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Savory Buttery Glazed Carrots with Brown Sugar

savory buttery glazed carrots - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring fresh carrots glazed in a buttery brown sugar sauce with a subtle savory kick. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or everyday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices or baby carrots
  • 3 tablespoons (about 42g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (packed, about 25g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 1 pound (450g) of carrots into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thick rounds. If using baby carrots, rinse and pat dry.
  2. Optional: To speed up cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and add carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (42g) of unsalted butter until foamy but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix until sugar dissolves slightly and mixture becomes glossy, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the carrots to the skillet. Stir gently to coat evenly with the buttery sugar glaze. Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth.
  6. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender but not mushy. Remove lid during last few minutes to thicken glaze.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. Avoid overcooking carrots to maintain texture. Dark brown sugar adds richer molasses flavor. Stir gently to prevent breaking carrots. Adding broth instead of water enhances flavor. Variations include adding maple syrup, spices, or herbs. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: glazed carrots, buttery carrots, brown sugar carrots, easy side dish, holiday side, savory glazed carrots