The Ultimate Glazed Carrots Recipe
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without glazed carrots. This recipe makes the most delicious and beautiful carrots. It’s perfect for any size gathering.
To make the ultimate glazed carrots, you need:
- 1 pound of fresh, young carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
First, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the carrot pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes. They should be tender but still firm.
Drain the carrots and set them aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked carrots, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Toss the carrots to coat them with the glaze. Cook for 5-7 minutes more, stirring often. This will make them glazed and caramelized.
Serve the glazed carrots right away. You can garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spiced flavors of these carrots.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Glaze and Texture
Making perfect glazed carrots is a bit tricky. But with a few easy tips, your Thanksgiving side dish will wow everyone. We’ll cover cutting right, temperature control, and more to get that sweet glaze on your easy good thanksgiving sides and roasted carrot thanksgiving dishes.
Proper Cutting Techniques
It’s important to cut your easy good thanksgiving sides and roasted carrot thanksgiving into 1-inch pieces. Cut them on the diagonal for more surface area. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice caramelization.
Cooking Time and Temperature Control
Roast the carrots at 400°F for a great glaze. But watch the time – they should be tender but still a bit firm. Start checking at 25 minutes, and toss them halfway for even browning.
Testing for Doneness
To check if carrots are done, pierce them with a fork. They should be soft but still a bit firm. The glaze should stick to them, making them shiny and caramelized.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Stress-Free Holiday Cooking
Preparing for Thanksgiving can be a big job. But, making your side dishes ahead of time helps a lot. My make-ahead glazed carrots recipe is here to help. It lets you prepare this tasty side dish early, making your holiday cooking easy.
To make these carrots ahead, cook them first. Let them cool down completely. Then, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to eat, just heat them up. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Or, microwave them, stirring often, until they’re warm.
This make-ahead trick lets you enjoy the carrots’ sweet flavor without stress. It’s a great make ahead carrots side dish for your easy dinner recipes for thanksgiving. With some planning, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with these carrots and more.
Sheet Pan Method for Large Batch Glazed Carrots
Feeding a crowd at Thanksgiving? Make a big batch of sheet pan glazed carrots. This way, you can roast carrots evenly and efficiently. It makes a delicious side dish for your holiday feast.
Oven Temperature Guidelines
To get the perfect caramelized glaze, roast carrots at 400°F (200°C). This high heat makes them sweet and shiny.
Spacing and Arranging Tips
Spread carrots on a big sheet pan for even cooking. Make sure they’re not too close together. This helps them roast well, not steam.
Rotation and Basting Techniques
- Turn the sheet pan halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Brush the carrots with glaze every 10 minutes to keep them moist.
- Adjust oven temperature as needed for even caramelization.
| Oven Temperature | Cooking Time | Basting Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 25-30 minutes | Every 10 minutes |
Follow these tips to make a big batch of sheet pan glazed carrots. They’ll be perfectly caramelized and delicious for Thanksgiving.
Flavor Variations and Seasoning Combinations
Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving. But, you can make them your own with different flavors. Try new seasonings to make your dish special.
Adding warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can make the carrots cozy. A bit of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, can add a bright touch.
Herbs can also change the game. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add depth. A sprinkle of parsley or chives can add freshness.
| Flavor Profile | Seasoning Combination |
|---|---|
| Warm and Cozy | Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice |
| Bright and Zesty | Orange Zest, Lemon Zest, Thyme |
| Savory and Earthy | Rosemary, Sage, Garlic |
| Fresh and Herbal | Parsley, Chives, Dill |
Feel free to try new flavor combinations. This way, your glazed carrots can be a highlight of your Thanksgiving meal.
Print
Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots or slender fresh carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Carrots: If using slender fresh carrots, peel and cut them into 1-inch pieces, slicing diagonally for even cooking.
- Cook the Carrots: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the carrots for 5-7 minutes, or until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Glaze the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the glaze. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is caramelized and the carrots are glossy.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish.
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Pairing Your Glazed Carrots with Other Thanksgiving Dishes
These tasty glazed carrots are the star of your Thanksgiving feast. They deserve dishes that match their sweet and savory taste. Think about classic holiday foods like roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and fragrant stuffing.
The carrots’ rich, caramelized taste adds color and sweetness. This balances the heavier dishes nicely.
Classic Holiday Combinations
For a traditional Thanksgiving table, pair your glazed carrots with a simple roast turkey. Add easy good thanksgiving sides like fluffy dinner rolls, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hearty green bean casserole. The carrots’ sweetness will balance the turkey’s savory taste.
This mix of flavors will make your guests love the meal.
Complementary Side Dishes
Want to try something new? Pair your glazed carrots with unexpected side dishes. A creamy wild rice pilaf or a vibrant Brussels sprouts salad is great. They offer different textures and tastes that make the meal better.
Don’t forget to add some simple thanksgiving turkey recipes too.
