You know those side dishes that just steal the spotlight? The ones that make your taste buds dance and everyone at the table asking for the recipe? Well, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! Oh my goodness, these little beauties are a symphony of sweetness and warmth that just scream comfort.
I remember the first time I made these carrots. It was at a family gathering, and my dear aunt was in charge of the mashed potatoes (the family favorite, of course!). I was in charge of bringing a vegetable side—nothing too fancy, just something that wouldn’t be ignored in the sea of creamy goodness. I stumbled upon this recipe and thought, “Brown sugar, butter, and carrots? How could that go wrong?” Spoiler alert: it didn’t! The way the sweet glaze clung to those tender carrots was magic. They got gobbled up faster than I could say, “Can I have the leftovers?”
So, let’s dive into this delightful dish!
What’s in Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?
Baby Carrots: These cuties are the stars of the show. Their natural sweetness works beautifully with the glaze, but you can totally use regular carrots cut into sticks if you prefer.
Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens! The brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor that takes these carrots from basic to spectacular.
Butter: A little butter never hurt anyone! It adds richness to the glaze that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Water: This helps create steam while baking and keeps the carrots moist and tender.
Salt: This little pinch enhances the sweetness of the carrots.
Black Pepper: Just a dash adds a subtle kick and depth to the dish. It’s a surprising twist!
Cinnamon: Totally optional, but if you want to add a touch of warmth and spice, sprinkle some in.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh touch just before serving!
Is Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Good for You?
Now, while I *could* proclaim these glazed carrots are an everyday health food, let’s be real: they are a sweeter side dish rather than a diet staple. But don’t be too harsh!
Carrots: These are fantastic because they’re full of vitamins A, C, K, and a bunch of antioxidants that are great for your eyesight and skin. Plus, they give you that lovely crunch you just can’t resist!
Brown Sugar: Yes, it’s sugar, but in moderation, it can satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Plus, it does come with some minerals that refined sugar lacks.
Just a note: if you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. Your taste buds and health goals come first!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into sticks)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s always good to get that oven hot and ready for these beauties!
2. In a large baking dish, combine the baby carrots, brown sugar, butter, water, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon. It kind of looks like a party in a dish, doesn’t it?
3. Toss the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated with that luscious sugar and butter mixture. Make sure every carrot’s feeling loved!
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step helps steam those carrots to perfection.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the carrots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally to keep things even.
6. Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Voilà!
Sweet Serving Suggestions
Now, you can serve these scrumptious carrots warm as a side dish for roasted chicken, pork, or any holiday meal. They’re also great at a potluck or family dinner—trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider roasting the carrots directly on a baking sheet instead of in a dish. This gives them a chewy caramelized exterior that adds an incredible depth of flavor. Just be sure to watch them closely!
I can’t wait for you to try these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! They’ve stolen my heart (and my stomach), and I’m sure they’ll charm you just as much. Go ahead and whip them up and let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!
