These sweet and savory Candied Carrots are one of the easiest side dishes to make with frozen carrots! With only 3 ingredients, even the kids will love them!
Candied Carrots
If you are looking for a great recipe that will go with any protein, these Candied Carrots are super easy and incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal, Thanksgiving dinner, a weeknight dinner, or as one of the vegetables that your picky eaters will actually eat, this is an easy side dish that will fit perfectly into your regular meal plan at any time of year.
Caramelized with a mouthwatering butter and brown sugar glaze, you won’t feel like you are eating vegetables. These easy Candied Carrots are among the tastiest produce sides that you’re going to find. I’m not sure I would call this a healthy side dish, but the brown sugar sauce is light and on the healthier side.
As a vegetarian vegetable side dish that you can serve almost anyone, this simple recipe is also a gluten-free and nut-free option for those with restrictions.
An easy candied carrot recipe, this uses only a few simple ingredients that you can get at most grocery stores. It is my favorite way to eat cooked carrots because it reminds me of carrot cake with way less effort and calories! It is the perfect side dish when you are pressed for time.
This is one of those classic recipes that you may have heard of and never tried, but since the full recipe has so few ingredients, it will be a great addition to your dinner table. The natural sweetness of the carrots and sweet brown sugar glaze pair nicely with various savory main dishes.
With only three ingredients, this will easily fit into your meal plans for busy weeknights, so give yourself a break and keep this great side in your back pocket!
Recipe Notes:
If you want to make a vegan version of these brown sugar-glazed carrots, swap out the butter for vegan butter – just make sure that you select a brand that melts well.
To give these tender carrots a little kick, feel free to sprinkle a little bit of black pepper on them. It’s a delicious recipe both ways!
How To Make Easy Glazed Carrots Recipe:
Candied Carrots Ingredients:
16 oz sliced wavy carrots, frozen 1/2 cup salted butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cup water (for boiling)
Supplies Needed:
Medium or large saucepan Cooking spoon
Directions:
Step 1: Take out a large or medium saucepan and boil the carrots with one cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
They’re done when the raw carrots are soft and no longer frozen, so the cooking time may vary by a few minutes depending on how thick the carrots are. Drain the water when they are finished.
Step 2: Leaving the carrots in the pot, stir in the brown sugar and butter.
Continue to heat the carrots over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted, doing your best to keep the carrots in a single layer instead of bunching them.
Step 3: Allow the carrots to boil in the brown sugar mixture for 2 or 3 more minutes after that so that you have a really nice brown sugar and buttery glaze.
Serve warm with a little brown sugar sprinkled on top and enjoy!
How To Store Leftover Candied Carrots
Store any leftover carrot side dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How Do I Keep My Carrots From Getting Mushy?
Once you have begun cooking your carrots in the butter glaze, be careful not to overcook them and you should have the perfect carrots.
Are Candied Carrots The Same As Glazed Carrots And Caramelized Carrots?
Yes! These are all different names for the same dish. The brown sugar and melted butter are what make them candied, glazed, and caramelized. Whatever you call them, this recipe for glazed carrots using frozen carrots is delicious and a great way to get in your root vegetables!
Can I Use Fresh Carrots Instead Of Frozen?
Yes! You can choose to make this recipe using frozen carrots or fresh carrots. Since it can be a bit more difficult to find raw wavy carrots in the store, you can substitute baby carrots or whichever type of carrots is found most easily.
If you want to use whole carrots, wash them first with a little water and then peel them with a vegetable peeler. Slice each of the regular carrots into coins and then cook them in a large skillet or saucepan so that they soften. Continue to make the beautiful glaze from there.
What Else Can I Add To This Easy Recipe?
I will admit, I stick to the original recipe with this one. The brown sugar glazed carrots all by themselves are one of my favorite side dishes.
That said, I know that some people like to add a little maple syrup, orange juice, or orange peel for some extra flavor. I’ve also heard people mention different ways of expanding the dish by adding dried cranberries, nuts, or fresh herbs to the sweet glaze.
I highly recommend trying this delicious side dish with the original version the first time and you can always make tweaks to your personal preference the next time.
Can You Reheat Frozen Glazed Carrots?
Yes! You can reheat these brown sugar carrots, but I highly recommend doing so on the stove rather than the microwave. Heating them in the microwave will likely burn up the butter and dry out the carrots themselves, so if you put them in a large saucepan on the stove, they’ll reheat to their former glory much easier.
These sweet and savory Candied Carrots are one of the easiest side dishes to make with frozen carrots! With only 3 ingredients, even the kids will love them!
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Ingredients
16 oz sliced wavy carrots, frozen
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
Boil the carrots in a large pot with one cup of water for 3-5 minutes. They're done cooking when the carrots are soft and no longer frozen.
Drain the water when they are finished.
Leaving the carrots in the pot, stir in the brown sugar and butter.
Continue to heat the carrots over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted.
Allow the carrots to boil for 2 or 3 more minutes after that so that you have a really nice brown sugar and butter glaze.
Serve warm with a little brown sugar sprinkled on top and enjoy!
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This calculation is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor or dietician. This calculator is a guide, but makes no guarantee of being exact or fully accurate.
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They’re done when the raw carrots are soft and no longer frozen, so the cooking time may vary by a few minutes depending on how thick the carrots are. Drain the water when they are finished.
Step 2: Leaving the carrots in the pot, stir in the brown sugar and butter.
Continue to heat the carrots over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted, doing your best to keep the carrots in a single layer instead of bunching them. 
Step 3: Allow the carrots to boil in the brown sugar mixture for 2 or 3 more minutes after that so that you have a really nice brown sugar and buttery glaze.
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God bless. i had never hear of this. but I am sure going to try to make this. thanks for the recipe
You’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy it!