If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious side to brighten your holiday table, these Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) are an absolute showstopper. With a sweet, buttery glaze that perfectly complements the natural earthiness of fresh carrots, this dish is as festive as it is comforting. Whether you’re serving family for Christmas dinner or a Thanksgiving feast, these glazed carrots bring just the right balance of flavor, color, and holiday cheer to your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless elegance: Requires minimal prep and transforms simple carrots into a stunning holiday side dish.
Sweet and savory harmony: The buttery glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots without overpowering them.
Vibrant presentation: Bright orange carrots with a glossy finish add a pop of color to any festive spread.
Versatile for guests: This recipe easily adapts to accommodate gluten-free or vegan variations.
Perfect balance: Tender carrots that hold a slight bite showcase the art of texture in a holiday side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) is thoughtfully selected to bring out the best in the dish. From the natural sweetness of carrots to the richness of butter and the touch of brown sugar, every element adds to the harmony of flavors and textures that make this recipe so special.

Fresh carrots: Choose medium-sized carrots for the best texture and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that beautiful glaze coating each carrot.
Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and deep sweetness to enhance the carrots naturally.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to the dish without overwhelming.
Water or vegetable broth: Used to steam carrots tender before glazing for perfect softness.
Optional fresh herbs (parsley or thyme): Fresh herbs add color and a herbal aroma for a refined finish.

Variations for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Customizing this recipe is simple and fun. Whether you want to add a hint of spice, adjust sweetness levels, or adapt for dietary needs, these variations let you tailor the dish beautifully.

Honey glaze: Swap brown sugar with honey for a floral sweetness and smoother texture.
Maple syrup addition: Add pure maple syrup for a cozy, deep flavor perfect for fall and winter.
Spice it up: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the glaze for warm, festive notes.
Vegan-friendly: Use coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives instead of butter without losing richness.
Orange zest: Add fresh orange zest to brighten flavors and give a refreshing citrus twist.

Perfect Glazed Carrots for Christmas & Thanksgiving

How to Make Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Start by peeling and slicing carrots into even sticks or rounds—this ensures they cook uniformly. Rinse well to remove any dirt and set aside.

Step 2: Steam or Boil Until Tender

Place carrots in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, cover, and steam gently over medium heat until just tender but still slightly firm—for that perfect bite.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved and bubbling, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Carrots and Glaze

Return the cooked carrots to the pan and toss well, coating each piece evenly with the luscious glaze. Let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs if using, and serve warm to enjoy the full glory of this festive side dish.

Pro Tips for Making Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Uniform cuts: Evenly slice your carrots to ensure consistent cooking.
Don’t overcook: Keep the carrots tender-crisp to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
Use good-quality butter: It makes a big difference in flavor and how the glaze comes together.
Simmer to thicken: Let the glaze gently bubble to the right consistency without burning the sugar.
Add fresh herbs at the end: To keep their brightness and color, add herbs just before serving.

How to Serve Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary add a burst of color and subtle aroma to your glazed carrots, making them look as amazing as they taste.

Side Dishes

Glazed carrots pair beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and herb stuffing—classic mains that celebrate the holiday spirit alongside this vibrant veggie dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the glazed carrots in a festive dish with pearl onions or sprinkle with toasted pecans or sliced almonds for an elegant crunch and extra holiday flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While glazed carrots freeze well, the texture can soften after thawing. Freeze cooked carrots without glaze separately, then reheat and glaze fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?

Yes! Baby carrots are a convenient option and work beautifully with the glaze, just adjust cooking time if needed since they’re smaller and may cook faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe naturally contains no gluten, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Simply replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly to keep it plant-based.

How sweet are glazed carrots?

They have a perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar glaze with a hint of savory butter and seasoning—it’s never overly sweet.

Can I prepare glazed carrots ahead of time?

You can cook the carrots ahead of time, store them, and then quickly reheat and glaze just before serving for fresh taste and shine.

Final Thoughts

These Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) have quickly become a holiday staple for many, including myself. The effortless sweetness, warm butteriness, and inviting color come together to elevate your holiday meal into something truly memorable. I encourage you to try this recipe at your next Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner—you’ll appreciate how easy it is to impress your guests with a side dish that sings with festive flavor.

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Print Recipe

These Glazed Carrots are a vibrant and delicious holiday side dish perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Featuring tender carrots coated in a sweet, buttery glaze with a subtle hint of spice and optional fresh herbs, this recipe balances flavors and textures beautifully. Easy to prepare and adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets, it adds festive color and elegant taste to any holiday meal.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Steaming and Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into even sticks or rounds
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil for vegan option)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for variation)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup water or vegetable broth

Optional Ingredients

1 teaspoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for spice variation)
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
Toasted pecans or sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into even sticks or rounds to ensure uniform cooking. Rinse well to remove any dirt and set aside.
Steam or Boil Until Tender: Place the sliced carrots in a skillet with a splash of water or vegetable broth. Cover and steam gently over medium heat until they are just tender but still slightly firm, preserving a tender-crisp texture.
Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until it dissolves and the mixture bubbles. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, add them now, along with orange zest if desired.
Combine Carrots and Glaze: Return the cooked carrots to the skillet and toss to coat each piece evenly with the glaze. Continue cooking for a few more minutes to allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly on the carrots.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme if using. Optionally, garnish with toasted pecans or sliced almonds for an elegant crunch. Serve warm.

Notes

Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Do not overcook the carrots; they should remain tender-crisp for the best texture and vibrant color.
Use high-quality unsalted butter or vegan alternatives to enhance flavor and glaze consistency.
Simmer the glaze gently to the right consistency without burning the sugar.
Add fresh herbs right before serving to preserve their color and aroma.
Adjust sweetness by swapping brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
For vegan diets, use coconut oil or vegan butter and ensure sugar is vegan-friendly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1/2 cup)
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: glazed carrots, holiday side dish, Christmas recipe, Thanksgiving recipe, easy vegetable side, vegan glazed carrots, gluten free side dish