Traditional Glazed Carrots

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

These Traditional Glazed Carrots are a classic side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a buttery, spiced glaze. Perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients for Traditional Glazed Carrots

Carrots are the star of the show, naturally sweet and full of nutrients. We’re slicing them into rounds to cook evenly and absorb the glaze. Unsalted butter forms the base of the glaze, providing richness and helping to caramelize the sugar. Brown sugar adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor, enhancing the carrots' sweetness. A pinch of salt balances everything out, while ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. The ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg introduce warm, earthy notes. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a splash of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep an eye on the heat when melting the butter to avoid browning it unless you want that nutty flavor in your glaze.
  • If you like your carrots with a bit of a bite, reduce the simmering time slightly.
  • For a subtle citrus twist, add a splash of orange juice to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These glazed carrots make a wonderful companion to roasted meats like chicken or pork. They also pair beautifully with a hearty grain dish, like quinoa or farro, for a satisfying vegetarian meal. For an elegant touch, serve them alongside a herb-crusted salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby carrots instead?
Yes, you can use baby carrots. They may need a little more time to cook through, so keep an eye on them.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrots up to a day in advance. Reheat them gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
What other herbs can I use if I don't have parsley?
Fresh dill or chives would work well as substitutes for parsley.

Traditional Glazed Carrots Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your carrots and give them a good peel. This not only makes them look prettier but also helps them absorb the glaze better. Once peeled, slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Next, take out a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it to be just melted, not browned. Once the butter is ready, stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth glaze.

Add the carrots to the pan and stir them around so each slice gets a nice coating of that sweet, buttery glaze. Once they’re well-coated, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the carrots simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. Give them a stir every now and then to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom.

After they’re tender and the glaze has thickened a bit, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle with the parsley before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
  • Great for impressing guests without the fuss.
  • Kid-friendly and nutritious.

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the sliced carrots to the pan and stir to coat evenly with the glaze.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the carrots simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!