Marry Thompson This Whiskey-Glazed Carrots recipe is a sweet and tender recipe, which is made with brown sugar and Jack Daniels whiskey. It’s the perfect side dish, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeWhiskey-Glazed Carrots Recipe Ingredients
- 1 stick Butter, divided
- 2 to 3 pounds Carrots, peeled and cut into thick circles
- 1/2 cup Jack Daniels Or Other Whiskey
- 3/4 cup to 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives, for serving (optional)
How To Make Whiskey-Glazed Carrots
- Sear the Carrots: In a large skillet over high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the carrots (working in two batches if necessary) and cook for 60-90 seconds per batch until they are lightly seared. Remove the carrots from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Glaze: Pour the whiskey into the hot pan and let it bubble and reduce for about 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top and stir everything together.
- Glaze the Carrots: Return the seared carrots to the skillet. Cover the pan and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring, for about 5 more minutes, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened. Pour onto a platter, sprinkle with optional chives, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do you keep the carrots from getting mushy? The initial quick sear over high heat is a key step. It gives the carrots some color and texture, which helps them hold their shape and not become too soft during the final glazing process.
- Can I make these non-alcoholic? Absolutely. For a delicious non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the whiskey with an equal amount of apple cider, apple juice, or even a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- What kind of whiskey is best? A classic Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s is what the recipe suggests and works wonderfully. A good quality bourbon with notes of caramel and vanilla would also be a fantastic choice.
- Can I make these ahead of time? These carrots are at their best when served fresh from the skillet. However, you can make them an hour or two in advance. Store them in the skillet and then reheat gently over low heat just before serving.
What To Serve With Whiskey-Glazed Carrots
These are a classic side dish that is perfect for a special Sunday dinner or a holiday meal. They are an incredible accompaniment to roasted meats. Serve them alongside:
- A glazed Holiday Ham
- A whole Roasted Chicken or Turkey
- Pan-seared Pork Chops
- A classic Pot Roast or steak dinner
How To Store Whiskey-Glazed Carrots
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the carrots gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze, or in the microwave.
Whiskey-Glazed Carrots Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 42g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
While the whiskey adds a distinct, rich flavor, you can easily make this a family-friendly dish by substituting the whiskey with apple cider or chicken broth.
If your glaze isn’t as thick as you’d like after the final 5 minutes of cooking, simply remove the carrots from the pan and let the glaze continue to simmer and reduce on its own for a few more minutes until it has reached your desired consistency, then toss the carrots back in.
Yes, you can use a 2 lb. bag of baby carrots to save on peeling and chopping time. The cooking time should remain roughly the same.
Try More Recipes:
Whiskey-Glazed Carrots Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes15
minutes320
kcalTender-crisp carrots are quickly seared and then simmered in a sweet and savory glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of whiskey.
Ingredients
1 stick Butter, divided
2-3 lbs Carrots, peeled and cut into thick circles
1/2 cup Whiskey (e.g., Jack Daniel’s)
3/4 cup packed Brown Sugar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the carrots in batches for 60-90 seconds. Remove from the pan.
- Pour the whiskey into the hot pan and let it cook down for 30 seconds.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter and the brown sugar, and stir until a glaze forms.
- Return the carrots to the skillet, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Uncover, season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the carrots are tender and the glaze is thick.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to not overcrowd the pan when you are searing the carrots; work in batches to ensure they get a nice color.
- For the best flavor, use a good quality whiskey or bourbon that you would enjoy drinking.
- Be careful when you add the whiskey to the hot pan, as it may flame up for a second as the alcohol burns off.
- These carrots are done when they are “tender-crisp,” meaning a fork can easily pierce them but they still have a slight bite.