These brown sugar glazed carrots are roasted to perfection and coated in a buttery honey glaze. They’re a must-have side dish for holidays or any special occasion.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Ingredients Breakdown & Tips
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Do you peel carrots before roasting?
- How to Store & Reheat
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
As spring peeks around the corner, I’ve been craving those bright, fresh dishes that still feel hearty and comforting. I’m always looking for easy side dishes to round out my menus for Easter and springtime gatherings, and carrots are one of those vegetables that hit their peak in February and March, right when I’m ready to transition out of soups and stews.
This glazed carrot recipe came to life when I was prepping for a small family brunch. I had a few pounds of carrots leftover in the fridge, fresh rosemary from another recipe, and a craving for something warm, sweet, and slightly herbaceous. The brown sugar and honey glaze paired with rosemary brings a flavor profile that feels nostalgic, yet fresh. Now, it’s one of my go-to dishes—not just for holidays but for any time I want a vegetable side dish that’s both simple and impressive.
Why I Love This Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to impress during a holiday dinner—or even a casual Sunday roast—it’s these brown sugar glazed carrots. They’re sweet, savory, buttery, and perfectly caramelized in the oven. What I especially love is that this recipe only takes a few simple ingredients, yet the result feels truly elevated. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and elegance together beautifully.
Ingredients Breakdown & Tips
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible brown sugar glazed carrots:
Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously to enhance flavor without overpowering.
Carrots (5 lbs): I like to use whole carrots and slice them lengthwise for a beautiful presentation. Look for firm, vibrant carrots—baby carrots will work in a pinch, too.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps roast the carrots until perfectly tender with golden edges.
Butter (3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the glaze cling to the carrots.
Dark brown sugar (3 tbsp): This brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Honey (2 tbsp): I like to pair honey with brown sugar for added depth and a more complex sweetness.
Fresh rosemary (2 tbsp): The earthiness of rosemary balances the sweetness perfectly.
Substitutions & Variations
- Herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme or sage for a different twist.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave can replace honey if needed.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, cozy vibe.
- Butter-free option: Use vegan butter or more olive oil to make this dairy-free.
- Add-ins: A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts added before serving gives a great crunch!
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the carrots: Peel and cut them in half lengthwise (quarter them if thick). Toss in a bowl with olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Make the glaze: While the carrots roast, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and honey. Cook until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Glaze the carrots: Pour the glaze over the carrots, toss gently to coat, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
- Finish: Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to thicken slightly.
Do you peel carrots before roasting?
This is completely up to preference. I don’t normally peel them, but I make sure to wash them thoroughly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Spread the carrots out for even roasting and caramelization.
Use fresh herbs – Fresh rosemary makes a huge difference in flavor and aroma.
Make ahead – Roast the carrots and prepare the glaze ahead, then reheat gently before serving.
Choose similar-sized pieces – For even cooking, slice carrots uniformly.
How to Store & Reheat
Freezing: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them if needed. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven, though texture may be softer.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This brown sugar-glazed carrot recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a holiday table. It’s easy, seasonal, and full of flavor—everything I love in a side dish. Whether you’re planning your Easter menu or just need a quick weeknight veggie, these carrots are a total win.
And the best part? The leftovers are just as good the next day (if there are any!).
Connect With Me
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Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 5 lbs of raw carrots
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 3 tbsp of dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp of honey
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp of freshly chopped rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Cut the carrots in half lengthwise, and again in quarters if they are bigger.
- Add them to a large bowl and toss with 2 tbsp of olive oil, chopped rosemary and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes.
- In the meantime time, we are going to make the brown sugar and honey mixture. In a small saucepan or deep large skillet, melt the butter on the stove top on low heat. Add the brown sugar and honey to the melted butter along with the fresh herbs.
- Turn the heat up to medium-high heat until the brown sugar completely dissolves, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the carrots from the oven and pour the brown sugar glaze on top. Gently toss to coat and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once ready, allow the glazed carrots to sit a few minutes to let the brown sugar honey glaze thicken a little.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
