Sweet Candied Carrots Recipe: A Joyful Side Dish Surprise

Culinary magic happens when sweet candied carrots dance on your plate with vibrant colors and irresistible flavors.

Bright orange roots shimmer under a glossy caramel coating that promises delightful sensations.

Home cooks adore this simple side dish that elevates humble vegetables into something extraordinary.

Sugary glaze transforms ordinary carrots into a crowd-pleasing favorite everyone will crave.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, making this recipe perfect for busy kitchens.

Crisp yet tender, these carrots offer a perfect balance of sweetness and natural vegetable richness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner.

Sweet Glazed Carrot Side: The Sweet Appeal

• Quickly Transform Vegetables: Elevate ordinary carrots into a delightful side dish that turns even picky eaters into veggie lovers with minimal cooking skills required.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-worthy side using just a few pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition Boost: Pack a colorful, sweet, and slightly spicy vegetable dish that adds vibrant nutrition to any meal, appealing to both kids and adults with its delicious glazed coating.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a simple recipe that uses the same pan for boiling and glazing, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation a breeze.

Glazed Carrot – What to Have On Hand

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that provide a tender and slightly crunchy base for this delicious side dish.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination that creates a rich, sweet, and savory coating for the carrots.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and subtle fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Carrot Side – The Fast Track Guide

Step 1: Chop and Prep Carrots

Grab your fresh, vibrant carrots and slice them into beautiful diagonal pieces.

Select a large saucepan and fill it with cool water, ensuring the carrots are completely submerged with an extra inch of water on top.

Step 2: Boil to Perfection

Crank up the heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce the temperature, cover the saucepan, and let the carrots simmer gently.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re tender yet still have a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Drain and Rest

Carefully pour the carrots into a colander, allowing all the water to drain completely.

Set the carrots aside momentarily while preparing the magical glaze.

Step 4: Create Delicious Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Melt and stir the ingredients over medium heat until they transform into a smooth, shimmering mixture.

Step 5: Coat Carrots in Glaze

Gently return the cooked carrots to the pan.

Toss and coat them thoroughly in the sweet and savory glaze.

Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until every carrot piece glistens.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a final touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the glazed carrots.

Transfer to a beautiful serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm and inviting.

Glazed Carrot – Tips for Sweetness

• Choose bright orange, firm carrots without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch carefully during simmering to prevent overcooking and maintain crisp-tender carrots.
• Adjust brown sugar amount to suit your taste preferences, adding less for a more savory profile.
• Experiment with adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or a splash of orange juice to the glaze for depth.
• Chop parsley just before sprinkling to preserve its bright green color and fresh taste.

Carrot Side – Twists for Every Table

• Honey Maple Carrot Blend: Replace brown sugar with a mix of honey and maple syrup for a natural sweetener profile that enhances the carrots' earthy flavor.
• Spicy Cayenne Glazed Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
• Herb-Infused Carrot Glaze: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the butter mixture for an aromatic herb dimension.
• Vegan Coconut Carrot Option: Swap butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a dairy-free, plant-based version that maintains a rich, caramelized coating.

Serving Sweet Glazed Carrot Side

• Crowd-Pleasing Companions: Perfect pairings to elevate your sweet glazed carrots and create a memorable meal.
• Protein Partners: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin complement the sweet and savory carrots beautifully.
• Starch Sidekicks: Creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, or fluffy quinoa provide a delightful textural contrast to the glazed carrots.
• Dinner Party Presentation: Serve on a white ceramic platter, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, and add a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers for an elegant touch that impresses guests.

Carrot Side – Keep It Fresh

• Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place carrots in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm carrots in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or butter to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work perfectly. Just ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly as they might be smaller.

• How do I know when carrots are crisp-tender?

Pierce a carrot with a fork. If it goes through easily but the carrot still has a slight resistance, it’s crisp-tender. This usually takes 8-10 minutes of simmering.

• What if I don't have brown sugar?

White sugar can substitute, but brown sugar provides a deeper, richer caramel-like flavor that complements the carrots better. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup work as good replacements.

Sweet Candied Carrots Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful sweet candied carrots bring Southern comfort to your dinner table, combining brown sugar and butter into a magical side dish. Caramelized edges and glossy finish promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, sliced

Main Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (55 grams) packed brown sugar

Spices and Herbs:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large saucepan with water, ensuring carrots are submerged by 1 inch.
2. Place pan over high heat and bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to low, covering with a lid and allowing carrots to simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender yet slightly crisp.
3. Remove carrots from water using a colander, draining completely and setting aside momentarily.
4. Return empty pan to medium heat, melting butter with brown sugar, creating a smooth caramel-like mixture while incorporating salt and pepper.
5. Gently fold drained carrots into the sweet glaze, continuously stirring to ensure even coating and allowing them to absorb flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Transfer glazed carrots to a serving dish, sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and added visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose fresh, firm carrots with bright orange color for the best flavor and texture.
• Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent glazing throughout the dish.
• Control cooking time carefully to maintain carrots’ crisp-tender texture without becoming mushy.
• Adjust sugar levels in the glaze for dietary needs by using honey, maple syrup, or sugar alternatives for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 158 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 121 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg