Introduction

Glazed carrots are a simple, delicious side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and shine to any meal. This recipe uses a buttery maple glaze that enhances the natural flavor of tender carrots, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

1 pound carrots (cut into 2-inch sticks)
½ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar (tightly packed)
1½ tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
¼ teaspoon salt (plus additional to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the carrots, water, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Stir occasionally until the butter is melted. Then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the carrots are just becoming tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Remove the lid, turn the heat up to high, and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the carrots are coated in a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve the glazed carrots warm.

Tips & Variations

For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while simmering the carrots.
Use honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness and flavor.
To keep carrots crunchy, reduce the cooking time slightly and test frequently.
Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of cutting larger carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they are smaller and might cook faster.

What if my glaze becomes too thick or sticky?

If the glaze thickens too much while reheating, add a little water and gently stir to loosen it without losing the glossy texture.

Glazed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

These glazed carrots are a simple and delicious side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a sweet, buttery maple syrup glaze. Perfect for adding a touch of natural sweetness to any meal, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and a straightforward stovetop cooking method to bring out the best flavor and texture.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

1 pound carrots, cut into 2-inch sticks

Glaze

½ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar, tightly packed
1½ tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the carrots, water, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup into a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently to mix the ingredients and start warming them.
Melt the Butter and Boil: Stir occasionally as the butter melts. Once melted, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer with Lid On: Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check by piercing the carrots with a fork; they should be just becoming tender but still hold shape.
Evaporate Water and Glaze Carrots: Remove the lid, turn the heat to high, and continue cooking. Stir occasionally until the water evaporates completely and the carrots are thickly coated with the glaze.
Season and Serve: Season the glazed carrots with salt and black pepper according to your taste and serve them warm as a sweet and savory side dish.

Notes

For added flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger during the simmering step.
This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
Use honey if maple syrup is unavailable or for a different sweetness profile.
Carrots can be cut into coins or thinner sticks for faster cooking.

Keywords: glazed carrots, maple glazed carrots, side dish, healthy carrots, sweet carrots, butter glazed carrots