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.

Christmas Glazed Carrots - Sweet & Savory Holiday Side Dish

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

Scale

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