Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots combine tender, lightly boiled carrots with a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. This easy side dish is perfect for complementing any meal, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle spice that enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 pound Carrots (washed, peeled, and cut into pieces)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into uniform pieces about 1 to 2 inches long to ensure even cooking.
- Boil the Carrots: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the cut carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are fork-tender but still slightly firm, then drain.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Simmer the Glaze: Continue cooking the glaze and stir occasionally until it thickens to a syrupy texture, about 3-4 minutes. If using, add the apple cider vinegar now and stir to blend.
- Combine Carrots and Glaze: Add the drained carrots to the glaze and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the sweet and savory mixture.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the coated carrots on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a glossy finish and are heated throughout.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delicious and vibrant side dish.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, the optional apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to your taste preference; a little goes a long way in complementing the glaze.
- Ensure not to overboil the carrots; they should remain slightly firm to hold texture after glazing.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and gently reheated on stovetop before serving.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, herby contrast and vibrant color.
Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, sweet and savory carrots, cinnamon glazed carrots, easy vegetable side, holiday side dish
