Brown Sugar Honey Carrots

Brown Sugar Honey Carrots

Roasting carrots with brown sugar, honey, and butter transforms this classic vegetable into a perfectly caramelized side dish with deep flavor, glossy glaze, and irresistible tenderness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram carrots peeled
• 1 quarter cup brown sugar loosely packed
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 half teaspoon salt
• 1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
• Parsley for garnish optional

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 220C or 425F for standard ovens or 200C or 400F for fan forced ovens. A hot oven is essential for successful caramelization. Lower heat will steam the carrots rather than roast them, preventing the edges from browning and the glaze from reducing properly.

Step 2: Cut the carrots

Cut the carrots on the diagonal into pieces approximately 4 centimeters or 1.75 inches long. If the thicker ends of the carrots are wider than the rest, slice them in half lengthwise so all pieces are similar in size. This ensures even roasting and consistent caramelization.

Step 3: Toss with sugar, butter, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper

Combine the carrot pieces in a large mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each carrot piece with glaze ingredients. This coating helps the glaze adhere and caramelize during baking.

Step 4: Roast the carrots for 15 minutes

Spread the coated carrots evenly onto a baking tray lined with parchment or lightly greased. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. During this stage, the butter and sugar begin to melt and bubble while the carrots start softening.

Step 5: Toss and roast 10 more minutes

Remove the tray, toss the carrots to redistribute the glaze, and roast for an additional 10 minutes. By now the glaze thickens and the edges of the carrots develop a deep caramelization.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Toss the roasted carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

1. Use a hot oven temperature to guarantee caramelization.
2. Cut carrots the same size for consistency in texture.
3. Combine butter with olive oil to prevent burning and give flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These roasted carrots pair beautifully with poultry, pork, and simple oven baked dishes. Suitable options include roast chicken, baked chicken breast, pork loin, pan fried fish, beef stroganoff, or baked chicken and rice. They also complement Thanksgiving and Christmas menus.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	191	2g	30g	7g	5g	20g

FAQs

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