For a simple and healthy side dish to go with nearly any dinner, this simple glazed carrot recipe is perfect! A little brown sugar and butter add a slight sweetness for a delicious and healthy vegetable dish.
As a dietitian, I am a HUGE believer in including a vegetable with every dinner meal. And I’m not just talking corn and potatoes, either. Dinner in my home is not complete without some type of non-starchy, colorful vegetable, and this simple glazed carrot recipe is delicious! With only 3 ingredients and a few minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Carrots are definitely one of my household’s favorite vegetables. Not only are they low in fat and calories, but the bright orange color adds a delightful aesthetic to the meal. It very nicely compliments the brown and tan colors of most meats, making this simple glazed carrot recipe a beautiful pop of color to any “meat and potato” dinner plate.
Despite the absence of a significant amount of fat and calories from carrots, they are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Carrots contain Vitamin A, which is why people sometimes say that carrots are good for your eyes. But they are beneficial in so many other ways, as well! Carrots also contain both Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as the minerals potassium and calcium. And a bonus? Carrots are naturally low in sodium. And don’t forget about the fiber! With about 2-3 grams of fiber per serving, carrots are a good source.
Although this recipe does call for baking for what seems like a LONG time, it is necessary. I prefer my carrots rather tender, which requires a longer cooking time. However, not everyone feels this way. If like many people you prefer this vegetable a little crisper, I suggest baking for only 60 minutes. If you’re really in a rush, it is possible to speed up the process. Simply put the carrots and about 1 Tablespoon of water in a microwaveable, covered dish and microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes. Then, mix with the butter and brown sugar. I caution against this, however. In the microwave, the vegetables tend to get wrinkled and are not quite as evenly cooked as in the oven. While they will still taste OK, I very much recommend baking as the preferred method of preparation.
What goes well with this simple glazed carrot recipe? Any type of meat dish. Meatloaf, baked chicken, roast turkey, pork chops, glazed ham, it’s all good! This also goes very nicely with holiday meals and makes an easy side dish to your Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter dinners.
Sweet and Simple Glazed Carrot Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Baby Carrots, ready to eat
- 1 Tablespoon Butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar
Directions
- Put the carrots in a medium, oven-safe baking dish
- In a small dish, combine the butter and sugar and stir well
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the carrots, and gently mix to coat the carrots
- Cover and bake in a preheated 350oF oven for 90 minutes
Time-Saving Tip: Pre-cook the carrots prior to baking by placing in a covered, microwave-safe bowl with about 1 Tablespoon of water and cooking on high for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Then, follow steps 1-3 for a quick, easy side dish.
Nutrition Information (per serving, about 4 servings per recipe)
- 83 Calories
- 3 g Total Fat
- 2 g Saturated Fat
- 1 g Protein
- 72 mg Sodium
- 13 g Total Carbohydrate
- 3 g Fiber