There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to make a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are that kind of recipe—sweet, buttery, and irresistibly glossy. Whether you’re serving steak, turkey, chicken, or salmon, these carrots make the perfect side dish for both holidays and weeknight dinners.

Tender roasted carrots are tossed with a buttery brown sugar glaze and finished in the oven until perfectly caramelized. The result is a vegetable side that’s vibrant, flavorful, and guaranteed to convert even picky eaters into carrot lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly balanced: Sweet, buttery, and lightly savory without being too sugary.
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Beautiful presentation: Shiny, caramelized carrots look stunning on any table.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepped ahead and reheated before serving.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into uniform pieces (about 1 inch long)
¼ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp light olive oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat & Prep Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice the carrots into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Par-Boil the Carrots Boil the carrots in salted water for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Coat the Carrots In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Toss the carrots until well coated.
Bake & Glaze Transfer the carrots to a baking dish and roast for 10 minutes. Stir and roast for another 10 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Finish & Serve Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the buttery sweetness!

Chef Emma’s Tips

Want extra tenderness? Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to let them glaze.
Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a savory twist.
Try using rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation!

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 258
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 281mg
Vitamin A: 38243 IU
Vitamin C: 13mg

Make Ahead & Storage

To make ahead: Roast the carrots as directed, then reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.
To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Their tender sweetness and buttery glaze make them the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread or an easy weeknight dinner. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple on your table year-round!