If you’re looking for a vibrant holiday side dish that brings warmth, color, and effortless flavor to your table, these Christmas Glazed Carrots are your perfect match. With tender roasted carrots coated in a glossy sweet-savory glaze of brown sugar or honey, they deliver that irresistible caramelized edge while still being easy enough for weeknight dinners. Whether it’s Christmas Day dinner, a cozy winter gathering, or simply an elevated vegetable side you’ll crave all season, this dish strikes the balance between festive and fuss-free. Let the bright orange glow, sweet aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture win hearts and plates at your next celebration.
Keep the holiday vibes going with our Autumn Bliss Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots Recipe
For a cranberry-sparked side, check out Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Add a savory starter with Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
What Is / Why It’s Special
“Glazed carrots” are a classic side dish revived in holiday fashion: carrots roasted or sautéed with sugar, butter or honey, and often a splash of acid or spice to balance. These Christmas Glazed Carrots up the ante by gearing explicitly for festive tables think glossy carrot slices that sparkle like holiday lights and pair beautifully with roast meats, cozy soups or even brunch spreads.
Why They’re Special
- Sweet and savory glaze delivers depth and charm.
- High-heat roast to caramelize edges without turning mushy.
- Simple ingredients, big impact great for holiday hosting stress-free.
- Visually holiday-friendly: vibrant orange carrots reflect festive palette, especially when served on a bright white marble or white platter.
- Versatile enough to serve at Christmas, New Year brunch, or any cozy winter meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
⭐ Carrots & Base
- 2 lbs (≈900 g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into uniform pieces (or whole baby carrots)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
⭐ Glaze
- ¼ cup (≈50 g) brown sugar or 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (if using honey)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh orange juice (for acidity)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for seasonal spice)
- Optional: ½ tsp Dijon mustard or ¼ tsp garlic powder for a hint of savory
⭐ Garnish & Serving Extras
- Fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprigs
- Pomegranate arils or chopped pecans for crunch
- a drizzle of extra honey or maple syrup just before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Pre-heat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil (for easy clean-up). Arrange carrot pieces in a single layer.
Step 2 – Toss Carrots with Base & Seasoning
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil/butter, salt, pepper, cinnamon/nutmeg. Toss carrots until evenly coated.
Step 3 – Roast Carrots for Caramelization
Place carrots in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes. Rotate/stir halfway through. You’re aiming for tender carrots with lightly crisped edges (RecipeTin Eats tip)
Step 4 – Add Glaze and Finish
Remove baking sheet, pour glaze mixture (brown sugar + vinegar/orange + butter/honey) over carrots, toss gently to coat. Return to oven for an additional 8-10 minutes, until glaze is bubbling and carrots are glossy (The Kitchn sweet-savory technique)
Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
Transfer carrots to a serving dish (preferably white marble or white platter for festive contrast). Sprinkle with parsley, pomegranate arils/pecans, and drizzle extra honey before serving.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
⭐ Tips
- Cut carrots uniformly so they cook evenly (Epicurious advice)
- Use foil lining for easy clean-up (maple sugar glaze can stick)
- Add acidity (vinegar/orange) to balance sweetness and keep glaze light.
- If using baby carrots, reduce roasting time slightly.
⭐ Variations
- Kid-Friendly: Use honey glaze only and add mini marshmallows right after serving for fun.
- Savory Upgrade: Add chopped fresh thyme and shallots or a splash of balsamic.
- Make-Ahead: Roast carrots until nearly done, store in container, finish glaze just before serving.
- Holiday Buffet Version: Serve in a large festive bowl with rosemary sprigs arranged like tree branches.
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
This side dish blends comfort and elegance. It’s easy to execute, visually stunning for holiday tables, and the sweet-savory glaze makes even carrot critics ask for more. It feeds crowds, pairs with many mains, and fits both casual dinners and formal celebrations.
