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Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Carrots – Easy Party Side

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These brown sugar bourbon glazed carrots are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or any gathering. The combination of sweet brown sugar, rich butter, and warm bourbon creates a glossy, addictive glaze that makes these carrots disappear first from the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch sticks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the carrots (5 minutes): Peel all the carrots and trim off the ends. Cut them into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Set them aside.
  2. Par-cook the carrots (8-10 minutes): Fill your skillet with about 1/2 inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the carrot sticks and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the carrots are just starting to get tender but still have some bite. Drain the carrots in a colander and wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.
  3. Start the glaze (2 minutes): Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally. Once the butter is melted and starting to foam, add the brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves into the butter, about 1 minute.
  4. Add the bourbon (1 minute): Pour in the bourbon and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to burn off some of the alcohol.
  5. Glaze the carrots (5-7 minutes): Return the par-cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently with a wooden spoon to coat every piece. Spread them into a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Flip the carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
  6. Finish and season (1 minute): Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the carrots and toss one more time. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using the optional maple syrup, drizzle it in now and toss to combine.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer the glazed carrots to your serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley.

Notes

Don’t skip the par-cook step; it ensures even tenderness. Keep heat at medium or medium-low to prevent burning the brown sugar. Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed carrots, glazed carrots, bourbon carrots, easy side dish, holiday side dish, carrot recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/perfect-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-carrots-easy-party-side/