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Baked Brown Sugar Carrots — Sweet, Buttery & Perfectly Glazed

There’s something comforting about the aroma of brown sugar and butter bubbling together in the oven. These Baked Brown Sugar Carrots take simple ingredients and turn them into an irresistible side dish that feels both homemade and elegant. They’re tender on the inside, slightly caramelized on the edges, and coated with a glossy glaze that balances sweet and savory perfectly. Ideal for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or any night when you want something warm and delicious on the table. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or mashed potatoes, adding a pop of color and natural sweetness to your plate.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥕 Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb carrots peeled and sliced into even pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup brown sugar light or dark, packed
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon optional, for warmth
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
🌿 Optional Garnish
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Honey drizzle or extra brown sugar for serving

Equipment

  • Baking dish or sheet pan
  • Small saucepan (for melting butter)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Aluminum foil (optional for covering)

Method
 

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Prepare the Carrots
  1. Peel the carrots and slice them into even-sized sticks or coins (about ½ inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
Step 3 – Mix the Glaze
  1. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon until smooth and glossy.
Step 4 – Coat the Carrots
  1. Add the carrots to the glaze mixture and toss until fully coated.
Step 5 – Bake Until Tender
  1. Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the edges begin to caramelize.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
  1. Once baked, drizzle with the remaining glaze from the pan and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the buttery sweetness!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended — carrots may lose their texture.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 8–10 minutes until hot and glossy again.
🥄 Variations
Maple-Glazed Carrots: Replace brown sugar with 2 tbsp maple syrup.
Garlic Butter Carrots: Add 1 clove minced garlic to the melted butter before mixing.
Spiced Holiday Carrots: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm festive flavor.
Honey-Roasted Version: Swap brown sugar for honey and reduce butter to 2 tbsp.
Savory Herb Twist: Skip sugar and add fresh thyme or rosemary for a herb-forward side.
Glazed Rainbow Carrots: Use multi-colored heirloom carrots for a beautiful holiday presentation.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use baby carrots?
Yes — just increase bake time to 35–40 minutes and stir often.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — bake a day before, reheat covered in the oven with a pat of butter.
3. Can I use white or golden carrots?
Absolutely! They look beautiful and taste slightly milder.
4. Can I make them dairy-free?
Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of butter.
5. Do I need to peel the carrots?
If you scrub them well, you can leave the skins on for a rustic look.
6. What pairs well with this dish?
Try it with roasted chicken, meatloaf, or quinoa salad.
7. Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar to 2 tbsp or add extra salt and pepper for balance.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes — parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets roast beautifully with the same glaze.
9. Can I serve them cold?
They’re best warm, but they also work as a chilled side salad with greens.
10. Can I use air fryer?
Yes — cook at 375 °F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
🏁 Conclusion
These Baked Brown Sugar Carrots prove that simple ingredients can create the most comforting dishes. The caramelized glaze, buttery aroma, and natural sweetness make this side dish a family favorite for holidays or everyday meals.
They’re warm, colorful, and absolutely delicious — a guaranteed way to make any table feel a little more special.
Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday roast, these glazed carrots will steal the show every single time.