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These Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots are one of the easiest recipes you'll ever make! The brown sugar creates a gorgeous glaze and sweetness over the carrots as they bake.
Here are some yummy options to serve with your roasted carrots: Blackened Chicken, Grilled Lamb Chops, Southern Fried Fish, and Southern Pot Roast.
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Say goodbye to boiled canned carrots and hello to your new favorite side dish.
Brown sugar-roasted carrots are one of those recipes that's perfect all year long. It doesn't matter if you need roasted veggies for Easter dinner or something you can pop in the oven on busy weeknights.
I love recipes that allow the ingredients and oven to do all the work. As the brown sugar melts, it creates a beautiful glaze over rich, sweet, and delicious carrots.
I wanted to keep the base recipe super simple, so all you need is a few ingredients but definitely have fun with the herbs and spices you use!
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to whip up these delicious brown sugar-glazed carrots on busy weeknights.
Whole carrots
I love using whole carrots, especially heirloom carrots (white, purple, and yellow). They look better for presentation and are readily available.
Oil
I always have avocado or olive oil on hand. We use the oil to keep the carrots from sticking to the sheet pan but also as glue for the brown sugar and spices.
Dark brown sugar
Whenever I get a chance to use brown sugar, dark brown sugar is my choice! The deep molasses flavor plays well with the natural sweetness of carrots.
Seasonings
I kept this really simple, kosher salt, black pepper, and dry thyme.
How To Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Making these brown sugar glazed carrots is really easy. After you toss them in the brown sugar seasoning mix, the oven will do all the work, and 40 minutes later, you'll be eating good!
Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel carrots and remove the tops and bottoms, then cut carrots in half lengthwise.
Toss carrots in oil in a large bowl or on a sheet pan. Mix brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme in a medium bowl.
Season carrots evenly with the seasoning mix. Place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and bake for 40 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce the carrots.
Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks
Here are a few notes I had from making this wonderful glazed roasted carrots recipe.
- You can use baby carrots instead of whole carrots.
- Did you know baby carrots are whole carrots shaved down?
- Cut larger carrots in quarters.
- Feel free to use light brown sugar instead of dark brown.
- I recommend garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
- You can use melted butter instead of oil or use a blend of both.
FAQs
Here are the top questions readers have about brown sugar roasted carrots.
Why are my roasted carrots tough?
Your roasted carrots are tough because they need more time to cook. You'll know when they're finished when a small knife or fork can easily pierce the carrot.
This depends on your time and the flavor you want to develop. Boiling carrots take about 20-30 minutes, and roasting carrots takes 40-45 minutes. Boiling will create a softer carrot with a nice glaze. Roasting carrots will make a tender carrot with a slight bite but with a deeper roasted flavor and sweetness.
Yep! You can glaze your carrots ahead of time, and the glaze will keep them moist and tender without drying them out.
No, carrots are not porous, so they will not absorb moisture. Soaking fresh carrots in sugar water will be in vain and a waste of your time.
Yes! Any recipe that calls for brown sugar should be packed to get a more accurate measurement.
You can use a brown sugar stevia blend for a healthier glazed carrot recipe. My preferred brand to use is Truvia brown sugar blend.
Brown sugar roasted carrots are best 3 days after but will be fresh for 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Keep in a freezer storage bag for 3 months.
Reheat carrots in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until hot.
More Side Dishes
If you like this recipe, I'm sure you'll love these too!
- Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Garlic Air-Fryer Asparagus
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Green Beans
- Instant Pot Collard Greens
Before You Begin
Here are my steps for getting organized before I start anything.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F before pulling the ingredients out.
Step 2: Put everything measured into individual bowls.
Step 3: Follow the recipe and get ready for the best brown sugar glazed carrots you’ve ever had.
Try this recipe if you're looking for an easy and delicious way to make carrots a little more special. All you need is brown sugar, oil, and fresh carrots - it's that simple! So why not give it a try? And once you do, be sure to leave a comment and rating to let me know how you liked it.
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📖 Recipe
Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs. whole carrots peeled, halved
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel carrots and remove the tops and bottoms, then cut carrots in half lengthwise. Toss carrots in oil in a large bowl or on a sheet pan. Mix brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme in a medium bowl. Season carrots evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and bake for 40 minutes or until a fork can easily pierce carrots.
Notes
- You can use baby carrots instead of whole carrots.
- Did you know baby carrots are whole carrots shaved down?
- Cut larger carrots in quarters.
- Feel free to use light brown sugar instead of dark brown.
- I recommend garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
- You can use melted butter instead of oil or use a blend of both.
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