Every holiday table needs a generous dish of glazed carrots. Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, these sweet, buttery carrots are a classic side that complements almost any main course.
Brown sugar glazed carrots are simple, fast, and full of flavor. They work equally well for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant holiday spread. The sweet glaze and a hint of mustard make the natural sweetness of the carrots shine while adding a touch of depth.
Ingredients Needed for Glazed Carrots
This recipe uses just a few pantry-friendly ingredients:
- Carrots – baby carrots are convenient, but peeled and sliced whole carrots work well too.
- Water – for steaming the carrots.
- Butter – for richness and to help form the glaze.
- Brown sugar – creates the sweet caramelized coating.
- Yellow mustard – a small amount adds a bright, tangy note without tasting like mustard.
- Chopped parsley (optional) – for a fresh garnish.
- Salt – to taste.
How to Make Glazed Carrots
These glazed carrots are ready in about 7–9 minutes and can be made in a single skillet.
1. Place the carrots and water in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
2. Let the carrots steam for 5–7 minutes, until fork-tender. A fork should slide into the carrots easily.
3. Remove the lid and cook for about a minute more to let excess water evaporate.
4. Turn the heat to medium. Add butter, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir continuously to coat the carrots as the butter melts and the sugar begins to caramelize, forming a glossy glaze.
5. Taste and add salt if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Glazed Carrots Recipe
2 mins
7 mins
9 mins
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby carrots
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place uncooked carrots in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Steam the carrots for 5–7 minutes, until a fork slides easily into them.
- Uncover and cook an extra minute to let the water evaporate.
- Turn heat to medium. Add butter, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir until the carrots are evenly coated and a glossy glaze forms.
- Season with salt, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Glazed carrots pair well with a variety of mains. A few ideas:
- Pan-seared pork chops with pears
- Creamy chicken and spinach pasta
- Browned butter Mizithra cheese spaghetti
- Easy baked salmon
These glazed carrots are flexible and forgiving — adjust the sugar, butter, or mustard to suit your taste, and enjoy a simple, delicious side that’s always welcome at the table.