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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: 4
      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?

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      Dolores

      Tuesday 31st of December 2024

      Can’t wait to make this recipe!

      Rebecca

      Monday 30th of December 2024

      The recipe states to use 2 dozen baby carrots and that it yields 8. Is that 8 servings? That equates to just three baby carrots per serving. Is this correct? This looks delicious, but it seems like one of the numbers is off.

      momma lew

      Monday 30th of December 2024

      You are correct - I updated it to 4 servings.

      Donald Miller

      Tuesday 24th of December 2024

      I take high school kids and we prepare lunch at a residental homeless mission once a month. This recipe is perfect. Easy for the kids to cook. Easy to expand to feed 85+. Easy on the wallet......and really tasty.

      momma lew

      Tuesday 24th of December 2024

      That is so wonderful and I LOVE that you are using my recipe to do this!

      Kay

      Monday 18th of November 2024

      Delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. I also added a good dash of powdered ginger which was perfect.

      Karen

      Wednesday 29th of May 2024

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

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