These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that will complement any meal. Roasted until tender and caramelized, these carrots are coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze that is perfectly balanced with savory garlic and butter. Whether you're preparing a casual dinner or a special holiday meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS- Carrots: 2 lb (1 kg), peeled and cut into 1.75” (4cm) diagonal lengths.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (40g), loosely packed, for the sweet glaze.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to add a savory depth to the dish.
- Butter: 2 tbsp (30g), melted, or substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, to help with roasting and coating the carrots.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, to season the carrots perfectly.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp, for a hint of spice and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, for garnish and a pop of color.
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or 400°F (200°C) if using a fan oven.
- Step 2:
- Cut the carrots on the diagonal into 1.75” (4cm) lengths. Halve the thicker ends to ensure uniform width.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, toss the carrots with brown sugar, melted butter, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 4:
- Spread the carrots onto a baking tray in a single layer.
- Step 5:
- Roast for 15 minutes, toss, then continue roasting for another 10 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the glaze is thickened.
- Step 6:
- Toss the roasted carrots in the remaining glaze and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately as a warm side dish to accompany your main course.
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little honey on top before serving.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil.
- For a smoky twist, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Julia Child recommends roasting the carrots at a high temperature to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests tossing the carrots in a bit of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.