It is 6pm, you are tired, and everyone is hungry. You need a side dish that feels special but takes zero effort. These brown sugar baked carrots are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. They turn a simple vegetable into something warm, sweet, and totally delicious.
This recipe delivers tender, caramelized carrots that the whole family will love. You only need five simple ingredients from your pantry. It is a fast way to bring fresh flavor to your table tonight.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
These carrots are a winner because they take only ten minutes to prep. They are ideal for cozy fall dinners or your next holiday gathering. The brown sugar melts into a sticky glaze that kids absolutely love. You get tender vegetables with a deep, caramelized flavor every time.
It is a budget-friendly way to brighten up any plate. You do not need any fancy equipment to make them. Just toss them together and let the oven do the hard work. Your family will ask for these every single week.
How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Carrots
Making this side dish is incredibly simple and stress-free. You just whisk together a quick glaze and toss the carrots. Spread them on a sheet and bake until they are perfectly tender. Even if you are new to roasting, you can master this. There is no complicated technique needed here.
Simple Ingredients
You likely have most of these items in your kitchen right now.
- 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 2-inch sticks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the prepared carrots to the bowl and toss until thoroughly coated with the glaze.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until carrots are fork-tender and the glaze is bubbling.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm alongside a roasted chicken or juicy pork chops. They look beautiful on a holiday table next to mashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. These are great for meal prep lunches too. Pair them with your favorite protein for a balanced, tasty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps the glaze get sticky and delicious again. You can also use a microwave for a quick fix. Avoid freezing, as the texture can get a bit soft.
Tips for Best Results
- Line your pan with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever.
- Don’t skip the salt because it balances the sweet brown sugar.
- Avoid crowding the pan so the carrots roast instead of steam.
- Cut your carrot sticks into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch because they disappear very fast.
- Add a handful of toasted pecans at the end for extra crunch.
- Use a metal spatula to toss them halfway through the baking time.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Add a pinch of ginger for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
- Toss in some parsnips for a colorful, seasonal root vegetable mix.
Common Questions
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, you can use a bag of baby carrots to save time. Just check them at 20 minutes since they might cook faster. They are great for a quick weeknight fix.
How do I know when they are done?
The carrots should be fork-tender and the glaze should look bubbling. They will have golden, caramelized edges when they are ready. Test the thickest piece with a fork to be sure.
Will kids eat these?
Absolutely, because the glaze tastes like candy. The cinnamon and sugar make these carrots very picky-eater friendly. It is a great way to serve more vegetables.
I hope these sweet carrots bring a little warmth to your dinner table. They are so simple to make and always a hit with the kids. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 2-inch sticks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the prepared carrots to the bowl and toss until thoroughly coated with the glaze.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until carrots are fork-tender and the glaze is bubbling.
