Description
Glazed Carrots are a simple, quick, and delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Tender carrots are cooked in butter and then caramelized with brown sugar, creating a sweet, buttery glaze that enhances their natural flavor. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and only 20 minutes, making it an ideal dish for weeknights or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds medium carrots, trimmed and peeled
Glaze
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Cut the carrots crosswise into 2-inch pieces. For carrots thicker than 1 inch, halve or quarter them lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Leave thinner carrots whole.
- Cook the Carrots: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the prepared carrots to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook until the carrots are tender and the butter begins to brown. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes.
- Caramelize with Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and continue cooking for about 4 more minutes. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and coats the carrots, forming a slightly caramelized glaze.
- Season: Add kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Serve: Divide the glazed carrots among four plates and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, choose uniformly sized carrots to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity for a sweeter or less sweet glaze based on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan margarine.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or poultry as a flavorful side.
- Carrots can be cooked a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
