If you’re searching for the perfect side dish to brighten up your holiday meals, look no further than these delightful Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe). This recipe brings together tender, sweet carrots dressed with a buttery glaze that adds just the right hint of warmth and nostalgia to your festive table. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or simply craving a comforting vegetable side, these glazed carrots strike a beautiful balance of flavor and texture, making every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet impressive: This recipe transforms basic carrots into a luscious side dish that looks and tastes like a holiday masterpiece.
Perfectly sweet and tender: The glaze adds sweetness and softness while preserving a pleasing bite.
Versatile for any feast: Ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special meal, fitting seamlessly with other holiday classics.
Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a stress-free way to elevate your holiday spread.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the naturally sweet flavors enhanced by the buttery glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) lies in its straightforward, staple ingredients that combine into something truly extraordinary. Each element plays a role in creating that golden, shiny coating and tender finish that makes the dish so special.

Fresh carrots: Opt for firm, evenly sized carrots for uniform cooking and sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky glaze that clings to the carrots perfectly.
Brown sugar: Brings caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor to the glaze.
Orange juice: Offers a fresh citrus note that brightens and balances the sweetness.
Honey or maple syrup: Optional, for an extra layer of natural sweetness and slight floral undertones.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Fresh herbs (optional): Like thyme or parsley, for a pop of color and subtle herbal aroma.

Variations for Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Adding your own spin can turn these glazed carrots into a unique holiday treasure every year.

Spiced glaze: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger for warm, festive flavors.
Vegan option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter to keep it plant-based.
Crunch factor: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.
Citrus twist: Swap orange juice for fresh lemon or lime juice for a different citrus brightness.
Glaze thickness: Reduce the cooking liquid more for a thicker, stickier glaze or add a splash of water for lighter coating.

Perfect Glazed Carrots Christmas & Thanksgiving Recipe

How to Make Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Peel and trim the carrots, then slice them into evenly sized pieces, whether rounds or sticks, to ensure they cook uniformly and beautifully.

Step 2: Blanch the Carrots

Boil the carrots in salted water for about 5 minutes or until just tender but still with a bit of crunch, then drain well to prepare for glazing.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, orange juice, and honey (if using), mixing until the sugar dissolves and the glaze starts to bubble.

Step 4: Glaze the Carrots

Add the carrots to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with the warm, sticky glaze. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the carrots absorb the flavors and develop a shiny finish.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs before removing from heat, then transfer to your serving dish and enjoy the beautiful glaze on each tender carrot.

Pro Tips for Making Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Carrot size matters: Choose carrots of similar thickness to cook evenly and avoid some pieces becoming mushy.
Don’t overcook: Aim for tender but firm carrots for the best texture, especially since they cook further while glazing.
Balance sweetness and acidity: Adjust orange juice and brown sugar amounts to your taste to avoid overly sweet or tangy results.
Use a wide pan: Giving carrots space ensures they glaze evenly without steaming.
Garnish just before serving: Fresh herbs or nuts last best when added right before presenting the dish.

How to Serve Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Garnishes

Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, thyme leaves, or a few toasted nuts like pecans to add color, aroma, and textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these glazed carrots with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a rich mashed potato dish to complement the sweet and buttery flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them in a rustic wooden bowl, scatter some pomegranate seeds on top for festive sparkle, or arrange neatly on a holiday platter lined with fresh herbs for a wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover glazed carrots to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

Though best enjoyed fresh, glazed carrots can be frozen by spreading them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or orange juice to restore moisture, stirring occasionally to maintain the glaze’s shine.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of fresh carrots?

Yes! Baby carrots work well and save prep time since they’re pre-peeled, just make sure to adjust cooking times so they don’t get too soft.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All ingredients in this Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the butter with vegan margarine, coconut oil, or olive oil and use maple syrup instead of honey to make a delicious vegan-friendly version.

Can I prepare glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch and glaze the carrots a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving to save time on busy holiday days.

What’s the best way to get a shiny glaze on carrots?

Cooking the carrots in the glaze over medium heat until the liquid reduces and coats the carrots thickly ensures a beautiful, glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe) is truly a holiday favorite that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to your table every year. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on both flavor and presentation, and once you try it, you’ll want to include it in every Christmas and Thanksgiving celebration to come. So grab your carrots and get ready to create a dish that your family and friends will rave about long after the last bite!

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Print Recipe

These Glazed Carrots are a tender, sweet, and buttery side dish perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive meal. The carrots are cooked until just tender and coated with a luscious buttery glaze infused with brown sugar and orange juice, creating a shiny, flavorful finish that balances sweetness with a hint of citrus brightness. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this recipe elevates simple carrots into a standout holiday classic.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes & Variations

Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, chopped
Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger (for spiced glaze)
Toasted pecans or walnuts
Alternative citrus juice: fresh lemon or lime juice
Coconut oil or vegan butter (for vegan option)

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: Peel and trim the carrots, then slice them into evenly sized pieces—either rounds or sticks—to ensure uniform cooking.
Blanch the Carrots: Boil the carrots in salted water for about 5 minutes or until they are just tender but still have a slight crunch. Drain well.
Make the Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, and honey or maple syrup if using. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the glaze starts bubbling gently.
Glaze the Carrots: Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece with the warm glaze. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots absorb the flavors and develop a shiny, sticky finish.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optionally fresh herbs or toasted nuts. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Choose carrots of similar size and thickness for even cooking and to avoid some pieces becoming mushy.
Aim for tender but firm carrots to preserve texture, especially since they cook further in the glaze.
Adjust the balance of orange juice and brown sugar to your preferred sweetness and acidity.
Use a wide skillet or pan to allow the carrots enough space to glaze evenly without steaming.
Add garnishes like fresh herbs or nuts just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
The recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and honey with maple syrup.
Leftover glazed carrots can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: glazed carrots, holiday side dish, Christmas recipe, Thanksgiving recipe, buttery carrots, carrot glaze, easy vegetable side