These brown sugar honey-glazed carrots are one of my favourite sides at the moment. While they are the most delicious side dish for your holiday dinner, this easy carrot side dish is also perfect to make for a weeknight meal. The brown sugar-glazed carrots are sure to please everyone at your table, even the pickiest of eaters. These tender carrots can be made in the slow cooker as well, and a delicious way to get your family to eat more vegetables.
If you love roasted vegetables as much as I do, try these Oven Roasted Spiced Root Vegetables. Find the full recipe here! The best part of that recipe has to be the Greek Yogurt and Tahini sauce!
Why you’ll love these brown sugar glazed carrots
- Easy. This dish only requires a few simple ingredients and there isn’t too much cooking time either. You can use whatever type of carrots available at the grocery store. Fresh baby carrots, frozen carrots or larger carrots work!
- Perfect for the Holidays! Not only are these perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, but these sweet carrots are also a great addition to your holiday table to compliment your main dish. The sweet glaze in this easy side dish is a perfect pairing for turkey or your roast chicken. But the best part is that these brown sugar-glazed carrots are also perfect for Easter dinner or any other Holiday.
How much brown sugar for the glazed carrots?
Since we just want to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots (and not have candied carrots, which I’m sure would be delicious!!) we are only adding 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. In order to create the sticky glaze, we are also adding 2 tablespoons of honey. You can also substitute the honey for maple syrup if you wish!
Also, while the sweet carrots are roasting in the oven, the natural sugars will be released during the caramelization process to help create a beautiful glaze.
Ingredients for your Honey Glazed Carrots
- 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
To make this easy side dish recipe more seasonal, you can use fresh herbs that you have available in your garden or from the supermarket. You can use fresh parsley, fresh dill, and fresh thyme for this glazed carrots recipe.
How to make Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- 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. Turn the heat down to medium heat or medium low if the mixture starts to bubble as you just want it to simmer and thicken.
- Remove the carrots from the oven and pour the brown sugar glaze on top. Gentle 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. Serve with an extra little brown sugar sprinkle on top and a pinch of cinnamon (optional).
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.
Can you make honey glazed carrots ahead of time?
I love making this brown sugar honey glazed roasted carrot recipe in advance, and they are even better the next day once the carrots have been allowed to soak up the glaze. When ready to serve, just re-heat in the oven at 350 F for 15-20 minutes. Being able to make it in advance is another reason why this easy side dish recipe is perfect for the busy holiday season.
How do I store glazed carrots?
Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What to serve with your Caramelized Carrots
This simple side dish pairs perfectly with roast pork, baked chicken dishes, pork chops and of course, turkey.
Tried this recipe? Tell me what you think in the comment section or tag me on social media! You can find me on Instagram here!
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.
