a natural sidekick to so many dishes! Try them with:

• Roasted turkey or baked ham (perfect for the holidays)
• Grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts
• Balsamic-glazed salmon
• Creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing
• As part of a vegetarian bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables

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🧡 Make-Ahead & Storage

To Make Ahead:
You can cook the carrots and prepare the glaze up to a day ahead. Store separately and reheat in a skillet before serving, combining them and letting the glaze thicken again.

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the glaze is too thick.

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📌 Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are more than just a side dish—they’re a sweet, buttery celebration of simplicity. Whether you’re looking to elevate a Tuesday night dinner or round out your Thanksgiving spread, this easy carrot recipe brings just the right balance of comfort and elegance to your table.

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