Candied carrots are a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal with their sweet and savory flavor. This easy recipe showcases tender baby carrots coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze, making them perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, these candied carrots quickly become a standout dish on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, requiring just a few steps and basic ingredients.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of brown sugar and honey creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with various main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it an appealing option for family meals.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color of candied carrots adds a lovely visual element to your plate.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 10-inch skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- 10-inch skillet: A versatile pan that allows for even cooking and proper caramelization of the sugar.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring all ingredients combine well.
Ingredients
For the Candied Carrots
- 1 pound baby carrots (past dry (454-grams))
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup pure honey
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional garnish)
How to Make Candied Carrots
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add the carrots, water, butter, dark brown sugar, and honey to a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Covered
Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the carrots don’t scorch.
Step 3: Uncover and Increase Heat
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Continue stirring occasionally for another 8-10 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender. The brown sugar mixture should reduce and thicken. Stir in the cracked black pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and serve while hot. Enjoy your delicious candied carrots!
How to Serve Candied Carrots
Candied carrots are a delightful side that can enhance any meal. Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with various dishes, making them a versatile option for your dinner table.
Pair with Roasted Chicken
- Roasted chicken complements the sweetness of candied carrots beautifully, providing a savory balance.
Serve Alongside Grilled Steak
- The rich flavors of grilled steak work well with the sugary glaze of the carrots, creating a delicious contrast.
Add to a Holiday Feast
- Candied carrots make an excellent addition to holiday meals, bringing color and sweetness to festive platters.
Accompany with Quinoa Salad
- The nuttiness of quinoa salad provides a healthy counterpoint to the sweet candied carrots, making for a nutritious meal.
How to Perfect Candied Carrots
Creating the perfect candied carrots is simple if you follow these tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh baby carrots – Fresh baby carrots offer the best taste and texture. Avoid using older or dried-out ones for optimal results.
- Control the heat – Start cooking on medium heat to ensure even cooking. Adjust as necessary to prevent burning while achieving that desirable glaze.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg for an additional layer of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the dish.
- Add citrus zest – Incorporate orange or lemon zest for a refreshing brightness that contrasts with the sugary glaze.
- Let them rest – Allowing candied carrots to sit for a few minutes after cooking will help them absorb more flavors from the glaze.
Best Side Dishes for Candied Carrots
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your candied carrots with these delicious side dishes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and balance against sweet flavors.
- Sautéed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans seasoned with olive oil and garlic add freshness and color to your plate.
- Wild Rice Pilaf – A nutty wild rice pilaf mixed with herbs is a hearty side that contrasts beautifully with candied carrots.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the carrots perfectly.
- Honey Glazed Corn – Sweet corn glazed lightly in honey adds another layer of sweetness while maintaining its natural crunch.
- Spinach Salad – A fresh spinach salad topped with nuts and vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to your sweet side dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with seasoned rice or quinoa make for a hearty option alongside your candied carrots.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Baked sweet potatoes bring out natural sugars and provide an earthy balance to the sweetness in candied carrots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking candied carrots is simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some tips to ensure perfect candied carrots every time.
- Bold phrase: Not using fresh carrots. Fresh baby carrots yield a better texture and flavor. Always choose firm, bright-colored carrots for the best results.
- Bold phrase: Overcooking the carrots. If you cook them too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them, and test for tenderness with a fork.
- Bold phrase: Skipping the stirring step. Stirring helps prevent scorching and ensures even coating in the glaze. Stir occasionally to keep the mixture from sticking.
- Bold phrase: Ignoring seasonings. A pinch of black pepper elevates the sweetness of the dish. Don’t forget to add it for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Bold phrase: Using low-quality butter or sugar. Quality ingredients make a difference in taste. Opt for high-quality salted butter and dark brown sugar for richer flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the candied carrots to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Candied Carrots
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Candied Carrots
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Candied Carrots?
Candied carrots are a sweet side dish made by cooking carrots in a glaze of butter, brown sugar, and honey. They provide a delightful balance of sweetness and savory flavors.
How do I make Candied Carrots?
To make candied carrots, simmer baby carrots with butter, dark brown sugar, and honey until they are tender and coated in a syrupy glaze.
Can I customize my Candied Carrots?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporate different sweeteners like maple syrup for a unique twist.
How do I store leftover Candied Carrots?
Store leftover candied carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Candied carrots are an irresistible side dish that complements any meal beautifully. Their sweet glaze makes them appealing to both kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs or spices to match your taste preferences!
Candied Carrots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candied carrots are a delightful side dish that brings a sweet and savory flair to any meal. With their tender texture and glossy brown sugar glaze, these baby carrots are not only easy to prepare but also visually appealing. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The irresistible combination of honey and dark brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them a flavorful addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure honey
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, combine baby carrots, water, butter, dark brown sugar, and honey.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots soften.
- Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Stir occasionally for another 8-10 minutes or until fork-tender and the glaze thickens.
- If desired, stir in cracked black pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 134
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 143mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg