Greetings, food enthusiasts! With the holiday season just around the corner, I’m excited to share a delightful holiday recipe campaign that will include 4 of the best holiday side dish recipes that will surely elevate your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. These Brown-Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots are the first in the campaign and the epitome of sweet, easy, and homemade goodness.

These Brown-Sugar Glazed Carrots are packed with the natural sweetness of carrots and enhanced by the rich flavors of brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey, making this dish not just a holiday side but a damn delicious everyday recipe. The best part? These Brown-Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots are cooked on the stovetop which frees up the oven for your holiday cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh baby whole carrots, cleaned and trimmed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoons honey
- Zest from one orange to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots Start by cleaning and trimming 2 pounds of fresh whole baby carrots. It’s essential to choose young, tender garden fresh carrots for this recipe as they will cook evenly and have a naturally sweet taste.
Step 2: Glaze Preparation In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey. Stir gently until the brown sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth, heavenly glaze. The addition of maple syrup adds a delightful depth of flavor, while honey brings a natural sweetness to the mix.
Step 3: Infuse with Citrus Zest Grate the zest of one orange into the glaze. Add to taste. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Stir the glaze gently, letting the aroma of orange infuse the mixture.
Step 4: Blanch the Carrots Place the cleaned baby carrots in a pot of boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes. You want the carrots to still be undercooked.

Step 5: Glaze the Carrots Place the blanched baby carrots in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the prepared glaze over the carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Allow the carrots to simmer in the glaze, stirring occasionally, until they are tender yet slightly crisp. The glaze will thicken, forming a beautiful caramel coating on the carrots.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the carrots are perfectly glazed and tender, transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. The vibrant green parsley against the deep caramel hue of the glazed carrots creates an inviting visual contrast perfect for your holiday celebrations.

Your Brown-Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots are ready to be savored! The tender carrots, infused with the sweet and citrusy glaze, will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving more. This dish is not just a holiday recipe; it’s a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, and watch as it becomes the star of the show, earning praises and requests for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday preparations.
- Sweet Perfection: The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, and orange zest creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and balanced.
- Versatile: These glazed baby carrots are not only an excellent holiday side dish but also a fantastic addition to any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will find it hard to resist these sweet, caramelized carrots.

There you have it—an unforgettable Brown-Sugar Glazed Baby Carrots Recipe that will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a Christmas dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests and bring warmth to your gatherings. Enjoy the holiday season with good food, and good company.


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