There’s something comforting about a bowl of glazed carrots—tender slices coated in a glossy, buttery-sweet glaze that feels just right for a holiday spread or a quick weeknight dinner. This classic dish turns a simple bag of carrots into a flavorful side with very little effort. With just a few ingredients and minutes of cooking, you’ll have carrots that are soft, lightly sweet, and absolutely crave-worthy.
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Glazed Carrots (Thanksgiving Recipe)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender glazed carrots simmered with butter and brown sugar, finished with parsley for a glossy side perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup bro
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
wn sugar
Instructions
- Place carrots in a large pan with water and simmer 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain excess water.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir and cook 4–5 minutes until carrots are coated in a glossy glaze.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Cut carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love These Glazed Carrots
These glazed carrots strike a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The butter adds richness, the brown sugar brings gentle sweetness, and fresh parsley gives a bright finish. They’re simple enough for everyday meals yet polished enough for Thanksgiving or Easter. Plus, they reheat beautifully, so you can make them ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Glazed Carrots Ingredients
A handful of pantry staples transform carrots into a side dish you’ll make again and again. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pantry & Fresh Ingredients for Glazed Carrots
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 1 ½ lbs |
| Butter | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
Glazed Carrots Substitutions
If you don’t have brown sugar, swap in honey or maple syrup for a different layer of sweetness. Vegan butter works just as well if you’re dairy-free, and you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Baby carrots are a time-saver if you’d rather skip peeling and slicing.
Step-by-Step Glazed Carrots Recipe
Time needed: 20 minutes
Before you start, make sure your carrots are evenly cut so they cook at the same rate. Now let’s bring them to life:
- Simmer the Carrots
Place carrots in a large skillet with water and simmer until just tender. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Drain any remaining water.
- Add the Glaze
Stir in the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, letting the sugar melt and coat the carrots in a shiny glaze.
- Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with parsley for a touch of color and freshness, then serve warm.
Pro Tips
Use uniform slices so every piece cooks evenly. Don’t rush the glazing step—letting the sauce thicken slightly gives that signature glossy finish. For extra depth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re cooking ahead, undercook the carrots slightly, then reheat gently with the glaze before serving.
Variations & Substitutions for Glazed Carrots
To make this recipe fit different diets, use dairy-free butter for vegan, or reduce the sugar and add honey for a lighter glaze. Try tossing in parsnips or sweet potatoes for variety, or a splash of orange juice for citrus brightness. Chopped pecans or sliced almonds add crunch, while fresh ginger or nutmeg brings warmth.
Serve Glazed Carrots With
These carrots are a perfect match for roasted chicken, baked salmon, or a holiday ham. They also sit beautifully beside mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or green beans for a complete plate.
Storage & Reheat
Keep leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of water or butter to refresh the glaze.
Glazed Carrots Nutrition
Each serving of glazed carrots is around 170 calories with a balance of fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin A from the carrots. The butter and sugar add richness but are moderate when divided among portions, making this dish a delicious and reasonably healthy side. For verified nutrition guidance, see the USDA nutrition database.
FAQs
The stovetop method is the quickest way, simmer until tender, then finish with butter and sugar until a shiny glaze coats every piece.
Brown sugar is the classic choice, but honey and maple syrup both make excellent glazes with slightly different flavors.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth, while a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish.
Yes, glazed carrots retain the nutrients of fresh carrots, including vitamin A and fiber. The glaze adds some sugar and butter, so they’re best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.
More Glazed Carrots and Similar Recipes
If these glazed carrots made it to your table, you’ll enjoy more comforting dishes from Recipes2Gather. Each one is approachable, seasonal, and perfect for sharing.
- Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A hearty, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe: A crunchy, refreshing salad with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing.
- Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe: A colorful, vibrant dish celebrating the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
- Garlic Bread Rolls: Fluffy, buttery rolls that pair beautifully with any dinner spread.
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Loved this recipe? Pin it on Pinterest or bookmark it for the holidays. Share it with friends and leave a comment, I’d love to hear how you made it your own.