Name: Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or slices); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a colorful, crowd-pleasing side dish that hits all the right notes of sweet and savory, Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots deserve a spot at your table. This stellar recipe transforms simple carrots into something truly special: each piece gets luxuriously caramelized in the oven, sporting golden edges and an irresistible glaze. Brown sugar, a touch of spice, and a drizzle of olive oil turn everyday carrots into a dish that’s equally at home on a weeknight dinner spread or your holiday buffet.

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots is how basic pantry items deliver pure magic together. Each ingredient shines solo and also elevates the others, giving your carrots amazing color, flavor, and the perfect texture.

Carrots: The star of the dish; go for firm, sweet carrots or use baby carrots for ultimate convenience.
Olive oil: Ensures the carrots roast evenly and helps the brown sugar coating stick beautifully.
Brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps the carrots caramelize in the oven.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
Black pepper: Lends just the right hint of warmth and complexity to the glaze.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy note, making these carrots feel extra special—especially for holiday meals.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled over at the end, it brings a burst of color and freshness to your platter.

How to Make Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for roasting—high enough to caramelize the brown sugar on the carrots, but gentle enough to keep them tender inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to make sure nothing sticks (because, trust me, you’ll want every sticky bit on your plate, not on the pan).

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Peel your carrots and cut them into sticks or slices of even thickness. Uniform pieces roast more evenly, so take a minute here for better results. If you’re in a rush, baby carrots make a perfectly fine shortcut—no peeling, no chopping—just toss them right in!

Step 3: Toss with Oil, Sugar, and Spice

In a large bowl, combine your carrot pieces with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want a pinch of warmth. Give everything a thorough toss so all the carrots get evenly glazed. You’ll see, even before roasting, the brown sugar begins to glisten—it’s a good sign of delicious things to come.

Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Crowding them leads to steaming, not roasting, so make sure they have space to brown. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through, until the carrots are tender and turning golden at the edges. As they cook, the brown sugar caramelizes and the carrots become brilliantly sweet and fragrant.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish while they’re still warm and glossy. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley. That final touch adds brightness, making the Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots look as vibrant as they taste.

How to Serve Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots

Garnishes

These carrots are gorgeous on their own, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even toasted pecans or walnuts can make your platter shine even more. You can also add a touch of citrus zest or a drizzle of honey for an extra flavor boost that takes your Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots over the top.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots pair perfectly with classic mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or anything from your holiday spread. They’re also wonderful alongside grain bowls, sheet pan meals, or as an upgraded veggie side on taco night. Their sweet-savory profile works with just about anything that needs a little color and personality.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the carrots in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the oven or pile them high in a pretty serving dish with sprigs of fresh herbs. You can also slice them into coins and skewer them for a playful appetizer presentation. However you serve them, Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots are guaranteed to add a bit of wow to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the carrots to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored properly, Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots will last up to four days and still taste wonderfully sweet and tender when reheated.

Freezing

To freeze, let the carrots cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet so they don’t clump together. Once frozen solid, move them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to three months! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

You can warm leftover Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps maintain their texture and caramelization. In a pinch, a microwave will work too—just heat in short bursts and stir often to keep the sugar from burning.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Absolutely! Baby carrots are a great time-saver and work beautifully in this recipe. Just toss them straight with your glaze and roast as directed—no peeling or chopping required.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, try maple syrup or honey for a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile. Both will help caramelize the carrots as they roast, adding their own unique sweetness.

Do I need to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended, especially if the carrot skins look tough or dirty, but if you scrub them well and don’t mind a slightly earthier taste, you can skip peeling. The dish will still turn out flavorful and colorful.

Can I make Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots ahead of time?

You can prep the carrots and toss them with their glaze a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. For the very best texture, roast them just before serving.

How spicy will these carrots be with cinnamon?

The cinnamon adds a subtle, warming note—nothing hot or overwhelming. It compliments the sweetness and gives the Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots a hint of depth that’s especially wonderful in the colder months.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen. This dish combines comfort, simplicity, and a touch of elegance in every bite. If you’re looking for an easy way to transform ordinary carrots into something everyone raves about, these sweet, golden bites are the answer—give them a try, and get ready to share the recipe!

Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors with these Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots. Perfectly caramelized and seasoned with a hint of cinnamon, these carrots make a fantastic side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots:

1 1/2 pounds carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or slices)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using until evenly coated.
Roast the carrots: Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.