How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

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These delicious brown sugar carrots are an easy recipe for both a holiday meal or busy weeknights. The brown sugar and butter caramelizes the carrots, creating a sweet glaze.

You will just love serving these brown sugar roasted carrots at family dinners. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavor of these baked carrots.

For years, this roasted carrots recipe was only served on a special occasion such as Easter dinner or our Thanksgiving table. Finally, I thought why do I limit this great recipe just to holidays? It’s a vegetable side dish that my whole family loves, so now I serve it at a regular weeknight dinner too.

This is my favorite way to prepare raw carrots because even the pickiest eaters enjoy them and don’t realize they are eating a healthy vegetable!

Find more carrot recipes that the whole family will love!

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

Carrots have a great natural sweetness to them, so the natural sweetness of the carrots paired with the melted butter takes this quick recipe to a whole new level! If you have a sweet tooth this will become one of your favorite recipes!

Although I am showing these brown sugar glazed carrots in a cast iron pan, a sheet pan or a casserole dish is fine. 

The next time you are looking for new side dish recipes that will be a great addition to your holiday dinner with easy prep, this is it!

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

How to Make this recipe for Brown Sugar Baked Carrots 

If you scroll down, I have a printable recipe card for you with instructions and the full simple ingredients. 

Ingredient Checklist:

  • 10-12 Carrots (usually 1 bag of carrots), peeled and then cut in half OR 2 dozen baby carrots.
  • teaspoon salt & pepper
  • cinnamon
  • dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter

If using whole carrots, wash and peel your carrots. I like to use larger carrots .

Place carrots on a single layer on your baking sheet, or in your cast iron pan or casserole dish lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix your carrots in the brown sugar mixture. 

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

Pour butter over the carrots and mix. Place the carrots in your hot oven and bake for a cooking time of 45 minutes to an hour.

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

Throughout the roasting process the natural sugars of the buttery carrots create a beautiful glaze that has so much flavor.

For extra flavor, top your carrots with the green tops from the carrots, italian seasoning, fresh thyme or parsley.

Store leftover carrots in an air-tight container. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove top on medium-high heat.

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

What to serve with Brown Sugar Baked Carrots:

For the holiday season, add these sweet carrots to your holiday table with Thanksgiving turkey or a
glazed spiral ham.

Other great main dish recipes are with Roast Chicken, Pork Chops, or as a side to pot pie.

Serve this carrot side dish alongside red potatoes or another perfect side dish.

How to make candied carrots with brown sugar

What kinds of substitutions can I make to my carrots recipe?

You can change the butter glaze my swapping brown sugar for maple syrup or by adding garlic powder or balsamic vinegar. Instead of butter, you can use olive oil.

How Long to Roast Carrots at 350 degrees?

It will take about 30 to 35 minutes to roast your carrots.

How to Slice Carrots?

Using a sharp knife, hold the carrot with your fingers curled under. Then slice straight across your carrot to make a clean cut, a half inch thickness will do if you would like carrot rounds.

To make a carrot stick, square off one side, then cut crosswise and then into your desired length.

Ingredients

  • 10-12 Carrots, peeled and then cut in half OR 2 dozen baby carrots.
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp butter, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Lay down a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
  3. Put the carrots down and then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix the carrots up.
  4. Melt the butter and pour it over the carrots.
  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the carrots are cooked through. About half way through, mix the carrots up to ensure even baking. NOTE: If using baby carrots, you will need to adjust your time to 45-60 minutes.
  6. Pour any leftover brown sugar and butter on top of the carrots in your serving platter.
  7. Sprinkle your brown sugar baked carrots with parsley for garnish.

Ingredients

  • 10-12 Carrots, peeled and then cut in half OR 2 dozen baby carrots.
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp butter, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Lay down a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
  3. Put the carrots down and then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix the carrots up.
  4. Melt the butter and pour it over the carrots.
  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the carrots are cooked through. About half way through, mix the carrots up to ensure even baking. NOTE: If using baby carrots, you will need to adjust your time to 45-60 minutes.
  6. Pour any leftover brown sugar and butter on top of the carrots in your serving platter.
  7. Sprinkle your brown sugar baked carrots with parsley for garnish.

Can glazed carrots be prepared ahead of time?

Can You Make Honey Glazed Carrots Ahead of Time? Yes! You can make these honey glazed carrots in advance. If you do, I'd recommend boiling them for a minute or two less just so that they don't become mushy when you reheat them.

How do you make lemon glaze for carrots?

Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat; stir in honey. Add lemon juice and ginger. Increase heat to medium and stir in carrots until well coated. Continue cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes more.

How long do fresh carrots take to cook?

Add sliced carrots to the pot of water and bring the water back to a boil. Boil sliced carrots for 4-5 minutes, baby carrots for 6-7 minutes and whole carrots for 10-15 minutes. This time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of the carrots. Carrots will be done boiling when they are fork tender.

Can you fry carrots without boiling?

Sautéing is one of the healthiest ways to cook carrots. You need only a small amount of butter or coconut oil, simple seasonings, and water to help them soften. You can add honey or maple syrup or herbs if you like but honestly, they are pretty stellar on their own.