Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly transports you to the warmth of family gatherings? Glazed carrots are that dish for many during the holiday season. With their glossy finish and sweet, buttery flavor, they not only add a vibrant splash of color to your table but also offer a delightful contrast to savory entrees. Imagine biting into tender carrots coated in a rich glaze, releasing a burst of sweetness with every forkful.

This recipe for glazed carrots is perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s simple yet elegant, making it suitable for both casual dinners and festive feasts. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and just the right touch of seasoning elevates these carrots to a whole new level. As they cook, the aromas fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the delicious meal ahead. Whether you’re hosting family or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these glazed carrots are sure to impress.

Key Ingredients For Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Carrots: Choose medium-sized carrots that are firm and vibrant in color for the best texture and flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish while adding richness.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well; it adds sweetness and depth to the glaze.
Honey: A touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a lovely shine.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors; use freshly ground pepper for an extra kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepare the Carrots

Begin by washing and peeling your fresh carrots. Cut them into even-sized pieces—about two inches long—ensuring they cook evenly.

Second Step : Cook the Carrots

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted, add the carrot pieces and sauté them for about five minutes until slightly tender.

Third Step : Add Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sautéed carrots in the skillet.

Fourth Step : Simmer

Stir well to coat all carrot pieces evenly. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for another ten minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed beautifully.

Fifth Step : Serve

Transfer glazed carrots onto a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet on top for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious glazed carrots alongside your holiday meal!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Select Uniform Carrots: Using evenly sized carrots ensures consistent cooking throughout.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar or honey based on your taste preference.
Add Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme before serving for an aromatic touch.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare glazed carrots a few hours in advance; simply reheat them gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

This Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Roasted Turkey: Serve these vibrant glazed carrots alongside a succulent roasted turkey for a festive centerpiece that captivates everyone’s attention. The sweet and savory flavors complement the turkey beautifully.
Honey-Glazed Ham: If you’re opting for ham this holiday season, glazed carrots provide an excellent contrast to the rich, salty flavor of honey-glazed ham. Their sweetness enhances the overall meal experience.
Cranberry Sauce: Adding a side of cranberry sauce elevates your table setting. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the glazed carrots create a perfect balance on your plate.

How to Make Glazed Carrots

To prepare Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe), begin by gathering fresh, young carrots for the best flavor and texture.

Start by washing and peeling the carrots, then slice them into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add a bit of brown sugar, which will caramelize as you cook. Next, toss in the carrots and stir until they are coated in the buttery mixture.

Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help steam them until tender. This method brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them vibrant in color. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe), presentation matters. You could arrange them in an elegant serving dish or scatter fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for added color.

Consider using colorful serving platters that accentuate the bright orange hue of the carrots. This dish also looks great plated individually, allowing guests to take their portion at buffet-style gatherings.

To elevate your meal further, pair these glazed carrots with seasonal decorations like pinecones or holly leaves on your dining table, adding to the festive spirit.

Nutritional Information

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) not only taste great but also provide essential nutrients. Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin and vision. They contain dietary fiber that supports digestion as well.

While preparing this recipe with butter and sugar adds some calories, you can easily modify it using healthier substitutes such as olive oil or honey for glazing. This way, you maintain nutritional value while indulging in delicious flavors during your holiday meals.

FAQs

What type of carrots are best for Glazed Carrots?

For making Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe), baby carrots or young tender carrots work best. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture ensure they cook evenly and retain their vibrant color during preparation. However, if you cannot find baby carrots, regular medium-sized carrots cut into uniform pieces will suffice as well.

Can I make Glazed Carrots ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) ahead of time by cooking them partially and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving to maintain their texture and flavor without overcooking.

Are there any variations for Glazed Carrots?

Absolutely! There are numerous ways to modify Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe). You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or include nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch. Experimenting with different sweeteners like maple syrup instead of brown sugar can also yield delicious results.

How do I store leftover glazed carrots?

To store leftover Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe), place them in an airtight container once cooled completely. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave when ready to enjoy again; however, be cautious not to overcook them during reheating as they may become mushy.

Glazed Carrots

Author: christina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your guests this holiday season with our delicious glazed carrots. This elegant yet simple side dish features tender carrots coated in a sweet buttery glaze made from brown sugar and honey. Perfectly complementing savory entrees, these glazed carrots add a beautiful splash of color and flavor to your Christmas and Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the carrot pieces and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over the sautéed carrots.
Stir to coat evenly, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed.
Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (85g)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: - For consistent cooking, choose uniformly sized carrots. - Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or honey based on your taste preferences. - Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic garnish. - You can prepare the glazed carrots in advance; simply reheat gently before serving.

Irresistible Glazed Carrots for Christmas & Thanksgiving