If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple, sweet, and absolutely irresistible, then you’re going to love this Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe. I absolutely love how the natural sweetness of the carrots deepens, and the brown sugar glaze creates that perfect caramelized finish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these carrots always steal the show and make the whole family go crazy. Stick with me—I’ll share all my best tips so you get those tender, shiny, sweet carrots every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Harmony: The brown sugar perfectly balances the earthy flavor of carrots for a delicious glaze.
- Super Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and fuss, which means more time enjoying and less time cooking.
- Caramelized Magic: Roasting brings out the best in carrots, making them tender with crispy edges every time.
- Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: My family always requests these, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe is in the simplicity of the ingredients—they all work together so well to create that luscious glaze and give the carrots a wonderful depth of flavor. When you shop, I recommend picking fresh, firm carrots without too many cracks or bends for the best texture.
- Carrots: Fresh and firm carrots work best—peeling is optional but I find it helps the glaze stick better.
- Brown Sugar: I use loosely packed brown sugar for that rich caramel flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds savory depth that complements the sweetness.
- Butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps the glaze coat each carrot perfectly. Olive oil can be swapped if you’re dairy-free.
- Olive Oil: Adds a bit of moisture and helps with roasting and caramelization.
- Salt: Essential to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness of the sugar.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley is a bright, herbaceous finish that looks and tastes wonderful.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak things to suit my mood or dietary needs, and it always turns out fantastic.
- Add a Spicy Kick: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the mix for a subtle heat—it’s a game changer!
- Go Vegan: Simply swap out the butter for extra olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and you’re set.
- Herbal Boost: Rosemary or thyme can be tossed in with the carrots to add an earthy aroma that complements the sweetness.
- Make It Citrus: A little grated orange zest stirred into the glaze brightens up the entire dish beautifully.
How to Make Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Carrots Just Right
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) if you’re using a standard oven, or 200°C (400°F) for a fan oven—that high heat is key for those caramelized edges. Cut the carrots on a diagonal into roughly 1.75-inch lengths; if some pieces are thicker, halve them so everything cooks evenly. I like doing this because uniform size means every carrot gets that perfect tender crispness without some pieces being mushy or underdone.
Step 2: Toss Carrots with the Sweet & Savory Glaze
In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss your carrots in this mixture until each piece is well coated—this is what creates that amazing glossy finish after roasting. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking tray; overcrowding could lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven for about 15 minutes, then take them out to give everything a good toss. This helps the glaze coat evenly and the carrots cook without sticking. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes or so, watching for those edges to turn a lovely caramel brown. You’ll know it’s perfect when the carrots are soft inside and the sugar glaze is thick and sticky on the tray. I always sneak a taste here—sooo good!
Step 4: Serve Warm with a Touch of Freshness
After roasting, toss the carrots gently in the sticky glaze left in the pan to coat them one last time. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re using it—the bright green adds a lovely contrast in both color and flavor. Serve immediately while they’re warm and shiny. Trust me, these won’t last long on the plate.
Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Uniform Sizing: Cutting carrots to similar sizes ensures even cooking—trust me, I learned this by accidentally ending up with some crunchy and some mushy pieces!
- Don’t Skip Tossing Midway: Tossing halfway through roasting keeps the glaze from burning and redistributes flavors beautifully.
- Use a Hot Oven: Roasting at a high temperature is what gives you those irresistible caramelized edges without drying out the carrots.
- Save the Glaze: Always toss the cooked carrots back into the glaze on the tray to soak up every last bit of flavor before serving.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
I often add fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color and freshness—it complements the sweet glaze wonderfully. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed or chopped fresh thyme for a different flavor profile. If you want an extra touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs amazingly well with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty grain salad. I’ve also served these along with a creamy risotto or mashed potatoes, and they provide a beautiful contrast of sweetness and texture. For holiday dinners, these carrots are a no-brainer side dish that wins compliments every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the roasted carrots on a platter drizzled with the leftover glaze and sprinkle chopped herbs on top. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of toasted nuts or seeds to add crunch. I once made a vibrant roasted vegetable board with these carrots front and center—it looked stunning and tasted even better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days. The glaze thickens up in the fridge, so give them a gentle toss before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these carrots once or twice when I made extra for meal prep. They freeze well in a sealed container for up to 2 months, though the texture softens a bit. To keep the best flavor, cool them completely first, then freeze in portions.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a hot oven (about 200°C/400°F) for 8-10 minutes to help firm them up and revive that caramelized edge. Microwaving works but can make them a bit soggy, so if you’re short on time, just microwave briefly and then pop under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe?
You can substitute regular granulated sugar but keep in mind it won’t add the same rich molasses flavor that brown sugar provides. The caramelization might also be less deep, but the carrots will still be delicious.
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What’s the best way to peel and cut carrots for this recipe?
I peel the carrots for a cleaner look and better glaze adhesion, then slice them diagonally into 1.75-inch pieces. Thicker parts get halved lengthwise to keep all pieces uniform so the roasting is even.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! Just swap the butter for extra olive oil or a plant-based spread, and you’re good to go with a vegan-friendly version that’s just as tasty.
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How can I prevent the brown sugar glaze from burning during roasting?
Make sure to toss the carrots halfway through cooking to redistribute the sugar and keep an eye on the roasting time. Using a hot oven but not leaving the carrots unattended helps prevent burning while allowing caramelization.
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Can I add other vegetables to roast with the carrots?
You sure can! Par-cooked or similarly sized root veggies like parsnips or sweet potatoes work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and toss everything together in the same glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe has become one of my go-to side dishes because it’s foolproof, delicious, and loved by everyone I serve it to. The caramelized glaze gives such a special touch to a humble vegetable, and I’m excited for you to experience that same joy in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, you can’t go wrong with these sweet, tender, and glossy carrots. Give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever roasted carrots any other way!
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Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a quick and easy roasted side dish that enhances the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich caramelized glaze. Tossed with brown sugar, garlic, butter, and a touch of olive oil, then roasted to perfection, these carrots become tender with beautifully caramelized edges. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness to this comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled
Glaze
- 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (30g), melted (or use olive oil)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for standard ovens or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-forced oven to ensure perfect roasting temperatures.
- Prepare Carrots: Cut the carrots diagonally into 4 cm (1.75 inch) lengths. Slice the thicker ends in half so all pieces are roughly the same width, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix Glaze and Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Roast Carrots: Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a roasting tray. Roast them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Toss and Continue Roasting: Remove the tray and gently toss the carrots to redistribute the glaze. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Serve: Toss the carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a flavorful side dish.
- Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of carrots and creates irresistible caramelized edges.
- Use melted butter or olive oil depending on your preference; both yield tasty results.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- The recipe video demonstrates the best way to achieve perfect glazed carrots every time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 414 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
