Amazing Glazed Carrots Recipe In Under 30 Minutes

I’m so excited to share one of my favorite side dishes: Glazed Carrots. I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner; everyone raved about how delicious and simple they were. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Glazed Carrots every single time.

From selecting the right carrots to mastering the glaze, I’ve got you covered! The best part? This recipe takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Carrots Recipe

I truly believe my version of Glazed Carrots is one of the best! Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Simple Ingredients: I use just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Quick Cooking Time: In under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful and vibrant side dish ready to serve.
• Classic Flavor: The combination of butter and brown sugar creates a perfectly sweet and savory glaze that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• Versatile: These Glazed Carrots pair well with almost any main course, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Understanding Your Carrots: A Detailed Selection Guide

When buying carrots for this recipe, I always look for carrots that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored. Freshness is key, so avoid carrots that are soft, limp, or have lots of blemishes.

Size matters, too! I prefer medium-sized carrots, as they cook more evenly. You can use baby carrots, but I find that slicing larger carrots gives a better texture.

There are many varieties of carrots, but for Glazed Carrots, I recommend using Nantes or Imperator carrots. Nantes carrots are sweeter and more tender, while Imperator carrots are longer and have a slightly stronger flavor. The variety you choose will slightly alter the final dish.

Glazed Carrots Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make my delicious Glazed Carrots:

• 1 1/2 lbs carrots (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Let’s break down each ingredient:

Carrots: The star of the show! I like to use about 1 1/2 pounds of carrots. Be sure to peel and slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces for even cooking. According to the USDA, one medium carrot is about 61g.

Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a luscious glaze. For a dairy-free option, you could substitute coconut oil or ghee.

Brown Sugar: I love the molasses notes that brown sugar brings to the glaze. If you’re looking for a substitute, try maple syrup or honey. These alternatives will add a unique depth of flavor to your carrots.

Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Feel free to omit if you don’t have any on hand.

How to Make Glazed Carrots: Stovetop Instructions

Here’s how I make Glazed Carrots on the stovetop:

1. Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots are tender. Drain off any excess water.
3. Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
4. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
5. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.

Other Delicious Cooking Methods for Glazed Carrots

While the stovetop method is my go-to, here are a few other ways I enjoy making Glazed Carrots:

Roasting Glazed Carrots

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a slight caramelization. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

For a quick and easy option, the air fryer is perfect. Toss the carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

The slow cooker is great for when you want a hands-off approach. Place the carrots in the slow cooker with butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.

For another great side dish, you may also want to check out this Easy & Delicious One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Instant Pot Glazed Carrots

For a super-fast option, the Instant Pot is the way to go. Place the carrots in the Instant Pot with 1/2 cup of water. Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a quick release.

Tips for the Perfect Glazed Carrots

To ensure your Glazed Carrots turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Use a good quality pan: I prefer using a stainless steel or cast-iron pan, as they distribute heat evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the pan is too crowded, the carrots will steam instead of caramelizing. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrots. Keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.

Flavor Variations to Elevate Your Glazed Carrots

I love experimenting with different flavors! Here are some of my favorite variations:

Serving Suggestions

Glazed Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. I love serving them with:

• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled pork chops
• Baked ham
• Vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or stuffed bell peppers

They’re also a great addition to holiday menus! I often include them in my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. If you are looking for a great treat, you can’t go wrong with this Ultimate, Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.

How to Store, Freeze, and Use Leftover Glazed Carrots

If you have any leftover Glazed Carrots, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw the carrots in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.

Leftover Glazed Carrots can be used in a variety of creative ways! I like to add them to salads, soups, and purees. They also make a great addition to frittatas or quiches.

Troubleshooting Common Glazed Carrots Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common issues I’ve seen with Glazed Carrots and how to fix them:

• Carrots not caramelizing: Make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan and that you’re using enough butter and sugar. Increase the heat slightly and cook for a longer time, stirring occasionally.
• Glaze being too watery: Cook the carrots for a longer time to allow the glaze to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the glaze.
• Carrots being undercooked/overcooked: Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your carrots. If they’re undercooked, cook them for a few more minutes. If they’re overcooked, reduce the cooking time next time.

The Health Benefits of Carrots

Carrots aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly good for you! They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure.
• Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion.

Carrots are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from free radicals. According to the University of Maine, they are also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber. For more recipes like this, visit our main dishes section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions I get about Glazed Carrots:

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this guide to making the perfect Glazed Carrots! This recipe is easy, delicious, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Now it’s your turn to try it out! I can’t wait to see your Glazed Carrot creations!

Please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. I love hearing from you! Did you try a flavor variation? Do you have any questions? Share your thoughts and photos; I’m excited to hear from you.

For more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Emily

Amazing Glazed Carrots Recipe In Under 30 Minutes

Today, I’m so excited to share one of my favorite side dishes: Glazed Carrots. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Glazed Carrots every single time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Calories: 149

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs carrots peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional

Equipment

• large pan
• stainless steel pan
• cast-iron pan
• vegetable peeler
• sharp knife

Method

 

1. Place the carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring the carrots to a simmer.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until carrots are tender. Drain off any excess water.
3. Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
4. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
5. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal

Notes

To ensure your Glazed Carrots turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Use a good quality pan: I prefer using a stainless steel or cast-iron pan, as they distribute heat evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the pan is too crowded, the carrots will steam instead of caramelizing. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrots. Keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.

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