🌟 Hosting & Holiday Buffet Strategy
When you’re hosting a holiday buffet table, timing and presentation matter. These Christmas Glazed Carrots shine in that setting. Roast the carrots ahead and finish glazing just before your guests arrive so they shine with freshness. Serve them on a white marble or festive platter with rosemary sprigs and a zebra drizzle of honey to elevate the presentation. You’ll give your guests a visually stunning side that holds up on the table and adds the vibrant orange pop every holiday table needs.
🌟 Family-Friendly Involvement and Veggie Upgrade
Want everyone from kids to grandparents to love carrots? The glaze works like magic: sweet enough for kids, rich enough for adults. Let your little helpers toss the carrots in the glaze, sprinkle the pomegranate arils, or arrange thyme sprigs. And bonus: you’re subtly adding more veggies to their plate. For a veggie upgrade, toss in chopped roasted parsnips or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor variation and your family might not even notice they’re eating extra roots.
❓ FAQs
Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes, roast up to 24 hours ahead, store in fridge, then re-glaze and warm just before serving.
What type of carrots are best?
Young, slender carrots or baby carrots roast beautifully. If using large carrots, cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How can I keep them crunchy and not mushy?
High oven temperature and single layer roasting help achieve crisp edges while keeping interiors tender.
Are these good for Christmas dinners?
Absolutely, the glaze, color, and presentation all align with festive holiday dinners and pairing with traditional mains.
🎁 Conclusion
These Christmas Glazed Carrots take a humble vegetable and turn it into a holiday star. With caramelized edges, shining glaze, and that perfect sweet-savory balance, they’re guaranteed to be requested year after year. Get your tray ready and impress your guests without the stress.
Print
Christmas Glazed Carrots – Sweet & Savory Holiday Side Dish🎄
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Festive Christmas glazed carrots roasted with a brown sugar or honey glaze, warm spice, and a touch of citrus. Tender, glossy, and gently caramelized, they make an easy sweet-savory holiday side dish for Christmas dinner or any cozy winter meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs (≈900 g) carrots, peeled and cut into even sticks or rounds, or use whole baby carrots
2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg
1/4 cup (≈50 g) packed brown sugar or 3 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp unsalted butter (for extra richness or when using honey)
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh orange juice
Optional 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or thyme
2–3 Tbsp pomegranate arils or chopped pecans, for garnish
Extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up.
2. Peel carrots and cut into even sticks or rounds if not using baby carrots. Pat dry and spread on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil or melted butter with salt, pepper, and cinnamon or nutmeg. Drizzle over the carrots and toss until evenly coated.
4. Roast carrots for 18–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are starting to brown on the edges but are not yet fully tender.
5. Meanwhile, in another small bowl whisk together the brown sugar or honey, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar or orange juice plus Dijon or garlic powder if using.
6. Pour the glaze over the partially roasted carrots, toss gently to coat, and return the pan to the oven for 8–10 more minutes, until the carrots are tender and the glaze is bubbling and glossy.
7. Transfer the glazed carrots to a warm serving dish or white platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme and top with pomegranate arils or chopped pecans.
8. Finish with an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup just before serving and enjoy as a Christmas or winter holiday side dish.
Notes
To make ahead, roast the carrots until just tender, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven and finish with the glaze right before serving so they stay glossy and fresh.
For a holiday buffet, serve the glazed carrots on a white platter with rosemary sprigs and a zigzag drizzle of honey for a festive look that holds well on the table.
Let kids help by tossing the carrots in the glaze and sprinkling on pomegranate arils or chopped pecans. The sweet-savory flavor makes carrots more fun for the whole family.
For an extra veggie boost, roast chunks of parsnips or sweet potatoes on the same pan and glaze them together with the carrots for a colorful, cozy winter mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Christmas Recipes
- Method: Oven-Roasted
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup glazed carrots
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas glazed carrots, brown sugar glazed carrots, honey roasted carrots, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving carrots, easy roasted carrots, Rania kitchen