Perfect Roasted Glazed Carrots (Christmas & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Name: Perfect Roasted Glazed Carrots (Christmas & Thanksgiving Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 kg carrots (peeled); 1/4 cup brown sugar (loosely packed); 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced); 2 tbsp butter (melted (or olive oil)); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; parsley (for garnish (optional))

October 20, 2025 by salima bouzanga

Close-up of vibrant, glossy Glazed Carrots, a perfect Christmas Recipe or Thanksgiving Recipe side dish, garnished with fresh herbs.

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Welcome to your new favorite holiday side dish! These delicious glazed carrots are a showstopper, effortlessly combining sweetness with savory depth. Roasting brings out their natural sugars, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is perfectly suited for festive gatherings like Christmas dinner and Thanksgiving feasts, adding vibrant color and incredible flavor to any table.

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Carrots

Quick and easy preparation: You can get these on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Irresistible sweet and savory flavor: Brown sugar, garlic, and butter create a mouthwatering glaze that everyone adores.
Beautiful caramelization: Roasting at a high temperature ensures perfectly tender carrots with deliciously browned edges. For more on how heat transforms sugars in vegetables, explore the science of caramelization.
Versatile side dish: These glazed carrots pair wonderfully with everything from roast turkey to weeknight chicken.
Minimal ingredients required: You likely have most of the simple ingredients already in your pantry.

Ingredients

1 kg / 2 lb carrots, peeled (Note 1)
1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed (Note 2)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter (30g), melted (or olive oil)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

For this roasted glazed carrots recipe, fresh is best. Regular carrots work perfectly; simply peel and cut them. You can also use baby carrots for convenience or Dutch carrots for their sweeter flavor. Feel free to swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different natural sweetness. For an extra flavor kick, consider a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of cayenne for heat, or a tiny bit of ground ginger. Using both butter and olive oil creates a rich glaze that browns beautifully. Butter adds a lovely creaminess, while olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear.

Equipment

Large baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Vegetable peeler
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

Let’s make these incredible glazed carrots! First, preheat your oven to 220C/425F if using a standard oven, or 200C/400F for a fan-forced oven. Next, prepare your carrots. Peel them, then cut each carrot on the diagonal into roughly 4cm / 1.75” lengths. If you have thicker carrot ends, halve them lengthwise to ensure all pieces are uniform in width. This helps them cook evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the glaze ingredients: the brown sugar, minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until well combined. Add your prepared carrots to the bowl and toss them thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated in the sweet and savory glaze.

Pour the glazed carrots onto your large baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out into a single layer. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets. Roast the carrots for an initial 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven. Using a spatula, toss the carrots around on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and ensures all sides get a chance to caramelize. Return the tray to the oven and roast for a further 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully caramelized around the edges. You should see a lovely glaze remaining on the tray.

Once done, toss the carrots once more in the delicious glaze left on the tray. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your perfect glazed carrots immediately, warm, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving Perfect Caramelization: Use a high oven temperature to encourage browning. Always spread carrots in a single layer, ensuring air circulates. Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two if needed.
Preventing Burning: Monitor cooking closely, especially during the last few minutes. Adjust roasting time as needed based on your oven and carrot thickness. Stir carrots halfway through the process for even cooking.
Common Mistakes: Uneven carrot cuts lead to some pieces overcooked and others undercooked. Using too low an oven temperature prevents proper caramelization. Not coating carrots well results in a less flavorful dish.
Make Ahead Tips: You can prep the carrots and combine them with the glaze ingredients up to a day in advance. Store the raw glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These sweet glazed carrots are incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions: Pair them wonderfully with traditional roast turkey or chicken for a family meal. They complement holiday ham or a beef roast beautifully, making them perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can also enjoy them as a simple yet elegant side for weeknight dinners or as a delightful vegetarian side dish.
Storage & Reheating: Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked carrots for up to 3 months, though they may soften slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Flavor Variations: Add citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a bright, fresh note. Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma. For a tangy twist, drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze after roasting.

Nutrition Information

Making glazed carrots doesn’t just taste good, it offers some great nutrients. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients provided. Please note that exact values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	191 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	12 mg
Sodium	414 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	20 g
Serving Size	1 serving

FAQ

What types of carrots work best? Regular carrots, baby carrots, or Dutch carrots all work great. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Can I make these on the stovetop? Yes, you can. Sauté them in a large skillet over medium heat until tender and glazed, though the caramelization won’t be as deep as roasting.
How can I adjust the sweetness? You can easily reduce or increase the amount of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to suit your preference. A squeeze of orange juice can also balance the sweetness.
Can I prepare glazed carrots ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep the carrots and coat them in the glaze up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then roast as directed.
Are these suitable for a vegan diet? To make these glazed carrots vegan, simply substitute the butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Why roast instead of boil or sauté? Roasting brings out the natural sugars in carrots, creating a deeper, more complex flavor and a beautiful caramelized texture that boiling or sautéing can’t quite achieve.

Conclusion

These perfect roasted glazed carrots are truly a holiday hero, bringing vibrant color and irresistible flavor to any table with minimal fuss. This recipe proves that delicious dishes don’t have to be complicated, making it ideal for busy parents and beginners alike. Their sweet and savory goodness, combined with stunning caramelization, will make them a staple for your Christmas, Thanksgiving, and everyday meals. Give these easy glazed carrots a try this season and watch them disappear! Don’t forget to share your comments and photos; we love seeing your creations!

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