Best Candied Carrots Recipe | A Quick and Easy Vegetable Side Dish! (2024)

This sweet and simple candied carrots recipe features freshly cooked, tender carrots coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze. A few simple ingredients transform ordinary carrots into a special addition to any meal!

Table of Contents

• Why You Will Love This Candied Carrots Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• How to Make Candied Carrots
• Tips for Success
• Yummy Serving Suggestions
• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
• More Wholesome Side Dishes
• Get the Recipe

Why You Will Love This Candied Carrots Recipe

We covet a classic, standby recipe. You know the ones – tried and true, simple and amazing. Here’s a few reasons why you will adore this recipe for candied carrots:

• Quick and Easy: These caramelized carrots hit the dinner table in under 30 minutes. If you can simmer and stir, you will have no issues!
• Wholesome: Cooked carrots pack a nutritional punch. Along with fiber, they’re an excellent source of vitamins A & C, Beta-carotene, and calcium.
• Simple Elegance: The method and ingredients are so simple, but these beautifully glazed candied carrots definitely impress!
• Potluck Favorite: Double or triple this candied carrot recipe for a crowd and keep them warm in a crockpot for easy serving.
• Prep Ahead: Prep this recipe for candied carrots and store them for up to two weeks! Just keep them in an airtight container or food storage bag.

Hint: Use these carrots make the perfect side dish for my easy crockpot ham or my juicy baked chicken recipe!

Ingredients Needed

These brown sugar glazed carrots require no fancy equipment to make. Just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts.

• Carrots: Peel and cut them into chunks, or use baby carrots to save time.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is milder, while dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor. You can also use honey or agave instead.
• Butter: Melted butter gives the carrots a irresistibly buttery taste.
• Seasonings: Including cinnamon, salt and pepper.
• Water

How to Make Candied Carrots

With just a few simple steps, it doesn’t get much easier than this delicious glazed carrot recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card for full detailed instructions.

• Combine: Use a large pot with a lid and all the ingredients.
• Simmer Covered: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with the lid, and simmer for ten minutes.
• Simmer Uncovered: Uncover and turn up the heat to medium-high. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a syrupy, glaze consistency and carrots are tender. This should take about 10 minutes more.
• Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite main course!

Tips for Success

A few helpful recipe notes and tips to guarantee your carrots turn out perfectly:

• Similar-Sized Carrots: Cut your carrots to roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Substitute Baby Carrots: Make this recipe faster and easier by using baby carrots! Evenly sized, pre-peeled and washed these provide a great short-cut for busy cooks. Rinse and dry before adding to the recipe.
• Candied Carrots with Garlic: Try mincing or pressing a few garlic cloves and add while cooking for a savory addition.
• Fresh Herbs: Customize by adding a couple of tablespoons of your favorite, finely chopped herb. Thyme, basil (pictured), tarragon, or parsley add color and a subtle flavor.
• Keep Warm: Serving a crowd? Keep these carrots warm in a crockpot set to warm. Give them a stir occasionally.

Yummy Serving Suggestions

Fish, pork and chicken are all fantastic choices and perfectly compliment this easy candied carrot recipe. Here are a few recipes to try:

• Ham: Bone-in ham with orange glaze is great and typically feeds a crowd. Or you could go with a smaller boneless, air fryer ham.
• Seafood: This easy air fryer salmon is ready in 10 minutes, or try pairing your carrots with these crispy salmon patties!
• Chicken: Looking for a classic pairing? Make this foolproof crockpot whole chicken!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These candied carrots store wonderfully, I often make a double batch to ensure we have leftovers!

• Fridge: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Heat carrots on the stove, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. To loosen glaze, add a splash of maple syrup or a couple of teaspoons of hot water.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled carrots to a freezer safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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