These glazed carrots are sweet, tender, and oh-so-simple to make! Just a bit of butter, brown sugar, and a dash of spice make them shine on your plate.
Honestly, they brighten up any meal. Plus, you can hide a few extra veggies in there and feel super healthy. Win-win! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for glazing due to their sweetness and tenderness. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can use regular carrots, just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: This adds a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter would work well.
Brown Sugar: It gives that lovely caramelized sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, try using maple syrup or honey in a slightly smaller amount.
Thyme and Sage: Fresh herbs elevate the dish. If you don’t have these, dried Italian herbs can be a good substitute. I sometimes skip herbs to let the sugar and butter shine.
Water or Vegetable Broth: This adds moisture. Vegetable broth will enhance flavor, but plain water works just fine if you’re low on supplies.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Glazed Carrots?
The key to great glazed carrots is finding that balance between cooking them properly and creating a delicious glaze. Here’s how:
- Start with a medium skillet; it allows the carrots to cook evenly.
- Melt the butter on medium heat first, then add the brown sugar to form a nice glaze. Ensure it’s well mixed to avoid any lumps.
- When adding the water or broth, cover the skillet to steam the carrots. This keeps them tender.
- After they’re tender, removing the lid lets the glaze thicken. Keep stirring to ensure every carrot gets coated.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with beautifully glazed carrots every time!
Glazed Carrots Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 ½ pounds baby carrots, peeled and tops trimmed (leave small green tops if desired)
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup water or vegetable broth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful side dish takes about 25 to 30 minutes in total! You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep and then around 20 to 25 minutes for cooking. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. This will help create a delicious base for your glaze!
2. Make the Glaze:
Once your butter is melted, sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir it in until it’s completely dissolved and well combined with the butter, forming a lovely glaze.
3. Add the Carrots:
Carefully add the peeled baby carrots to the skillet. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze to ensure they’re evenly coated. It’s going to smell amazing!
4. Steam the Carrots:
Next, pour in the water or vegetable broth to jump-start the steaming process, which will help soften the carrots even more. Season them with salt, pepper, and thyme if you’re using it.
5. Cook the Carrots:
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the carrots cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become tender and the glaze should start to thicken.
6. Thicken the Glaze:
After the carrots are tender, remove the lid and raise the heat back to medium. Allow the glaze to thicken by cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the carrots to fully coat them.
7. Serve Them Up:
Once the glaze is thick and the carrots are beautifully coated, transfer them to a serving dish. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped sage on top for a lovely finishing touch.
8. Enjoy:
Serve these warm, and enjoy the sweet, buttery flavor of your glazed carrots as the perfect side dish to any meal! They’ll surely impress your guests or family!
These glazed carrots have a shiny, tender finish with a light buttery-sweet flavor highlighted by subtle herbs. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen carrots completely before using them. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or running them under cool water until thawed. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them!
What’s a Good Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For every cup of brown sugar, use 1 cup of granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon of molasses. Alternatively, maple syrup can also provide sweetness with a unique flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make These Carrots in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glazed carrots a few hours ahead of time and keep them warm in a covered dish. If you need to make them further in advance, cook them and reheat gently just before serving.