Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Indulge in the sweetness of brown sugar carrots with our delectable recipe. Discover how to elevate this classic side dish to new heights of flavor!

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (1)

Looking for a delicious and vibrant side dish to complement your main course? Look no further than brown sugar carrots! This baked carrots recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Brown sugar glazed carrots make a delicious and vibrant addition to any meal, whether it’s a dinner on busy weeknights or a special occasion like a holiday dinner.

With a touch of brown sugar, this carrot recipe works with the natural sugars to create a mouthwatering dish with a sweet glaze that takes healthy vegetables to a whole new level.

The brown sugar caramelizes as it coats the sweet carrots throughout the roasting process, creating a glossy glaze that adds depth and richness, transforming simple carrots into a luscious and sweet side dish.

One of the best things about roasted glazed carrots is how easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in no time.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2)

How to Make Brown Sugar Carrots

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

Ingredient Checklist:

  • 10-12 Whole 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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Wash and peel the carrots, removing any dirt or blemishes. Trim off the tops and cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as diagonal slices or sticks.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (3)

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (4)

Keep an eye on the carrots during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a glossy glaze on the carrots.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (5)

How to Slice Carrots

  • Start by washing the carrots under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any stubborn dirt.
  • If desired, peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler. Trim off the green tops and bottoms of the carrots using a sharp knife. Remove any green stems or leaves attached to the carrot.
  • For oven-baked carrots, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the trimmed carrot on a cutting board. Hold the carrot steady with one hand and use a sharp knife to slice it into the desired shape. For rounds, slice the carrot crosswise into even slices. For sticks, cut the carrot lengthwise into long strips and then slice them into sticks. For diagonal slices, cut the carrot at an angle to create elongated pieces.
  • Try to maintain a consistent thickness for even cooking. If you prefer softer carrots, slice them slightly thicker. For a quicker cooking time and slightly firmer texture, slice them thinner.
  • Once the carrots are sliced, they are ready to be arranged on a baking sheet for baking. Make sure to spread them in a single layer with enough space between each piece to promote even cooking and browning.
Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (6)

Relevant Blog Posts

  • Recipes for Carrots
  • Slow Cooker Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
  • Great recipe for Chicken Pot Pie
  • Main Dish Recipes

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Carrots:

Brown sugar carrots are not only delicious, but they also complement a wide range of main courses.

So, what pairs well with glazed carrots? They are the perfect side dish to savory dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With their versatility, brown sugar carrots are an excellent choice for everyday meals or special occasions. Prepare them for your next dinner party or enjoy them as a family-favorite side dish – the possibilities are endless.

Some suggestions for what to serve alongside brown sugar baked carrots include your favorite recipes such as roast chicken, steak, salmon, pork chops and vegetarian options such as roasted vegetable medleys, stir fries and salads.

Baked carrots are a popular side dish for holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where they complement the richness of traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted turkey.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (7)

FAQs about Oven Baked Glazed Carrots

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with different sweeteners to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Options like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives to brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly based on the sweetener you choose.

Can I make brown sugar carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! Brown sugar carrots can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of brown sugar carrots?

Yes, you have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your preference. If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Keep in mind that adjusting the sweetness may impact the overall flavor balance, so it’s recommended to make gradual changes and taste as you go.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to brown sugar carrots?

Absolutely! Brown sugar carrots can be customized with various spices and seasonings to add depth and complexity to the dish. Common options include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even a sprinkle of herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

How long to roast carrots at 350 degrees?

When roasting carrots at 350 degrees F, the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the carrots. As a general guideline, small to medium-sized carrots typically take about 25-30 minutes to roast, while larger carrots may require 35-40 minutes.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (8)

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Discover a delightful side dish with our oven baked carrots recipe. These tender, flavorful and buttery carrots are perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. This easy and delicious side dish will become your favorite way to enjoy carrots.

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

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Wash and peel the carrots, removing any dirt or blemishes. Trim off the tops and cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as diagonal slices or sticks.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

Keep an eye on the carrots during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a glossy glaze on the carrots.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (9)

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Discover a delightful side dish with our oven baked carrots recipe. These tender, flavorful and buttery carrots are perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. This easy and delicious side dish will become your favorite way to enjoy carrots.

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

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Wash and peel the carrots, removing any dirt or blemishes. Trim off the tops and cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as diagonal slices or sticks.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

Keep an eye on the carrots during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a glossy glaze on the carrots.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2024)

FAQs

What makes carrots taste sweet? ›

As carrots grow, they develop terpenoids which are what give carrots their flavour. The sugars develop later on and are stored in the root. Pick too early and you'll be eating the terpenoids, without the sugars.

