Candied Carrots Brown Sugar Glaze

This sweet candied carrots recipe transforms basic carrots into a shiny buttery side dish that steals the show at my family gatherings every single year. Buttery brown sugar glaze clings to just-tender carrots so each bite is soft sweet and beautifully savory. These are always the first veggies gone from the table and my picky kids beg for seconds.

I first cooked up these carrots on a busy Easter years ago and now I return to the recipe whenever I want to guarantee empty plates

Ingredients

• Carrots: freshly peeled and cut into equal-sized pieces or use prewashed baby carrots for pure convenience go for firm vibrant carrots with smooth skin for the best texture
• Brown sugar: provides the signature glaze light brown sugar gives gentler sweetness dark brown adds deeper molasses note choose one that is soft with no hard lumps
• Butter: ensures a rich glossy coating high quality unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness
• Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and subtle spice try to use freshly opened cinnamon for bold flavor
• Salt: balances the sweetness use kosher salt if you have it for cleaner seasoning
• Black pepper: adds contrast with gentle heat grind it fresh if possible
• Water: helps steam and soften carrots in the glaze filtered water is best if your tap flavor is strong

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Carrots:

Wash peel and cut carrots into chunks about one inch thick or open a bag of baby carrots and give them a quick rinse then pat dry

Combine and Bring to a Boil:

Place the carrots butter brown sugar cinnamon salt pepper and water in a large pot with a tight fitting lid Set the pot over medium high heat and bring everything to a boil stirring once or twice to help dissolve the sugar and distribute the seasoning evenly

Simmer Covered:

Once boiling reduce the heat to low and cover with the lid Let the carrots simmer gently for about ten minutes so they soften and start absorbing flavor

Reduce and Glaze:

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium high Simmer uncovered stirring every few minutes so nothing burns Cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the glaze clings to the carrots creating a thick shiny syrup about ten more minutes

Serve:

Spoon the steaming glazed carrots into a serving bowl Sprinkle with your choice of finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley thyme or basil for color and aroma Enjoy right away or keep warm until serving

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My absolute favorite touch is a sprinkle of fresh basil over the glossy carrots the sweet and herbal flavors mingle so well and remind me of my grandmother who always added herbs from her garden I will never forget her laughing as she let me try these for the first time when I was little

Storage Tips

Let leftover candied carrots cool to room temperature Store in an airtight container or food storage bag in the fridge for up to two weeks Reheat gently in a microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze serve warm

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have brown sugar honey or agave syrup work as an alternative sweetener Butter can be swapped for vegan margarine to suit dairy-free diets Try a pinch of ginger or cardamom in place of cinnamon for a different spice profile

Serving Suggestions

These sweet carrots are the classic partner to baked ham especially at Easter They also go beautifully with roast chicken salmon or even tossed onto a salad for a pop of color and sweetness Scatter extra fresh herbs just before serving for a holiday look

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Cultural Context

Candied carrots date back to simple farmhouse and soul food cooking where brown sugar butter and whatever garden carrots were on hand made for a loved treat Recipes like this highlight how a humble ingredient can become festive with a touch of care

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the carrots evenly tender?

Cut carrots into uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate for perfect tenderness throughout each bite.

→ Can I use baby carrots instead?

Yes, baby carrots are convenient and cook evenly. Just rinse and dry them before using for best results.

→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?

Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives if you want a different level of sweetness or flavor.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Try adding minced garlic to the pot, or sprinkle in your favorite fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or tarragon.

→ How do I keep the carrots warm for serving?

Transfer finished carrots to a crockpot set to warm. Stir occasionally to keep the glaze smooth and glossy.

→ How long can I store glazed carrots?

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving to restore texture.