Our easy Balsamic Roasted Carrots with Brown Sugar are the perfect flavor balance between sweet and savory. Carrots have never tasted better.
Today I'm sharing the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. These Roasted Balsamic and Brown Sugar Carrots are tangy and sweet and become the most beautiful color once roasted.
Roasted Carrots Brown Sugar
This recipe is perfect for any weeknight dinner because it requires barely any prep and minimal ingredients, but the color is so beautiful and the taste so unique that it would really be a stand out to serve at Thanksgiving.
The balsamic and brown sugar caramelize on the flat side of the carrot and form a beautiful deep brown glaze. Seriously, I have never seen a more beautiful veggie.
This recipe will put those plain, buttery boiled carrots that grandmas like to serve, to shame.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots Ingredients:
- Whole Carrots
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Brown Sugar
- Parsley
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Balsamic Carrots
You ready for the easy instructions?
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and peel carrots and chop off ends if desired. Chop carrots into halves or thirds and then slice in half.
- Lay carrots flat side down on a metal baking sheet with raised edges.
- In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar.
- Pour vinegar mixture over the carrots and gently tip the pan side to side so that the mixture gets under the carrots.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper then roast for 15-25 minutes or until balsamic mixture has thickened and carrots are a deep golden brown and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Frequently Asked Questions
Roasting carrots is a simple and delicious way to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor. Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions about roasting carrots.
How do I prepare carrots for roasting?
Wash and peel the carrots, if desired. Trim off the ends and cut them into uniform pieces, such as sticks or rounds, to ensure even cooking.
What temperature should I roast carrots at?
Roasting carrots is typically done at temperatures ranging from 375°F (190°C) to 425°F (220°C). The higher the temperature, the quicker they will cook and caramelize.
How long does it take to roast carrots?
The roasting time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the carrot pieces and the oven temperature. Generally, it takes around 20-30 minutes at 375°F to 425°F. Check for doneness by piercing the carrots with a fork or knife; they should be tender and slightly caramelized when done.
Can I roast carrots with other vegetables?
Yes, carrots can be roasted with other vegetables like potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. Just be mindful of varying cooking times for different vegetables and adjust accordingly.
Do I need to toss the carrots during roasting?
Tossing or flipping the carrots halfway through the roasting time helps ensure even cooking and caramelization. It's a good practice to give them a stir or shake the pan to distribute heat evenly.
How do I store and reheat leftover roasted carrots?
Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or microwave them until warmed through.
Can I use baby carrots instead of regular?
I recommend using regular carrots and not baby carrots. The baby ones do not have the same texture as the regular ones do after roasting. That being said, you can substitute them if desired.
If you try this recipe, we'd love if you'd leave a comment and positive review. They mean so much to us.
Brown Sugar Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Video
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1-2 Pounds Carrots peeled
- ⅓ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh Parsley Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and peel carrots and trim off edges if desired.
- Cut each carrot into three pieces and then cut each piece in half so there is a flat side. Lay carrots, flat side down in a metal baking sheet with sides.
- In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and brown sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons brown sugar and if you prefer sweeter carrots, add more to taste.
- Pour vinegar mixture over the carrots and gently tip the pan side to side so that the mixture gets under the carrots.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then roast for 15-20 minutes or until balsamic mixture has thickened and carrots are a deep golden brown and tender. Garnish with some parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe from our friend Amanda of Old House to New Home
This recipe was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated with more detailed information, new photos and video.
Abby
Made these to go with pork chops and was a great combination. Perfectly seasoned and so tasty.
Betty
Its become my favorite side dish, the flavors are perfection, especially with a savory meal.
Sharina
We had pork chop last night and paired it with this balsamic roasted carrots recipe, the best combo! Such an appetizing side!
Helen
I truly believe that roasting is the best way to cook veggies and that a touch of balsamic elevates anything. Needless to say, my family LOVED these carrots! So delicious!
Natasha
This balsamic roasted carrots recipe is a great way to cook carrots! This is great as a side dish to a lot of different meals, it’s the best one I’ve tried!
Mia R
The perfect side dish that goes with anything! And it's the only way to get my kids to eat carrots lol. Love them!
jess
oh, my, goodness. These carrots were fantastic and I dont think that I will ever make them any different than this! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Rosa
Super easy to make with basic ingredients. A perfect side dish that adds a delightful twist to carrots. Highly recommended!
Allyson Zea
These carrots are seriously amazing, and the glaze makes them so delicious!
Kara
So easy and so tasty! My daughter ate hers like french fries, and I ignored the bad manners because at least she was eating vegetables. Haha.
Pam
I made this recipe last night to test before Thanksgiving and we LOVED them! I'll for sure be adding this recipe to our Thanksgiving menu!
Jessica
So glad you liked them! Thanks for letting us know.
Abby
Making these for Thanksgiving because they were such a hit at Friendsgiving. So yummy.
Jessica
I'm so glad to hear that!
Dana G
These are the only way I will make carrots from now on! Just perfect, thank you.
Jessica
So glad you loved them! Thanks Dana.
jess
these carrots, the balsamic and the brown sugar, I cannot get over how tasty they are! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Jessica
You are so welcome!
ANNA MCNAMARA
Fun new way to eat carrots.
Terry Geiman
Never did a roasted balsamic carrots before, great new flavor, easy to make and wonderful new way to enjoy carrots.
Terry G
Las Vegas , NV
Jessica
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks Terry!
Kelly
Planning to make this to bring for a Thanksgiving dinner. Would this still be good cooked in advance and then heated up an hour later?
Sarah
I'm not sure as I've never done it that way! I'm guessing it would be okay, but since there is time before Thanksgiving I'd do a test run to see what you think?
Daniela
The most delicious ever! Perfect balance of flavor to make and so easy!
Melissa McArthur
I’ve never met something that isn’t yummy with brown sugar on it, and this is no different. It’s so perfectly sweet!
Jessica
Right? My kids favorite way to eat carrots ;)