This Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots recipe is a sweet and savory recipe, which is made with brown sugar and whiskey. It’s an easy, elegant side dish, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots Recipe Ingredients
- 1 stick Butter, Divided
- 2–3 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1/2 c. Jack Daniels Or Other Whiskey
- 3/4 c. (to 1 Cup) Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp. (to 1 Teaspoon) Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots Recipe
- Sauté the Carrots: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over high heat. Add the carrots (working in two batches if necessary) and sauté for 60–90 seconds per batch, just until they are slightly browned. Remove the carrots from the skillet and set them aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the whiskey to the hot skillet to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the whiskey bubble for about 30 seconds.
- Create the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and the brown sugar to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, creating a glaze.
- Finish the Carrots: Return the sautéed carrots to the pan and stir to coat them well with the glaze. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover, season with salt and pepper, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.

Recipe Tips
- How do you get the carrots to cook evenly? Slicing the carrots into uniform, thick rounds is key. This ensures that all the pieces become tender at the same rate.
- What’s the best whiskey to use? A smooth Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s or a bourbon works wonderfully in this recipe. You don’t need to use a top-shelf whiskey, but use one you would enjoy drinking for the best flavor.
- How do I know when the glaze is ready? The glaze will thicken as it cools, so be careful not to overcook it or it can become too sticky. It’s ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Can I use baby carrots? Yes, you can use whole baby carrots to save on prep time. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on their thickness.
What To Serve With Whiskey Carrots
These sweet and savory glazed carrots are a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals:
- A perfectly cooked steak or pork roast
- Roasted chicken or turkey, especially for holiday dinners
- Grilled pork chops
- BBQ brisket
How To Store Whiskey Carrots
Refrigerate: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave.
Whiskey Carrots Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Does the alcohol cook out of the whiskey?
Most, but not all, of the alcohol will cook off during the simmering process. A small amount will remain, contributing to the overall flavor of the glaze.
Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Yes. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the whiskey with an equal amount of apple juice, apple cider, or additional beef or chicken broth.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These carrots are best served fresh, but you can peel and slice the carrots a day in advance to save on prep time.
Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes15
minutes236
kcalCarrots glazed in a sweet and savory sauce of brown sugar, butter, and whiskey for a caramel-rich side dish that’s ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 stick Butter, Divided
2–3 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 c. Jack Daniels or other whiskey
3/4 c. to 1 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. to 1 Teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Sauté the sliced carrots in batches for 60-90 seconds each until slightly browned. Remove from skillet.
- Add the whiskey to the hot skillet to deglaze, letting it bubble for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and the brown sugar, stirring until a glaze forms.
- Return the carrots to the pan and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Uncover, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
Notes
- Even Cuts: Cut carrots into uniform slices to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
- Quality Whiskey: A smooth-tasting whiskey will yield the best flavor in the final glaze.
- Don’t Overcook Glaze: The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools, so remove it from the heat when it’s syrupy but not overly thick.
- Perfect Pairing: These carrots are an exceptional side dish for steak, roasts, and holiday meals.