Sweet Brown Sugar Carrots

Category: Food That Actually Makes Sense Right Now

Transform simple carrots into a crowd-pleaser with a sweet, buttery brown sugar coating. Ideal for busy dinners or special festive meals.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 12:24:16 GMT
Bright sautéed carrot slices glistening and topped with fresh greens. Save
Bright sautéed carrot slices glistening and topped with fresh greens. | lilicooks.com

These Candied Carrots work like magic in my home. They change from basic veggies into shiny, sweet treats that make everyone at the table smile. I can't get enough of seeing guests' eyes widen when they taste that buttery, sugary coating.

A Showstopping Addition

My dinner guests always rave about these carrots. The sugar creates this fantastic coating that enhances their natural sweetness. Even the kids who typically avoid veggies want more. You'll see carrots in a whole new light after trying these.

Your Ingredients

  • Cut carrots: Full-sized carrots sliced evenly are my top pick. The mini ones can work too, but regular carrots have better flavor.
  • Brown sugar: This creates all the delicious magic. I sometimes swap in honey for variety.
  • Butter: Use plenty for that rich, wonderful taste.

Cooking Steps

Start With Boiling:
Add your carrots to a large pot with water about an inch deep, get it boiling, then let them cook covered around 8-10 minutes.
Get Rid Of Water:
Dump them in a strainer while we whip up that tasty glaze.
Create The Glaze:
Using the same pot, combine your butter, brown sugar, salt and pepper until everything gets nicely melted together.
Bring It All Together:
Put those carrots back in and mix for about 5 minutes until they're gleaming and delicious. I usually add some parsley on top for a nice touch.

Try These Twists

  • Add some kick: A dash of cinnamon or cayenne can really jazz things up.
  • Cooking alternatives: You can prep the carrots in a pressure cooker before glazing, or use a slow cooker when you're short on time.

Storing Leftovers

They'll stay good in your fridge about three days if you keep them in a sealed container. Just warm them up gently on the stove or in your microwave when you want them. Don't try freezing them though, they won't taste right afterward.

A close-up view of glazed sliced carrots garnished with chopped parsley in a textured bowl. Save
A close-up view of glazed sliced carrots garnished with chopped parsley in a textured bowl. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Companions

These glazed sweet carrots go wonderfully with almost any main course. They're fantastic next to pot roast or pork loin, especially when it's cold outside. They bring a nice sweet balance to hearty food.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I tell if the carrots are done?

When you can easily poke them with a fork and they still hold together, they're ready! Avoid overcooking so they don't get mushy.

→ Is it okay to swap in baby carrots?

Totally fine! Just remember, they might need a touch more cooking time since they're thicker than slices.

→ What if my carrots turn out too firm?

They just need a little more time to cook. Let them simmer until they're fork-tender but not falling apart.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yep! Cook them earlier and reheat gently when needed. If the glaze hardens, give it a quick stir to smooth it out.

→ How thick should the carrot slices be?

Go for slices around 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices need longer to cook, and thin ones could turn too soft.

Sweet Glazed Carrots

Take carrots up a notch with a rich, buttery glaze made of brown sugar. These soft, flavorful slices pair perfectly with your favorite meals.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Seasonal Cooking

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves (4 cups)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 A couple of pounds of carrots cut into slices.
02 Butter, 1/4 cup.
03 Packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup.
04 Just 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 White pepper, a pinch (1/8 teaspoon).
06 Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Steps

Step 01

Put the sliced carrots into a big pot, then fill with water so it covers the carrots by about an inch.

Step 02

Bring the water to a boil, adjust to a lower heat, cover it up, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes till the carrots still have a slight crunch.

Step 03

Pour out the water from the pot and move the carrots aside for now.

Step 04

In the same pot, toss in butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat it gently while stirring until the butter's all melted.

Step 05

Put the carrots back into the pan, and keep stirring and cooking for about 5 minutes so the glaze evenly covers the carrots.

Step 06

If you'd like, sprinkle some parsley on top right before digging in.

Tips

  1. A great pick for holiday meals or Sunday family dinners. The butter-sugar glaze makes these carrots a treat!

Required Tools

  • A big pot or saucepan.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 125
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 1 g