Print

Cozy Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrots: Best Easy Side Dish

bourbon maple glazed carrots - featured image
Print Recipe

These tender carrots are coated in a sticky, buttery glaze made with maple syrup and bourbon, creating a sweet and warm side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (60ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) bourbon (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) packed brown sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the carrots: Peel 1.5 lbs of carrots, trim off tops and tails, and slice diagonally into 2-inch pieces. Cut thicker pieces in half lengthwise for even cooking.
  2. Par-cook the carrots: Place sliced carrots in a large skillet, add water to cover by about ½ inch, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. Start the glaze: Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and melt completely, swirling to coat the pan.
  4. Add the sweeteners: Pour in 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons bourbon. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly.
  5. Season the glaze: Add ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Add the carrots: Return par-cooked carrots to the skillet, toss gently to coat, and spread into a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to allow caramelization.
  7. Finish cooking: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring every 2 minutes, for 8 to 10 minutes total until carrots are tender and glaze is glossy and thick. If glaze thickens too quickly, add a tablespoon of water. If too thin, cook an additional minute without stirring.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh thyme if using, and stir gently. Transfer to a serving dish and spoon remaining glaze over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the par-cooking step; it ensures tender carrots without burning the glaze. Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking. Use medium heat to avoid burning the sugar. Let carrots caramelize by not stirring constantly. Adjust bourbon to taste; reduce or omit for kids or those avoiding alcohol. For a crowd, double the glaze ingredients. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon maple glazed carrots, easy side dish, glazed carrots, holiday side dish, maple bourbon carrots, quick side dish, vegetarian side dish

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/cozy-bourbon-maple-glazed-carrots-best-easy-side-dish/