Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe

The Sweetest Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe Ever Made

Sweet and caramelized brown sugar roasted carrots dance with delightful flavor on your plate.

Vibrant orange roots emerge from the oven glazed in rich, amber goodness.

Chefs adore this simple side dish that elevates humble vegetables into something magical.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a memorable taste experience.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine with thoughtful technique.

Seasonal produce transforms into an irresistible accompaniment that makes vegetables feel like a treat.

Let these golden, glistening carrots become the star of your next meal.

Roasted Carrots With Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

Elevate Everyday Vegetables: Transform ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that makes vegetables irresistible to kids and adults.

Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delicious roasted carrots in just 35 minutes, with minimal prep work and simple ingredients everyone has at home.

Foolproof Cooking Method: Achieve perfectly caramelized, tender carrots using basic oven-roasting techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Adapt this recipe for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or potluck gatherings – a versatile dish that complements multiple main courses.

Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar Ingredients Inside

Produce:
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, choose fresh, firm carrots with bright orange color.
Main Seasoning and Fat:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides rich caramel-like sweetness and helps create a glossy coating.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps carrots brown evenly, use unsalted for better flavor control.
Spices and Herbs:
  • Cinnamon: Optional warm spice that complements the sweetness of carrots.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish, adds bright color and light herbal note.

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots Guide

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Warm up the oven to 400°F and get your baking sheet ready by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light layer of cooking spray.

Step 2: Coat Carrots With Delicious Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your carrots with melted butter, rich brown sugar, a sprinkle of warming cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Gently toss everything together until the carrots are fully and evenly coated with the sweet and savory mixture.

Step 3: Roast Carrots To Perfection

Spread the coated carrots across the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let them roast for 25-30 minutes.

Midway through cooking, give the carrots a gentle stir to help them caramelize evenly and develop a rich, golden color.

Step 4: Serve And Enjoy

Once the carrots are tender and beautifully caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top.

Serve these sweet and savory roasted carrots warm and watch them disappear from the table.

Roasted Carrot Tips with That Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
  • Watch carrots closely during the last 10 minutes of roasting to prevent burning while achieving a perfect golden-brown color.
  • Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to enhance the warm, sweet flavor profile of the roasted carrots.
  • Select firm, bright orange carrots without blemishes for the best texture and natural sweetness when roasting.
  • Substitute butter with olive oil for a vegan version, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.

Store Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

  • Store leftover carrots in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm carrots in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly.
  • Pack cooled carrots in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Expect slightly softer texture when reheating. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey to refresh the flavor after storing.

Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Savory Pairings

  • Pair Roasted Spicy Pinot Noir: Complement the sweet caramelized carrots with a light-bodied red wine that has subtle spice notes and gentle tannins.
  • Balance with Herbal Gin Cocktail: Create a refreshing drink with botanical gin, fresh thyme, and a splash of lemon to cut through the carrots' sweetness.
  • Match with Creamy Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the roasted carrots to add a creamy, acidic contrast that enhances the dish's rich flavors.
  • Serve alongside Roasted Chicken: Combine the brown sugar carrots with herb-roasted chicken for a complete meal that highlights the vegetable's caramelized sweetness.

Brown Sugar Carrots with Roasted Style Tweaks

  • Honey Maple Glazed Carrots: Replace brown sugar with a blend of honey and maple syrup for a natural sweetener variation that adds depth and richness to the roasted carrots.
  • Vegan Coconut Oil Carrots: Swap butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to create a dairy-free, plant-based alternative that maintains a delicious caramelized coating.
  • Herb-Infused Roasted Carrots: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme instead of cinnamon to give the carrots a savory Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness.
  • Low-Carb Spice Roasted Carrots: Use monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne for a keto-friendly version with a spicy kick that keeps the dish exciting.

FAQs

  • Why use brown sugar in this recipe?

Brown sugar adds a rich, deep sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, creating a delicious coating on the carrots that enhances their natural flavor and provides a slight crunch.

  • Can I use different types of carrots?

Yes, you can use rainbow carrots, baby carrots, or standard orange carrots. Just ensure they are similar in size for even roasting, and adjust cooking time if the carrots are thinner or thicker.

  • Is this recipe vegetarian and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This roasted carrot recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a fantastic side dish for people with dietary restrictions or those looking for a simple, wholesome vegetable preparation.

  • How do I know when the carrots are perfectly roasted?

The carrots are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have golden-brown caramelized edges. The brown sugar will create a slightly sticky, glossy coating that indicates they’re perfectly roasted.

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Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe

Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Brown sugar roasted carrots offer a sweet and caramelized twist on classic vegetable sides, elevating humble carrots into a crave-worthy dish. Rich maple undertones and golden-brown edges make this simple recipe a perfect companion for roasted meats or holiday gatherings you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (or use baby carrots)

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Gather the carrots and place them in a spacious mixing bowl, coating them thoroughly with melted butter to ensure even coverage.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over the buttered carrots, gently tossing to create a uniform glaze that will caramelize during roasting.
  4. Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece sufficient space for proper roasting.
  5. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to rotate and redistribute the carrots for consistent browning.
  6. Check the carrots for tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be soft yet retain a slight firmness and display a rich, golden-brown caramelization.
  7. Remove from the oven and transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbal brightness.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delectable side dish.

Notes

  • Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization across the entire batch.
  • Use fresh, firm carrots with bright colors for the best texture and sweetness in the final dish.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity based on carrot sweetness and personal preference, tasting can help balance flavors perfectly.
  • For a healthier version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut sugar or honey as alternative sweeteners.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 163
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 189 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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