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Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)
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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.

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

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Peel and trim the carrots, then slice them into evenly sized pieces—either rounds or sticks—to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/glazed-carrots-christmas-recipe-thanksgiving-recipe/