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Brown Sugar Carrots: Easy Recipe for a Sweet Side Dish

These brown sugar baked carrots offer a caramelized glaze of sweetness that complements any main course. 

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts, they are made with just a few ingredients like butter and brown sugar.

If you’re ready to elevate your veggie game, check out our full collection of side dish recipes for more tasty ideas! These carrots will quickly become a family favorite.

This simple recipe turns carrots into a tender, flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and other savory dishes. 

How to Slice Carrots for Roasting 

Start by peeling and trimming the ends. For even cooking, aim for uniform thickness. If the carrots are thin, you can roast them whole or cut them into halves. For larger carrots, cut them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices for a more elegant presentation. You can also cut them into thick sticks or chunks, depending on your preference. Just make sure the pieces are similar in size to ensure they roast evenly.

How do you make brown sugar baked carrots?

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To make brown sugar baked carrots, preheat your oven to 400°F and peel and cut about 1 pound of carrots. This high temperature helps the carrots caramelize beautifully.

In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, then toss the carrots in the mixture until coated. 

brown sugar added to carrots

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and ensures even cooking. The carrots should be tender and caramelized when done.

For extra flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze or garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

How long do you cook brown sugar roasted carrots?

Roasted carrots typically cook for 25-30 minutes in a 400°F oven. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even roasting and caramelization.

baked carrots

You can prep the carrots and glaze a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready.

baked carrots

Learn how a few ingredients can transform this recipe for every season!

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    How to Serve Baked Carrots 

    Baked carrots make a fantastic side dish for any meal, from casual dinners to festive holiday feasts. For a weeknight dinner, serve them alongside roasted chicken or pork chops for a wholesome and flavorful addition to your meal. 

    During the holidays, a mix of holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a seasonal touch. Their sweet and savory flavors make them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that pairs well with everything from roast turkey to ham. Their bright color and sweet flavor make them a standout side dish on any table.

    baked carrots

    Looking for the perfect side dish? Check out these Thanksgiving Carrot Recipes, explore The Best Carrot Recipes, or try easy Crock Pot Vegetable Side Dish Recipes for your next meal!

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      baked carrots

      Brown Sugar Baked Carrots

      Yield: 8
      Prep Time: 5 minutes
      Cook Time: 30 minutes
      Total Time: 35 minutes

      Transform simple carrots into a delectable side dish with this easy recipe for brown sugar baked carrots. The carrots are roasted to tender perfection and coated in a luscious glaze of butter and brown sugar, creating a caramelized sweetness that's irresistible. This dish is versatile enough to enhance any weeknight dinner or add a special touch to your holiday feast.

      Ingredients

      • 10-12 Carrots, peeled and then cut in half OR 2 dozen baby carrots.
      • salt & pepper
      • 1 tsp cinnamon
      • 1/4 cup brown sugar
      • 4 tbsp butter, diced

      Instructions

      1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
      2. Wash and peel the carrots, removing any dirt or blemishes. Trim off the tops and cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as diagonal slices or sticks.
      3. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
      4. Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
      5. Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. 
      6. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. 
      7. Keep an eye on the carrots during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, creating a glossy glaze on the carrots.
      8. Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.
      9. Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

      Notes

      Store leftover carrots in an air-tight container. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove top on medium-high heat.

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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      Karen

      Wednesday 29th of May 2024

      I use dill weed in place of cinnamon, tastes incredible. Compliments turnips as well.

      Audrey

      Tuesday 16th of January 2024

      Hello, I would love to try these carrots in my air fryer that has a bake option. Do you think the temperature would be the same?

      momma lew

      Tuesday 16th of January 2024

      I believe it would!

      Melissa Ziolkowski

      Thursday 2nd of November 2023

      Can I cook them in a crockpot? I can't wait to try these...yumm

      momma lew

      Friday 3rd of November 2023

      I never tried before, but I don't see why not!

      Carol H-R

      Friday 15th of September 2023

      Had 2 lbs. of whole carrots and made them per your recipe; I love carrots but OMG these are fantastic. I had to stop myself from eating the entire batch. Thank you!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Š

      Aida

      Monday 14th of November 2022

      I a little bit confused on your notes it says If using baby carrots, you will need to adjust your time to 45-60 minutes, But for the regular size the Baking time says 25-30 minutes. Why do the Baby Carrots need more time?

      momma lew

      Monday 14th of November 2022

      Baby carrots are a lot firmer than regular carrots and take a longer time to cook.

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