Name: Glazed Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds carrots (peeled and cut into ½-inch slices or sticks); ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup packed brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground white or black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for orange-glazed carrots); 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (maple-glazed variation); 2 tablespoons honey (honey-glazed variation); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (sweet-tangy flavor); 2 tablespoons bourbon (for rich, boozy flavor); Chopped parsley (fresh thyme, or chives)

Glazed carrots are a timeless side that balances the earthiness of fresh carrots with a luscious sweet-savory coating. In this Glazed Carrots Recipe, we’ll transform humble carrots into a show-stopping accompaniment by gently cooking them until tender and then enveloping them in a glossy, butter- and sugar-based glaze. You’ll learn how to choose and prep your carrots, master the perfect cooking technique, and customize your glaze with flavors like orange, maple, honey, balsamic, or even bourbon. Plus, we’ll share professional chef tips for uniform cutting, precise timing, and creative twists—ensuring your glazed carrots steal the spotlight at any table.

Ingredients

Classic Glaze Base

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks or slices (about ½-inch thick)
¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup packed brown sugar (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)

Optional Flavor Enhancers

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (for an orange-glazed twist)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (maps to a maple-glazed profile)
2 tablespoons honey (common in honey-glazed variations)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for a sweet-tangy glaze)
2 tablespoons bourbon (for a warm, boozy note)
Fresh herbs: thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, or chives for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Carrots

Wash and peel your carrots to remove any dirt and blemishes; trim off the tops and tails.
Cut uniformly into sticks (½-inch thick) or diagonal slices—this ensures even cooking and maximum surface area for the glaze.

2. Blanch for Best Texture

Blanching carrots briefly in salted water enhances their color, removes harsh raw flavor, and jump-starts tenderness.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Add carrots and cook until just tender-crisp (2–3 minutes).
Drain immediately and plunge into an ice water bath to stop cooking and preserve vibrant color.

3. Make the Classic Butter-Sugar Glaze

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter until shimmering.

Add brown sugar and salt, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble gently.
Toss the blanched carrots into the pan, ensuring each piece is coated in the glaze.
Cook over low heat for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender and the glaze thickens to a glossy coating.

4. Incorporate Optional Flavors

Orange-Glazed Carrots: Stir in ¼ cup fresh orange juice along with the sugar, reducing it until the sauce clings to carrots.
Maple-Glazed Carrots: Replace brown sugar with 3 tablespoons maple syrup; finish with a pat of butter for sheen.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Use ¼ cup honey in place of sugar and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Balsamic-Glazed Carrots: After sautéing carrots in butter, stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar; simmer until syrupy.
Bourbon-Glazed Carrots: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the butter-sugar base; carefully flame if desired or allow alcohol to cook off while infusing flavor.

5. Finish and Garnish

Season with additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or whole thyme sprigs for a pop of color and herbal aroma.

Pro Chef Tips

Uniform Sizing Is Key: Cut all carrots to the same thickness—this guarantees that they cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.
Control the Heat: Keep the glaze at a low simmer. High heat can scorch the sugar, leading to bitterness.

Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: Blanching and shocking preserve that vibrant orange hue and ensure a tender-crisp bite.
Deglaze for Depth: After removing carrots, deglaze the pan with a splash of stock or wine to capture all the caramelized bits; pour this extra glaze over the carrots before serving.
Batch Cooking: Glaze in two smaller batches if your pan is crowded—overcrowding steams rather than glazes.

Creative Variations

Herb-Infused Glaze

Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the butter and sugar mixture. Herbs infuse the sweet glaze with savory complexity.

Spiced Carrot Glaze

Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice with the sugar for a warm, autumn-inspired side.

Citrus-Ginger Twist

Combine 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger and 2 tablespoons orange juice for a bright, zesty glaze that pairs wonderfully with roasted pork.

Sesame-Ginger Glazed Carrots

Use soy sauce (1 tablespoon) and honey (2 tablespoons) in place of sugar; finish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for an Asian-inspired side.

Serving Suggestions

Thanksgiving or Holiday Table: Glazed carrots complement turkey, ham, or prime rib with their sweet and colorful presence.
Weeknight Dinners: Pair with grilled chicken, seared fish, or a simple roast for a quick yet elegant side.

Vegetarian Feast: Serve alongside creamy polenta or risotto and a green salad for a meatless dinner that feels indulgent.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze; garnish just before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate cooled glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days .

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water or stock, turning occasionally until warmed through and glossy.

Conclusion

This Glazed Carrots Recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a star side dish through precise technique and a harmonious sweet-savory glaze. Whether you stick with the classic butter-and-brown sugar version or explore variations like orange, maple, honey, balsamic, or bourbon, these carrots will delight both casual weeknight meals and festive feasts. By following pro tips—uniform cuts, controlled heat, and strategic blanching—you’ll achieve vibrant, tender, and irresistibly glazed carrots every time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and watch this simple recipe become a family favorite and a standout on your table!