Description
Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots transform simple carrots into a sweet and savory side dish featuring a glossy caramel-like glaze made from pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter. This quick and easy recipe delivers tender-crisp carrots with a rich, comforting flavor that is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into rounds or sticks
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil/vegan margarine for vegan version)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and cut the carrots into evenly sized rounds or sticks to ensure uniform cooking and perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Cook the Carrots: Place the carrots in a pan with a little water and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften, retaining their natural flavor and bright color.
- Make the Glaze: Add butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar directly to the pan. Stir gently as the mixture melts and thickens into a glossy coating.
- Combine and Simmer: Toss the carrots in the glaze to coat each piece thoroughly. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the glaze is thick and luscious.
- Season and Serve: Finish with a pinch of salt and optional black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve the glazed carrots hot.
Notes
- Cut carrots uniformly for consistent cooking and texture.
- Use medium to low heat to prevent burning the sugar and to develop rich glaze flavor.
- Allow the glaze to reduce to a syrupy thickness for perfect coating without stickiness.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic, deep flavor; pancake syrup is not recommended.
- Butter is essential for silky texture and balanced sweetness; substitute with vegan options if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: maple glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, glazed carrots recipe, easy side dish, fall side dish, holiday side dish, vegan glazed carrots option
