Candied Carrots – The Sweet Side Dish Everyone Will Love

Candied carrots are the kind of side dish that make you look like you put in major effort—when really, you didn’t. These glossy, buttery, brown sugar–coated carrots are sweet enough to tempt even the pickiest eater but still savory enough to hold their own next to a roast or holiday turkey. The best part? They come together in under 25 minutes.

Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet impressive. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving spread or just jazzing up a Tuesday dinner, this candied carrots recipe will hit the sweet spot—literally.

Table of Contents

What is Candied Carrots?

Candied carrots are baby carrots simmered in a buttery glaze made of brown sugar and honey until they’re tender, shiny, and perfectly caramelized. The flavor walks that fine line between sweet and savory, making them a cozy, comforting addition to almost any meal. Think of them as the stylish cousin of plain boiled carrots—still simple, but dressed up for the occasion. They’re a Southern classic, often found on holiday tables alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and baked mac and cheese. You can find similar comfort food favorites like creamy homemade baked mac and cheese or rosemary garlic mashed potatoes for a full comfort-food feast.

Reasons to Try Candied Carrots

If you’ve ever been on a mission to get your kids—or your spouse—to eat more vegetables, candied carrots might just become your secret weapon. They’re simple, affordable, and only need a handful of ingredients you probably already have. Plus, the smell of butter and brown sugar bubbling on the stove? Instant mood booster.

They’re versatile enough for fancy dinners yet easy enough for everyday meals. And when the holidays roll around, they add just the right pop of color and sweetness to your spread. Serve them next to turkey and stuffing, or pair with sweet potato casserole with pecan for that ultimate cozy balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Candied Carrots

• 1 pound baby carrots, patted dry (454 grams)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup salted butter
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup pure honey
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions to Make Candied Carrots

Making candied carrots is all about patience and a little stovetop magic. Follow this step-by-step guide to get perfectly tender, glossy carrots every time—no kitchen stress required.

Step 1: Prep the Carrots Like a Pro

Before you even turn on the stove, make sure your baby carrots are patted completely dry. This little detail helps the buttery glaze stick better, giving you that irresistible, shiny coating in the end. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If you’re using regular carrots, peel and slice them into even 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. For more veggie prep ideas, check out carrot ginger soup — it’s another delicious way to put those carrots to work.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Pan

Now, it’s time to build that sweet, buttery base. Grab a 10-inch skillet and toss in the baby carrots, ¼ cup of water, salted butter, dark brown sugar, and honey. Turn the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. The goal here is to steam the carrots just enough so they start softening while absorbing that rich sweetness. Stir occasionally to keep things moving and to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This gentle start is key for building flavor step by step without burning the glaze.

Step 3: Cook Until Carrots are Tender

After about 8 to 10 minutes, remove the lid and check the texture. The carrots should be starting to soften but not mushy. This is where things get exciting! You’ll notice the sauce bubbling gently, and that’s your cue to keep stirring. The carrots will continue to cook, becoming tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. If you love tender vegetables, you’ll also enjoy how perfectly soft the veggies turn out in my creamy chicken broccoli casserole.

Step 4: Thicken the Glaze Step by Step

Here’s where your step-by-step patience pays off. Turn up the heat slightly to medium-high and keep stirring every few minutes. The butter, brown sugar, and honey will start to reduce and thicken into a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to each carrot. This transformation usually takes another 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of your spoon. Be careful not to walk away—this part happens fast, and the sugar can go from golden to burnt in seconds. If you want a deeper, molasses-like flavor, try swapping honey for maple syrup (a little trick I also love using in my maple cranberry butter recipe).

Step 5: Season and Garnish for the Perfect Finish

Once your carrots are beautifully glazed, stir in a pinch of cracked black pepper for a subtle kick. It balances the sweetness and adds just enough contrast. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve the candied carrots immediately while they’re still warm and glossy. The final texture should be buttery, slightly sticky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Bonus Step: Make It Your Own

Want to add a twist? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall dinners. For a holiday version, sprinkle crushed pecans on top before serving. And if you’re building your Thanksgiving spread, pair these carrots with Thanksgiving turkey stuffing and creamy butternut squash casserole for a full comforting feast.

This step-by-step method guarantees you’ll get tender, buttery, and perfectly caramelized candied carrots every single time. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned home chef, this simple recipe transforms humble carrots into a show-stopping side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What to Serve with Candied Carrots

Candied carrots pair beautifully with holiday mains and cozy comfort foods. They’re a match made in heaven for Thanksgiving turkey stuffing or creamy butternut squash casserole. You can also keep it simple with roasted chicken or a juicy pork tenderloin. The sweet glaze complements rich, savory dishes, balancing everything out perfectly. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve alongside cozy fall butternut mac and cheese and a fresh green salad.

Key Tips for Making Candied Carrots

Dry your carrots before cooking—this helps the glaze cling better. Use salted butter for that irresistible balance of sweet and savory. If you like extra caramelization, let the glaze cook a minute longer at the end until it thickens into a syrupy coating. For a deeper flavor, swap honey for maple syrup or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Cooking for a crowd? Double the recipe—just make sure your skillet is big enough so the carrots can caramelize evenly. And here’s a pro tip: these candied carrots also taste amazing cold, straight from the fridge (if any leftovers survive).

Storage and Reheating Tips for Candied Carrots

Store leftover candied carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or butter to refresh the glaze and warm them over low heat on the stovetop. You can also microwave them for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute the glaze evenly. If you’re prepping ahead for a big dinner, make the carrots a day early and reheat right before serving—they’ll taste just as good. Avoid freezing; the texture tends to turn mushy.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots? Absolutely. Just peel and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
Can I make candied carrots ahead of time? Yes! They reheat beautifully with a quick stir in a buttery pan.
Can I make them less sweet? Sure—use half the brown sugar or swap honey for maple syrup for a milder flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Final Thoughts

Candied carrots are one of those side dishes that feel fancy but are secretly so easy. They’re the perfect mix of cozy, sweet, and buttery goodness—like dessert disguised as a vegetable. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or just need a quick way to dress up dinner, this recipe is a winner every time. If you’re planning a holiday spread, check out classic green bean casserole or creamy corn casserole for Thanksgiving to round out your table beautifully. Simple, fast, and totally delicious—candied carrots are the side dish you didn’t know you needed.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print