Print

Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots with Thyme

brown sugar glazed carrots with thyme - featured image

These Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots with Thyme are a quick and delicious side dish, perfect for any occasion. The sweet, buttery glaze with fresh thyme creates a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (about 450g) carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (40g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prep the Carrots: Peel carrots and cut off tops. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If using baby carrots, cut in half lengthwise.
  2. Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the pan.
  3. Add Carrots and Sugar: Add sliced carrots to the pan and stir to coat in butter. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar over the top and stir again.
  4. Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in 1/4 cup water or chicken broth. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Simmer and Glaze: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8 minutes. Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and cook 3-4 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces to a thick, glossy glaze and carrots are tender.
  6. Add Thyme: Remove pan from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra thyme sprigs, and serve hot.

Notes

Don’t walk away during the last 3-4 minutes when the lid is off; the sugar can burn quickly. Use medium heat and stir frequently. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and water instead of chicken broth. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a roasted version, toss sliced carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, adding fresh thyme after roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, thyme carrots, easy side dish, quick vegetable side, holiday side dish, one-pan carrots