1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Glazed Carrots

Sweet Glazed Carrots

Featured in Healthy Eating.

Cooked these carrots for dinner, and wow, they vanished in no time! Sliced fresh carrots, simmered them in butter and brown sugar until soft and shiny. Finished with parsley for a fancy touch. Even picky eaters couldn’t say no! The sauce turns caramel-like and makes carrots irresistible. I make double the amount 'cause people always want more. Can’t believe something this simple looks that fancy.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 18:09:35 GMT
Shiny, caramelized carrots with parsley on top in a rich glaze. Pin it
Shiny, caramelized carrots with parsley on top in a rich glaze. | tasteofmoms.com

Simple Caramelized Brown Sugar Carrots

These sweet carrots take me back to family gatherings growing up. They get incredibly soft and tender, while that rich brown sugar butter coating makes them downright addictive. It amazes me how such basic ingredients create something so delicious. They'll shine on your holiday spread but they're quick enough for regular weekday meals too.

Why These Sweet Carrots Never Last Long

These caramelized carrots win everyone over with their perfect balance of buttery richness and brown sugar sweetness. I whip them up regularly since they only need a few basic items and take just 20 minutes from start to finish. They also pair wonderfully with virtually any main course you might serve.

Your Shopping List

  • Carrots: Slice them into uniform rounds for consistent cooking time.
  • Butter: Adds that irresistible flavor whatever variety you've got on hand.
  • Brown Sugar: I typically use light but the dark version works wonderfully too.
  • Salt: A tiny amount enhances every other flavor.
  • Parsley: Adds a touch of color for presentation.
A close-up of shiny, glazed carrots garnished with parsley in a white serving bowl. Pin it
A close-up of shiny, glazed carrots garnished with parsley in a white serving bowl. | tasteofmoms.com

Cook Along With Me

Soften The Veggies
Place your carrots in a large skillet with water and let them gently cook until fork-tender around 10 minutes.
Create The Glaze
Pour off the water and mix in your butter brown sugar and salt directly in the same pan.
Develop The Shine
Continue cooking while gently stirring until your sauce becomes thick and gleaming.
Finish And Enjoy
Add a bit of parsley on top if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Insider Tips

Always cut carrots uniformly so they'll finish cooking at the same time. You can store leftovers in your fridge for several days and just reheat them gently on the stovetop. Want it super easy? Just toss all ingredients into a crockpot and let it handle everything.

Custom Variations

I sometimes swap honey for the brown sugar or add a dash of cinnamon for warmth. A bit of fresh grated ginger gives them a lovely zing. Need some texture? Scatter toasted pecans over the top right before you serve. These sweet carrots turn out fantastic no matter how you tweak the recipe.

A close-up of freshly cooked sliced carrots in a glossy sauce with parsley garnish. Pin it
A close-up of freshly cooked sliced carrots in a glossy sauce with parsley garnish. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell if the carrots are ready?

They’re done when you can easily poke them with a fork but they don’t fall apart. Should still have a slight firmness.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Absolutely! Cook them up to three days before and heat them gently on the stove for a few minutes before serving.

→ Why is my sauce too thin?

Make sure to dry the carrots well after boiling and let the sauce bubble long enough to thicken properly.

→ Can I use baby carrots for this?

Yep, baby carrots work great. Try to pick ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

→ Is it possible to make this with less sugar?

You can totally cut back on the sugar or swap it for honey if you prefer a different sweetness.

Glazed Carrots

Carrots simmered in a buttery brown sugar sauce until tender and caramelized. A super easy side perfect for weeknights or festive gatherings.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup melted butter.
02 1 tablespoon optional chopped parsley.
03 1/4 teaspoon salt.
04 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar.
05 1.5 pounds of peeled and sliced carrots.

Instructions

Step 01

Chop the carrots into pieces about half an inch thick.

Step 02

Pour 1.5 cups water into a big pan along with the carrots. Let it heat up, then gently cook for 8-10 minutes till they're soft.

Step 03

Remove any leftover water from the pan.

Step 04

Toss in the butter, sugar, and salt. Mix everything so the carrots get a nice coating.

Step 05

Let it cook for 4-5 minutes. A sauce will come together during this time.

Step 06

Add parsley on top if you'd like a bit of color.

Notes

  1. Slice carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  2. Store them in the fridge for no more than three days.
  3. Warm up on low heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet or pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains butter, which is dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 149
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 19 g
  • Protein: 1 g