Sweet and delicious, brown sugar-baked carrots are an irresistible side dish! Combined with fresh herbs, this quick recipe is one your whole family will enjoy!
As I write this, we are exactly ONE DAY away from the official start of Fall. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!
Cool weather, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice everything. Is there anything better than that??? I don’t think so.
As the fall and holiday season slowly descends upon us, it has me craving one of my favorite fall side dishes: brown sugar baked carrots.
This easy recipe is traditionally saved for Easter or holiday dinners- why not break it out a little sooner?! It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and is damn delicious. The perfect side dish to a T.
WHY BAKE?
Carrots are delicious in every form and fashion you can cook them. I think the best way to enjoy them is to bake in the oven. Baking allows the natural sweetness of the carrots to come out. This is great because it reduces the amount of brown sugar needed (though if you have a sweet tooth, feel free to go crazy!).
Additionally, baking allows for more control over how “done” you like your vegetables. If you like them on the crunchier side, pull them out earlier. If you’re like me, keep them in until they get a lil dark and crispy- YUM.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
This classic holiday meal calls for ingredients you definitely have in your fall pantry. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or as a quick weeknight dish, simple & fresh ingredients guarantee a delicious result.
Carrots: Any form of raw carrots will work with this recipe. I like to use whole carrots and slice them up. You can certainly use baby carrots if you prefer. Even frozen carrots will work with this recipe, no thawing is necessary!
Olive Oil: This helps to glaze the carrots and give them that beautiful sheen. You could also use unsalted butter if you like.
Brown Sugar: You can use either light or dark brown sugar for this recipe. If you like your carrots on the sweeter side, try increasing the sugar by 1/2 tablespoon at a time.
Fresh Thyme & Rosemary: I cannot stress enough how much flavor fresh herbs add to this recipe. It truly is a whole new world of amazingness. If you don’t have any hand, don’t sweat it- dried herbs will do (just promise me next time you will use fresh!).
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
If you have lots of busy weeknights you will be happy- this recipe could not be any easier if you tried. Chop, mix, toss, bake. The hardest part is picking the fresh thyme leaves. But let’s be real, that is also So. Satisfying.
Chop: Wash the carrots and peel them (or don’t, it’s up to you). Divide the carrots into equal lengths and slice. Try your best to keep them all the same size and thickness- this ensures an even cook time. Place carrots on a baking sheet with parchment paper in a single layer.
Mix: Add olive oil, brown sugar, fresh thyme, and rosemary into a small bowl. Stir to combine. The brown sugar mixture will be thick like a paste.
Toss: Toss carrots evenly with the brown sugar mixture. Let the carrots marinade in the glaze for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture thins down.
Bake: Cook the carrots at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30- 40 minutes, until preferred doneness. Be sure to stir the carrots about every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and glazing.
That’s it! Admire that sweet glaze and brag to your whole family about your cooking skillz. Be sure to place the dish in the center of the dinner table to get maximum brownie points.
These brown sugar carrots are best enjoyed fresh. Store carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days- they will get a bit soggy. When eating leftovers, it’s best to reheat them on a sheet pan in a hot oven. You could also do it on the stovetop in a small pan. This method will help keep the carrots crisp and caramelized. Reheating in the microwave can make them soggy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This side dish is a great addition to any family dinner or holiday dinner. Brown sugar-glazed carrots pair well with any protein, such as roast chicken or pork chops. They also pair well with other vegetable dishes, like roasted broccoli or creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
My favorite way to enjoy these delicious carrots is honestly by themselves. I can polish off the whole tray with no problem! If you want to enjoy brown sugar glazed carrots as a main course, add some nuts, such as pistachios, and goat’s cheese. Serve with your green of choice. I love to pair it with arugula- the peppery kick of this green makes an irresistible combination!
Easy Brown Sugar Baked Carrots Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper optional
Ingredients
- 5-7 large carrots evenly sliced
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Wash and peel carrots. Cut carrots evenly so they are roughly the same size and thickness to ensure an even cook.
- Add olive oil, brown sugar, fresh thyme and rosemary into a small bowl. Stir to combine- the mixture will be thick like a paste. Toss carrots evenly with the brown sugar mixture on the baking sheet and let marinade for 5-10 minutes, until mixture thins down. Make sure carrots are in a single layer.
- Bake carrots for 30-40 minutes, tossing about every 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or serving plate and enjoy immediately!
Notes
This really is the most delicious side dish- take it from someone who hates regular carrots! Are you adding this to your regular dinner rotation? Let me know in the comments below!