These glazed carrots are sweet, colorful, and so easy to whip up! Just cook them in butter and a hint of brown sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. Yum!
I love serving them alongside any main dish. They add a pop of color to the plate, and honestly, who can resist those shiny, tasty carrots? They’re like little bites of sunshine! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender right out of the bag. If you can’t find them, you can easily use regular carrots cut into sticks or rounds. Just remember to peel them for that smooth texture!
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. You can substitute it with olive oil for a lighter option or even dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier substitute, honey or maple syrup work well. Just be mindful of the measurement; honey is sweeter, so you might need less!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor beautifully. Dried thyme can be used instead, but use only about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze on My Carrots?
Creating that delicious glaze is all about patience and technique. Once your carrots are tender, removing the lid is crucial to let the moisture evaporate.
- Cook without the lid over medium-high heat to thicken the liquid.
- Stir occasionally and spoon the syrupy mixture over the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning; you want that nice, shiny finish without the sugar caramelizing too fast.
You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is thick enough to cling to the carrots nicely. Happy cooking!
How to Make Delicious Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or peeled regular carrots cut into sticks)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh thyme sprigs (about 4-5 sprigs) or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious glazed carrots recipe will take you about 25 minutes total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep and cooking the carrots to tenderness, and then 5-7 minutes to create that lovely glaze. A perfect side dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Carrots:
Start by placing the carrots in a large skillet or saucepan. Pour in the water (or vegetable broth) and add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, salt, and thyme. Make sure everything is mixed together nicely.
2. Cooking the Carrots:
Put the skillet on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the pan with a lid and let the carrots cook for about 10-15 minutes. Check them with a fork to see if they’re tender!
3. Creating the Glaze:
Once your carrots are tender, remove the lid and turn the heat up slightly to medium-high. Allow the liquid to cook down and thicken into a glaze, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally and spoon the syrupy glaze over the carrots to make sure they’re well coated.
4. Final Touches:
Once the glaze is nice and syrupy, take the skillet off the heat. Discard the thyme sprigs if you used fresh thyme, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the carrots a gentle toss to combine everything.
5. Serving:
Transfer your beautifully glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you’d like, garnish with a few extra thyme leaves for that lovely touch. Serve warm and get ready for everyone to enjoy this tasty side dish!
This simple method yields tender, sweet, and glossy glazed carrots that will brighten up any meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen carrots, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. They typically need a bit longer to cook until tender, so simmer them for about 15-20 minutes instead. Just remember to drain any excess water before adding the glaze!
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. For each tablespoon of brown sugar, use about 2 teaspoons of honey or syrup. Just reduce the amount of liquid slightly to keep the glaze consistency right!
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If needed, add a splash of water to refresh the glaze!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well in this recipe. You can add them at the same time as the carrots, adjusting the cooking time as necessary for cooking until everything is tender.