The Ultimate Glazed Carrots (So Easy & Delicious!)
Imagine a side dish so simple, yet so utterly delicious, that it disappears from the table first every single time. Picture tender, sweet carrots, cooked until perfectly crisp-tender and then cloaked in a glistening, buttery, brown sugar glaze. That, my friends, is the magic of these classic Glazed Carrots, and this recipe is the easiest,…
Imagine a side dish so simple, yet so utterly delicious, that it disappears from the table first every single time. Picture tender, sweet carrots, cooked until perfectly crisp-tender and then cloaked in a glistening, buttery, brown sugar glaze. That, my friends, is the magic of these classic Glazed Carrots, and this recipe is the easiest, most foolproof version you will ever find.
Here’s the thing about great side dishes: they shouldn’t be complicated. I believe the best sides are the ones that use a handful of simple ingredients to create something truly special, and that’s the soul of this recipe. It’s my secret weapon for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a grand holiday feast. It requires one pan, a few pantry staples, and less than 30 minutes of your time.
I promise you, there is no greater feeling than watching even the pickiest eaters at the table devour a vegetable dish with delight. The simple, sweet, and savory glaze transforms humble carrots into a candy-like treat that is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of effortless dish that makes you look like a kitchen hero.
Get ready to master this timeless classic and create the most requested, most beloved side dish in your recipe collection.
Why This Will Be Your Go-To Carrot Recipe!
You are going to be amazed that a dish this simple can taste this incredible. This recipe is a keeper for so many good reasons. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: This is the perfect quick and easy side dish for any meal, whether it’s a holiday or a hectic Tuesday night.
- Just 5 Simple Ingredients: You only need carrots and a few pantry staples to create this show-stopping dish. It’s simplicity at its most delicious.
- Made in One Pan: Everything comes together in one skillet on the stovetop, which means minimal cleanup and a completely fuss-free process.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and buttery glaze makes these carrots a huge hit with both adults and kids. Even picky eaters love them!
- Incredibly Versatile: This is the little black dress of side dishes; it pairs perfectly with almost anything—roast chicken, steak, pork chops, or a holiday turkey.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 17 minutes |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | 115 kcal per serving |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for These Delicious Carrots
The beauty of this recipe is its incredibly short and simple ingredient list. It’s a true pantry-staple hero!
→ For the Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots → Use whole carrots that you peel and chop yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil → For sautéing the carrots until tender.
- Salt and pepper → To taste, for seasoning the carrots as they cook.
→ For the Brown Sugar Glaze
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar → Light or dark brown sugar will work perfectly here.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter → The key to a rich, glossy, and delicious glaze.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready for the easiest, most rewarding side dish ever? Grab a skillet, and let’s go!
Part 1: Prep and Cook the Carrots
- Prep the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. To get those beautiful, uniform pieces, cut them on a diagonal (also called a bias) into ⅜-inch thick slices. This not only looks pretty but also increases the surface area for more delicious glaze! Cut any very large pieces in half.
- Sauté the Carrots: Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Cook Until Tender: Add the sliced carrots to the hot pan and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a “crisp-tender” texture—they should be easily pierced with a fork but still have a slight bite.
Part 2: Create the Perfect Glaze
- Add the Glaze Ingredients: Add the brown sugar and butter directly to the skillet with the hot carrots.
- Stir and Glaze: Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The butter will melt and the brown sugar will dissolve, creating a beautiful, syrupy glaze that coats every single piece of carrot.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot glazed carrots to a serving dish and enjoy right away!
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Glazed Carrot Mastery
These simple secrets will ensure your carrots are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor every time.
- Uniform Cuts are Essential. For all the carrot slices to cook evenly and become tender at the same time, it’s crucial to cut them to a consistent thickness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan. Use a large skillet to ensure the carrots have enough space to make contact with the hot surface. This allows them to sauté and get a little color, rather than just steaming, which develops much more flavor.
- Aim for “Crisp-Tender.” The perfect glazed carrot is tender but not mushy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking and test one with a fork. You want it to be easily pierced but still have a slight, satisfying bite.
- Watch the Glaze Like a Hawk. Sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. Once you add the butter and brown sugar, stir constantly for those final 2 minutes to ensure the glaze coats the carrots beautifully without burning.
- Use Whole Carrots, Not Baby Carrots. While you can use baby carrots in a pinch, whole carrots that you peel and slice yourself have a much sweeter, more robust, and less watery flavor, which really shines in a simple recipe like this.
Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Method
- Wash, peel, and cut the carrots on the diagonal into ⅜-inch thick pieces. Cut any large pieces in half.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add the carrots to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots are crisp-tender.
- Add the brown sugar and butter to the pan. Cook for about 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the carrots are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Glazed Carrots
These carrots make wonderful leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: The glaze will firm up in the fridge. To reheat, simply add the carrots to a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or a small pat of butter. Stir gently until they are warmed through and the glaze has loosened up. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
FAQs: Your Glazed Carrot Questions, Answered!
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, you can. If using whole baby carrots, you may need to increase the initial cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they become tender all the way through before you add the glaze ingredients.
Can I make these in the oven instead?
You can make a roasted version! Toss the sliced carrots with the olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven, add the butter and brown sugar, toss to coat, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or honey in place of the brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I add more flavor to these carrots?
These carrots are a wonderful blank canvas! For a savory twist, add a sprig of fresh thyme to the pan while the carrots cook. For extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger with the brown sugar. A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley at the end adds a beautiful touch of color and freshness.
Final Thoughts: Your Easiest, Tastiest Side Dish
There is such beauty in a simple, reliable, and universally loved recipe. These Glazed Carrots are the definition of a tried-and-true classic. They are the side dish that disappears first, the recipe you’ll be asked for again and again, and your secret weapon for the easiest, most delicious vegetable side you’ll ever make. Enjoy!
