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Candied Carrots — Sweet, Buttery & Perfectly Glazed

Candied Carrots are a classic, comforting side dish that combines tender carrots with a buttery, sweet glaze that tastes absolutely irresistible. This recipe caramelizes the carrots in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and honey (or maple), creating a glossy finish that coats every bite. The carrots become soft, lightly sweet, and full of warm, welcoming flavor. This dish fits every occasion — holiday dinners, everyday family meals, special gatherings, and even weeknight suppers. Candied carrots pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or vegetarian mains. Their sweetness balances savory and rich dishes effortlessly. What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity: only a few ingredients, one pan, and less than 20 minutes of cooking time. Yet, the flavor is rich, warm, and deeply satisfying. This is the type of recipe that gets passed down and remembered.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb carrots peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Seasoning
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper optional
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley thyme, or toasted nuts

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowl or platter

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
  1. Peel carrots and slice them into evenly sized pieces — this helps them cook uniformly.
  2. You can slice them into coins, sticks, or diagonal slices for a prettier look.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots
  1. Place carrots into a medium saucepan.
  2. Add enough water to barely cover them.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook for 6–8 minutes, just until tender.
  4. Drain well.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
  1. In the same pan (or a skillet), melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in brown sugar and honey.
  3. Allow the mixture to bubble for 1 minute, until it becomes glossy and slightly thick.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
  1. Add the drained carrots back into the pan.
  2. Stir gently to coat them thoroughly in the glaze.
  3. Continue cooking for 2–4 minutes, allowing the glaze to cling to the carrots and slightly caramelize.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt to preference.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs or toasted nuts if desired.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring as needed.
Tip: If glaze thickens too much when reheating, add a tiny splash of water or butter.
🥄 Variations
Maple Candied Carrots:
Replace honey with pure maple syrup for rich, deeper caramel-like flavor.
Add Warm Spice:
Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy holiday taste.
Citrus Brightness:
Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a bit of orange zest for freshness.
Nutty Crunch:
Top with toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for texture.
Savory-Sweet:
Add fresh thyme or rosemary to balance sweetness.
Extra Caramelization:
After glazing on stovetop, place under broiler for 2–3 minutes for golden edges.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes — just increase cooking time slightly as they are thicker.
Do I have to boil the carrots first?
It helps soften them evenly. But you can roast them instead for deeper flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use plant-based butter.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes — reheat gently and refresh glaze with a touch of butter.
How do I avoid the glaze becoming grainy?
Let the sugar fully melt into the butter before adding carrots.
Can I lower the sweetness?
Yes — reduce brown sugar to 1 tablespoon.
Can I add garlic?
For a sweet-savory twist, add a small minced garlic clove to melted butter.
How do I keep carrots vibrant?
Don’t overcook — they should remain tender, not mushy.
Can I oven roast instead?
Yes — toss raw carrots with glaze and roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~25 minutes.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely — kids love the natural sweetness.
🏁 Conclusion
Candied Carrots bring warmth, sweetness, and comfort to any meal. Their tender texture, glossy glaze, and rich buttery flavor make them unforgettable, while the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that they’re easy enough to prepare anytime.
Serve them during holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want a touch of brightness on the plate. This dish is proof that vegetables can be both wholesome and deliciously indulgent.