Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving 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.
- 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