What to eat with glazed carrots? ›

Glazed carrots coated in a mixture of brown sugar and butter are a versatile side dish you can serve alongside a weeknight meatloaf, a Sunday ham, or your Thanksgiving turkey. These caramelized carrots are a definite kid-pleaser but they're elegant enough to impress the adults as well!

How to cook carrots for most nutrients? ›

One way to do this is by steaming the carrots , as this method helps to retain the water - soluble vitamins and minerals . Another option is to lightly sauté the carrots in a small amount of oil , as this method also helps to preserve the nutrients .

How to steam carrots with a steamer basket? ›

Fill a medium wide-mouthed pot with 2 inches of water. Set a collapsible steamer basket insert into the pot, then bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Put the carrots in the steamer basket and cook, covered, until tender when pierced with a knife, about 8 minutes.

How can I enhance the flavor of carrots? ›

Seasoning carrots is a great way to help bring out their flavor. For a simple and versatile seasoning, stick with salt, pepper, and garlic. For an herbier taste, add rosemary, parsley, cumin, or coriander. Or, to bring out their fresh, woody flavor, add some anise.

How to get sweeter carrots? ›

Here are a few tips for growing the sweetest carrots:
  1. Plant Carrots Midsummer. Many root vegetables are considered “cool weather” crops—they grow lush and juicy when daytime temperatures are in the 70s, and are sweetest when harvested in cool weather. ...
  2. Choose the Sweetest Varieties. ...
  3. Nourish with H-G Sweet 'N Grow.

What pairs well with carrots? ›

Carrots pair beautifully with warm, earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Toss them with 1/4 teaspoon of one or more of these spices before roasting. Use a garlic Parmesan seasoning. Skip the honey, and toss the carrots with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead.

What meat goes best with carrots? ›

Roasted carrots go with all proteins – chicken, pork, lamb, beef, seafood. Specifically, I find it best to serve roast chicken fresh out of the oven so these carrots don't make an appearance on the side of chicken.

Should you boil carrots before roasting? ›

Undercook them, and the texture is tough and dense. Overcook them, and they're dry and wrinkled. The secret is to soften the carrots slightly by boiling them briefly before roasting. The texture will be firm-tender with just the right amount of caramelization on the outside.

Do carrots lose nutrients when baked? ›

Cooking vegetables can make the cell walls less rigid, which makes it easier to absorb certain nutrients and digest food better. For example, cooked carrots have more beta carotene, an antioxidant that can be converted to vitamin A and can improve bone, eye and reproductive health.

What's the healthiest way to eat a carrot? ›

People can eat them raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or as an ingredient in soups and stews. Boiling vegetables can reduce or eliminate some of the vitamin content. Raw or steamed carrots provide the most nutritional value.

Is it better to steam or boil carrots? ›

Steaming is a healthy option for cooking vegetables like carrots since it does not require large amounts of oil for cooking.

How long does it take to steam carrots without a steamer? ›

Bring the water to a boil, then add the carrots and salt, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the carrots for eight minutes, or until a fork can gently pierce them. Toss them with unsalted butter, brown sugar (or maple syrup or honey), salt and pepper for an easy side dish.

Can you steam carrots in a Ziploc bag? ›

directions. Put baby carrots in medium or large Ziploc steamer bag. Microwave for 6 minutes. Carefully open bag (the steam is very HOT!) and add the butter sprays, seasoning mix and cheese.

Which carrot is the sweetest? ›

Select carrot varieties known for their sweet flavor. Dantes, Little finger, Short 'n Sweet, Sweetness, and Tendersweet are just a few to consider. Be sure to plant carrots early in the season for an early summer harvest, midseason for a fall harvest or fall for a winter harvest in milder climates.

How do you balance the sweetness of carrots? ›

Neutralize the sweetness by using one or more simple techniques. Add 1 tbsp. of lemon juice or cider vinegar per quart of soup. Stir well and allow to simmer for two to three minutes.

What do carrots taste good dipped in? ›

You've already said Ranch - Add Blue Cheese - Variations of Ranch (my favorite includes Cilantro). You can dip carrots into a lot of things. Try hummus, guacamole, blue cheese dip or baba ganoush.

Why are baby carrots sweeter? ›

Most baby carrots sold in U.S. supermarkets are really what the industry calls “baby cuts." These babies are made from longer carrots that have been peeled and cut into a smaller size. These carrots have also been bred to be smaller in diameter, coreless and sweeter than regular carrots.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6165

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.