Best Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Roasting intensifies the carrots’ natural sweetness and creates irresistible caramelised edges.

• Quick and easy: just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

• Versatile enough for everyday meals or festive spreads.

• Customisable: adjust the sweetness, or use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

• Even picky eaters are won over by the sweet-savory glaze and rich texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Carrots (peeled)
• Brown sugar
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Butter (melted)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F) or 200 °C (400 °F) if using a fan-forced oven.

2. Slice the carrots diagonally into 4 cm pieces. If the carrot is thick, cut the pieces in half for even cooking.

3. In a bowl, combine the carrots with brown sugar, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

4. Spread the carrots on a baking tray in a single layer.

5. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir or toss the carrots. Return to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes, or until caramelised and tender.

6. Remove from the oven, toss with any glaze in the pan, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves: 5 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

• Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon if you prefer less sweetness.

• Add cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spiced or slightly spicy version.

• Try baby carrots or multi-coloured varieties for a visual twist.

• For larger groups, double the recipe and use multiple trays to avoid overcrowding.

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 160–170 °C to retain the caramelised edges.

• If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze and stir gently.

FAQs

What type of carrots work best?

Any kind — standard, baby, Dutch, or multi-coloured. Just be sure to cut them into uniform sizes for even roasting.

Can I skip the butter and use only oil?

Yes, though using both butter and oil adds more flavour and helps avoid burning at high temperatures.

My carrots turned too soft or mushy — what went wrong?

They may have been roasted too long or at too low a temperature. High-heat roasting ensures crisp edges and tender centres.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Roast them just until tender, cool, and store. Reheat and toss in the glaze before serving.

Is this suitable for a holiday dinner?

Absolutely. The glaze and golden edges make it festive enough for special occasions.

Could I cook this on the stovetop instead?

You can, but oven roasting brings out better caramelisation and flavour.

How can I reduce the sugar if I’m watching sweet flavours?

Cut the sugar down to as little as 1 tablespoon. The carrots will still glaze nicely.

Can I add other vegetables along with the carrots?

Yes, but use ones with similar cook times like parsnips or Brussels sprouts, and consider how the glaze’s sweetness pairs with them.

What if the glaze burns or becomes too dark?

Watch closely near the end of cooking. If it darkens too much, reduce the oven temperature or remove the tray early.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture and appearance, but it’s optional if using very fresh or baby carrots.

Conclusion

These brown sugar glazed carrots are a deliciously simple way to elevate your side dish game. With just a few ingredients and a short roasting time, you get sweet, caramelised carrots that pair perfectly with any main course. Ideal for everyday meals or festive feasts, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your table.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These brown sugar glazed carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a buttery, sweet glaze with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.

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Ingredients

• 1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 5 cm / 2” pieces on the diagonal
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add carrots and cook for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
4. Return carrots to the pot and toss to coat in the glaze. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until carrots are well glazed and heated through.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Do not overcook the carrots during boiling to avoid mushiness.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar slightly to taste.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a flavor twist.
• Can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg