Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2024)

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Indulge in the sweetness of brown sugar carrots with our delectable recipe. Discover how to elevate this classic side dish to new heights of flavor!

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (1)

Looking for a delicious and vibrant side dish to complement your main course? Look no further than brown sugar carrots! This baked carrots recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Brown sugar glazed carrots make a delicious and vibrant addition to any meal, whether it’s a dinner on busy weeknights or a special occasion like a holiday dinner.

With a touch of brown sugar, this carrot recipe works with the natural sugars to create a mouthwatering dish with a sweet glaze that takes healthy vegetables to a whole new level.

The brown sugar caramelizes as it coats the sweet carrots throughout the roasting process, creating a glossy glaze that adds depth and richness, transforming simple carrots into a luscious and sweet side dish.

One of the best things about roasted glazed carrots is how easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in no time.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2)

How to Make Brown Sugar Carrots

If you scroll down, I have a printable recipe card for you with instructions and the full simple ingredients.

Ingredient Checklist:

  • 10-12 Whole Carrots (usually 1 bag of carrots), peeled and then cut in half OR 2 dozen baby carrots.
  • teaspoon salt & pepper
  • cinnamon
  • dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

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.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (3)

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

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.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (4)

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.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (5)

How to Slice Carrots

  • Start by washing the carrots under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any stubborn dirt.
  • If desired, peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler. Trim off the green tops and bottoms of the carrots using a sharp knife. Remove any green stems or leaves attached to the carrot.
  • For oven-baked carrots, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Place the trimmed carrot on a cutting board. Hold the carrot steady with one hand and use a sharp knife to slice it into the desired shape. For rounds, slice the carrot crosswise into even slices. For sticks, cut the carrot lengthwise into long strips and then slice them into sticks. For diagonal slices, cut the carrot at an angle to create elongated pieces.
  • Try to maintain a consistent thickness for even cooking. If you prefer softer carrots, slice them slightly thicker. For a quicker cooking time and slightly firmer texture, slice them thinner.
  • Once the carrots are sliced, they are ready to be arranged on a baking sheet for baking. Make sure to spread them in a single layer with enough space between each piece to promote even cooking and browning.
Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (6)

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What to Serve with Brown Sugar Carrots:

Brown sugar carrots are not only delicious, but they also complement a wide range of main courses.

So, what pairs well with glazed carrots? They are the perfect side dish to savory dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With their versatility, brown sugar carrots are an excellent choice for everyday meals or special occasions. Prepare them for your next dinner party or enjoy them as a family-favorite side dish – the possibilities are endless.

Some suggestions for what to serve alongside brown sugar baked carrots include your favorite recipes such as roast chicken, steak, salmon, pork chops and vegetarian options such as roasted vegetable medleys, stir fries and salads.

Baked carrots are a popular side dish for holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where they complement the richness of traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted turkey.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (7)

FAQs about Oven Baked Glazed Carrots

Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can experiment with different sweeteners to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Options like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives to brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly based on the sweetener you choose.

Can I make brown sugar carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! Brown sugar carrots can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Can I adjust the sweetness level of brown sugar carrots?

Yes, you have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your preference. If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Keep in mind that adjusting the sweetness may impact the overall flavor balance, so it’s recommended to make gradual changes and taste as you go.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to brown sugar carrots?

Absolutely! Brown sugar carrots can be customized with various spices and seasonings to add depth and complexity to the dish. Common options include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even a sprinkle of herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

How long to roast carrots at 350 degrees?

When roasting carrots at 350 degrees F, the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the carrots. As a general guideline, small to medium-sized carrots typically take about 25-30 minutes to roast, while larger carrots may require 35-40 minutes.

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (8)

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Discover a delightful side dish with our oven baked carrots recipe. These tender, flavorful and buttery carrots are perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. This easy and delicious side dish will become your favorite way to enjoy carrots.

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

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

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.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

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.

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.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (9)

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Discover a delightful side dish with our oven baked carrots recipe. These tender, flavorful and buttery carrots are perfectly roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. This easy and delicious side dish will become your favorite way to enjoy carrots.

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

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

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.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss them with the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Place carrots to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

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.

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.

Once the carrots are roasted to your desired tenderness and have a golden brown color, remove them from the oven.

Garnish the roasted carrots with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, to add an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

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

Deliciously Sweet: Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe to Elevate Your Mealtime (2024)

FAQs

What enhances carrot flavor? ›

Flavor Enhancements

Use spearmint, marjoram, a small bay leaf, thyme, grated ginger root, chopped chives, dill or parsley.

