Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! They’re like little bites of sunshine on your plate—sweet, tender, and oh-so-delicious. Seriously, the way the brown sugar melts into those carrots creates a glaze that’s just irresistible. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, brightening up everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a fancy holiday feast. Trust me, they’ll steal the show! Plus, they’re super quick to whip up, making them an easy go-to when you need something special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. You’re going to love how they taste and how easy they are to make!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed for that perfect sweetness
- 2 tbsp butter, unsalted to keep it rich
- 1/4 cup water, to help create that lovely glaze
- 1/2 tsp salt, just to enhance the flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, for a subtle kick
How to Prepare Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Getting these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a sweet, tender side dish in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. You want it to get bubbly, but don’t let it brown—just pure, creamy goodness!
Step 2: Add the Carrots
Once the butter’s melted, add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Give them a good stir to coat every piece in that buttery goodness. It’s like a warm hug for your carrots!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, pour in the water along with the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves. You’ll start to see that sweet glaze forming, and it’s oh-so-exciting!
Step 4: Cook the Carrots
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Let those carrots simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft but not mushy—perfectly cooked!
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
After the carrots are tender, remove the lid and let them cook for another 5 minutes. This will help thicken that delightful glaze, making it stick to the carrots beautifully. Keep an eye on it—you want it nice and shiny!
Step 6: Serve Warm
Finally, serve your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots warm, right from the skillet. They’re best enjoyed fresh, and trust me, they won’t last long on the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Sweet and buttery flavor that complements any main dish beautifully.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients from fresh carrots.
- Can be easily adjusted to suit your taste—add more brown sugar or spices if you like!
- Versatile enough for everyday meals or special occasions.
Tips for Success
To make your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, slice the carrots evenly to ensure consistent cooking—no one likes a crunchy bite in the mix! If you want to play with flavors, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the sweetness beautifully. Also, don’t rush the cooking; letting them simmer long enough allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Lastly, for a touch of brightness, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. It’s a game changer!
Nutritional Information
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your meal! Each serving, which is about 1/4 of the recipe, contains approximately 120 calories, 5g of fat, 1g of protein, and 18g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 3g of fiber to help keep things moving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and proportions!
FAQ Section
Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots ahead of time. Just cook them as directed, then let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can easily substitute it with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to mimic that caramel flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar can also work well for a similar sweetness!
How can I add more flavor?
To enhance the flavor of your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish beautifully!
Are these carrots healthy?
Yes! These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a nutritious side dish packed with vitamins and fiber from the carrots. While they do have some added sugar, the amount is quite reasonable for a delicious treat. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the glaze.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or a bit more butter if the glaze feels too thick. Trust me, this will bring back that delicious shine!
For more delicious carrot recipes, check out Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots!
Print
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: 5 Steps to Pure Deliciousness
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tender carrots glazed with brown sugar for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced carrots and stir to coat.
- Pour in water, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Remove lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken glaze.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- These can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots