Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Easy Step-by-Step Recipe)
When I need a side dish that feels a little special but still comes together fast, I always reach for these brown sugar glazed carrots. They’re sweet, buttery, and glossy in the best way, and they turn simple carrots into something everyone at the table gets excited about. Whether I’m cooking a cozy weeknight dinner or putting together a holiday spread, this recipe never lets me down.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. You only need a handful of simple ingredients, one pan, and about 20 minutes to make carrots that taste rich and comforting without being heavy. The brown sugar melts into the butter to create a light glaze that coats every carrot perfectly, bringing out their natural sweetness.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make glazed carrots that are tender, flavorful, and not overly sweet, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything step by step, so you can feel confident from start to finish. These brown sugar glazed carrots are proof that even the simplest vegetables can shine with just a little love and the right technique.
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
This is one of those recipes that just works, no matter the occasion. I make these brown sugar glazed carrots when I want something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
- They turn simple carrots into a rich, buttery side dish with almost no effort.
- The brown sugar melts perfectly into the butter, creating a light glaze that coats every bite.
- They cook in one pan, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup (always a win).
- The flavor stays balanced—sweet but not too sweet—so they pair beautifully with almost any main dish.
- They work just as well for busy weeknights as they do for holiday dinners and special occasions.
If you’re looking for a side dish that feels cozy, reliable, and a little bit special without being complicated, these carrots are it. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love this recipe because it keeps things simple. You don’t need anything fancy, and chances are you already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- Carrots – I usually use fresh whole carrots and slice them, but baby carrots work too if you’re short on time.
- Brown sugar – This adds that warm, sweet glaze. Light or dark brown sugar both work, depending on how deep you want the flavor.
- Butter – Butter makes the glaze rich and silky. It also helps the brown sugar melt smoothly.
- Salt – Just a small pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavor of the carrots.
- Water – This helps soften the carrots while they cook before the glaze forms.
Optional add-ins:
A pinch of cinnamon for warmth, a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for color.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots (Step by Step)
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. I’ll walk you through it so your carrots turn out tender, glossy, and perfectly glazed every time.
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Slice them into even pieces so they cook at the same speed. I like slicing them into coins or diagonal pieces because they look pretty and cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots Until Tender
Place the carrots in a large skillet and add a small amount of water. Bring it to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let the carrots cook until they’re fork-tender. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain off any excess water.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
Add the butter and brown sugar directly to the pan with the carrots. Keep the heat at medium and stir gently as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. You’ll see the glaze start to form almost right away.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
Continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring often, until the carrots are coated in a shiny, caramel-like glaze. Add a pinch of salt, taste, and adjust if needed. Once the glaze thickens slightly, remove the pan from the heat and serve right away.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Every Time
A few small details make all the difference when it comes to glazed carrots. These tips help you get that perfect balance of tender carrots and a smooth, shiny glaze.
- Cut the carrots evenly. Even pieces cook at the same speed, so you don’t end up with some carrots too soft and others still crunchy.
- Don’t overcook the carrots. Cook them just until fork-tender. If they get too soft, they won’t hold the glaze as nicely.
- Keep the heat at medium. Brown sugar can burn quickly, so gentle heat helps the glaze melt smoothly without turning bitter.
- Stir often once the sugar goes in. This keeps the glaze silky and coats every carrot evenly.
- Taste before serving. Add a tiny pinch of salt if needed to balance the sweetness.
With these simple tips, your brown sugar glazed carrots turn out glossy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every single time.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
One of my favorite things about these brown sugar glazed carrots is how easy they are to customize. You can change the flavor just a little and make them feel brand new every time.
Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Swap part of the brown sugar for honey. The glaze turns slightly lighter and adds a soft floral sweetness that tastes amazing with chicken or pork.
Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Use pure maple syrup instead of some of the brown sugar for a deeper, cozy flavor. This version works beautifully for fall dinners and holiday meals.
Spiced Glazed Carrots
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while the glaze cooks. The warm spices pair perfectly with the natural sweetness of the carrots and make the dish feel extra comforting.
Savory-Sweet Glazed Carrots
Balance the sweetness with a tiny pinch of black pepper or a splash of lemon juice at the end. This keeps the glaze from tasting too rich and adds a fresh finish.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These brown sugar glazed carrots pair easily with so many main dishes, which makes them one of my favorite go-to sides. Their sweet, buttery flavor balances savory meals beautifully.
- Roasted or grilled chicken – The sweetness of the carrots complements juicy chicken perfectly.
- Beef or lamb dishes – These carrots add a soft, sweet contrast to richer meats.
- Holiday mains – Serve them alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken for Thanksgiving or festive dinners.
- Vegetarian meals – Pair them with rice, lentils, or roasted vegetables for a simple, comforting plate.
No matter what you serve them with, these carrots bring color, flavor, and a cozy touch to the table.
More Recipes To Try
FAQs
Can I make brown sugar glazed carrots ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Cook the carrots and glaze them as directed, then let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water or butter to loosen the glaze.
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely. Baby carrots work well and save prep time. They may need a few extra minutes to cook, but they glaze beautifully and taste just as good.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Swap the butter for a plant-based butter or a little olive oil. The glaze still turns out smooth and flavorful.
Recipe
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These brown sugar glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Tender carrots simmer in a light brown sugar glaze for a simple side dish that works for weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional:
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the sliced carrots and water to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the carrots turn fork-tender.
- Drain any remaining water from the pan.
- Add the butter and brown sugar to the skillet with the carrots.
- Stir gently over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar forms a smooth glaze.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the carrots look glossy and well coated.
- Season with salt, taste, and adjust if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 7gCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
These brown sugar glazed carrots prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you get a sweet, buttery side dish that feels comforting and homemade every time. I love how this recipe fits into busy weeknights just as easily as it shines on a holiday table.
Once you make these carrots, you’ll see how quickly they become a favorite. They’re reliable, customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the flavor variations, this dish brings warmth and color to any meal.
If you try this recipe, save it for later, share it with someone who loves easy sides, and let it become one of those trusted recipes you come back to again and again. These brown sugar glazed carrots deserve a spot on your table.