How do you get the most flavor out of carrots? ›

Here's some of our favorites to sprinkle on carrots:
  1. Garlic (minced, powder or granules)
  2. Onion powder or granules.
  3. Black malabar pepper.
  4. Cinnamon (Cassia for sweeter, Ceylon for sweetness with some more complex savory and vanilla flavors)
  5. Nutmeg powder.
  6. Cayenne pepper powder.
  7. Ginger powder.
  8. Aleppo chili.
Mar 28, 2021

Why are baked carrots sweet? ›

The hot oven intensifies the carrots' natural sweetness, and it makes them soft and tender, with lightly crisp, caramelized edges.

How to roast carrots in Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6. Toss your carrots with a good lug of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, salt and pepper, the thyme sprigs and the garlic cloves. Place in a roasting tray or earthenware dish, cover tightly with tinfoil and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until just tender.

How do you intensify carrot Flavour? ›

Seasoning carrots is a great way to help bring out their flavor. For a simple and versatile seasoning, stick with salt, pepper, and garlic. For an herbier taste, add rosemary, parsley, cumin, or coriander. Or, to bring out their fresh, woody flavor, add some anise.

What makes carrots taste better? ›

Roasting really brings out carrots' best qualities. To make them, just toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until they're golden on the edges and tender throughout.

Why do restaurant carrots taste better? ›

However, one reason that vegetables always taste better at a restaurant is that chefs there don't hold back on using oil to boost flavor. They often use oodles of butter, oil, or bacon fat to coat veggies fried on the stove and give them an umami appeal.

What brings out the sweetness in carrots? ›

The more cells you rupture, the better the taste. “When the vegetable is cut, its cells rupture and release sugars and volatile hydrocarbons, the sources of the vegetables' sweetness and aroma,” he writes. "The more cells you rupture, the better the taste.”

How to make raw carrots taste sweeter? ›

Carrots are naturally sweet, cutting them doesn't affect the flavor. If you want them even sweeter, roasting is a good option. Toss them with some oil, and something sweet- maple syrup, orange juice or even a little honey. Then roast in a hot oven.

Why do my carrots not taste sweet? ›

As carrots mature, they develop terpenoids and sugars; however, the former emerges in the early stages of growth while the latter manifests in the end stages closer to harvest time. If you pick carrots too soon, they'll contain higher levels of terpenoids than sugar and end up tasting more acrid than sweet.

What has more sugar, cooked carrots or raw carrots? ›

They way we chew soft, cooked carrots will cause different flavours to be released, according to food scientist Lindsey Bagley. Furthermore, she says, "chemically, there are more sugars in a raw carrot than in a boiled carrot", which will have leaked sweetness into the cooking.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook carrots? ›

Cooking instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add the carrots and parsnips and toss to coat in the oil. Add the thyme, cinnamon, star anise and some seasoning. Cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the vegetables frequently, until golden brown and almost cooked through.

What cooking method is best for carrots? ›

Roasting draws out the natural sweetness and you get a nice caramelized flavor. They're so much better than boiled carrots! Roasting is also easy; it's hard to overcook a roasted vegetable: if it gets too done, it's clearly burned. However, it's so easy to overcook boiled vegetables, especially carrots.

What happens if you don't peel carrots before roasting? ›

As with many vegetables, roasting carrots brings out their sweet inner nature. Peel the carrots or don't peel the carrots—it's up to you. Peeling takes a bit more time, obviously, but also leads to a more consistent final texture to the dish.

What flavors go well with carrots? ›

Although, carrots flavor profiles can change slightly depending on its size, color, and how it was grown. Typically though, if you want to enhance a carrot's flavor, they normally pair well with things such as ginger, garlic, honey, sugar, maple, and citrus fruits like lemon and orange.

Why do my carrots taste bland? ›

There are a few possibilities for why your carrots aren't as sweet as they should be. You are right to think about your soil--a crop of carrots can deplete a soil of nutrients. Be sure to rotate crops in your garden, rather than planting carrots in the same place year after year.

How to make old carrots taste better? ›

Mix honey or sugar into vinegar a little bit at a time to your desired level of sweet/sour, tasting as you go. Heat in a nonreactive pan over medium high heat with mustard seed until at a simmer and add carrots. Simmer carrots in vinegar, honey and mustard seed till cooked but still crisp (1-3 minutes).

What gives carrots its taste? ›

Carrots get their signature flavor from compounds called terpenoids. Some terpenoids can have a bitter flavor, and carrots we perceive to have a pleasant flavor have a good balance between sweet terpenoids and slightly bitter ones.

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