Christmas Carrot Glaze: 5 Steps to Festive Flavor Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Carrot Glaze is a simple yet festive side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to your holiday table. With a blend of brown sugar, orange juice, and warming spices, it transforms everyday carrots into a delightful treat your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the peeled and sliced carrots in salted water until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain the carrots and set them aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Add the brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg to the melted butter.
5. Step 5: Stir the mixture continuously until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
6. Step 6: Add the drained carrots to the saucepan and toss them gently to coat in the glaze.
7. Step 7: Cook the glazed carrots for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: Serve the carrots warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze mixture for a subtle zing.
• You can substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a different but delicious sweetness.
• If fresh orange juice isn’t available, use bottled juice or a splash of zest for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the glaze’s smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work well and can save prep time. Adjust boiling time until they are tender but not mushy.

Is this glaze suitable for vegan diets?

The recipe uses butter, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.

Christmas Carrot Glaze: 5 Steps to Festive Flavor Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Christmas Carrot Glaze recipe offers a festive and flavorful way to prepare tender carrots coated in a sweet, spiced orange glaze. Perfect as a holiday side dish, the carrots are boiled until tender and then simmered in a buttery glaze infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh orange juice for a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced

Glaze

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Boil Carrots: Place the peeled and sliced carrots in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain Carrots: Drain the carrots thoroughly and set them aside while you prepare the glaze.
3. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquefied and beginning to bubble gently.
4. Make Glaze: Add brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes a smooth glaze, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Combine Carrots and Glaze: Add the cooked carrots to the saucepan and toss to coat them evenly with the glaze.
6. Simmer Together: Continue cooking the glazed carrots for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
7. Serve Warm: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and serve warm to enjoy the full festive blend of flavors.

Notes

• For extra texture, consider topping with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.
• This glaze can also complement roasted vegetables such as parsnips or sweet potatoes.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar according to preference.
• Use fresh orange juice for best flavor impact; bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas carrots, glazed carrots, holiday side dish, orange carrot glaze, spiced carrot recipe