These glazed carrots are sweet and shiny, making them a fun side dish! They cook quickly and are perfect for any meal.
I love how the sweet glaze makes these carrots so tasty. Plus, they add a pop of color to my dinner plate. Who can resist a veggie that looks this good? 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. If you don’t have them, regular carrots cut into thin slices work just fine. I often prefer using whole carrots because they have more flavor!
Butter: Butter adds richness to the glaze. For a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or vegan butter. It changes the flavor slightly, but it still tastes great!
Brown Sugar or Honey: I love using brown sugar for its deeper flavor, but honey is a fantastic alternative if you want something more natural. Maple syrup could also work if you’re feeling adventurous!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme can be used—just remember it’s more concentrated, so use less!
How Can You Get Perfectly Glazed Carrots?
The key to achieving shiny and flavorful glazed carrots lies in the cooking technique. Here’s how I do it for the best results:
- Start by melting the butter on medium heat—this ensures it doesn’t burn.
- Add the carrots and coat them well with the butter before adding sugar/honey, which helps form the glaze.
- When you pour in water or broth, keep the pan uncovered to allow evaporation and let the glaze thicken.
- Stir occasionally, so they cook evenly and don’t stick.
- Cook until they are tender, but still have a nice crunch. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes!
Following these tips will help you create perfectly glazed carrots every time!
Glazed Carrots: A Sweet Side Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious glazed carrots recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and a wonderful addition to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melting the Butter:
To start, grab a large skillet and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until it’s bubbly and a bit foamy. This will create a nice base for our carrots!
2. Coating the Carrots:
Once the butter is melted, add in the baby carrots. Give them a good stir to coat the carrots evenly with that delicious butter. This step is important because it helps the carrots absorb all that buttery goodness!
3. Sweetening Up:
Now, it’s time to add a sprinkle of sweetness! You can either sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots or drizzle some honey on them. Stir well to make sure the sugar or honey mixes in nicely with the carrots.
4. Adding Flavor:
Next, pour in the water or vegetable broth to give it some moisture. Add the chopped fresh thyme (or dried thyme if that’s what you have). Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavor really starts to come together!
5. Cooking it Down:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the carrots cook uncovered while you stir occasionally. You want the liquid to reduce and become a glossy glaze around the carrots. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the carrots are tender but still have a nice bite to them – we love that crunch!
6. Finishing Touch:
Once the carrots are done, take them off the heat. Transfer them to a lovely serving dish. If you want to make it pretty, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your glazed carrots are now ready to serve warm. This sweet and savory side dish is sure to wow your family & friends with its vibrant flavors! Enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you have regular carrots, just slice them into thin rounds or sticks. They’ll take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly—about 15-20 minutes should do the trick!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can make glazed carrots ahead of time! Prepare them as directed, then let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Can I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in short bursts until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Sure thing! You can add vegetables like parsnips or green beans for variation. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as different veggies will soften at different rates!
