Whiskey-Glazed Carrots Recipe

This easy Whiskey-Glazed Carrots recipe is made with butter, fresh carrots, a splash of whiskey, brown sugar, and a hint of fresh thyme. The result is a wonderfully tender-crisp side dish with a rich, sweet, and savory glaze that comes together in about 35 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight vegetable or as an impressive addition to a holiday meal, serving 6 to 8 people.

Whiskey-Glazed Carrots Ingredients

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup whiskey, such as Jack Daniel’s
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

How To Make Whiskey-Glazed Carrots

1. Brown the carrots: Melt 4 tablespoons (half the stick) of butter in a large skillet with a lid over high heat. Add half of the carrots to the pan and stir them for about 1 minute to brown them quickly. Remove the browned carrots to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining butter and carrots.
2. Create the whiskey glaze: Carefully pour the whiskey into the hot skillet. If you are cooking over a gas flame, be cautious as it may flare up. Allow the whiskey to bubble and cook for about 3 minutes until it has reduced slightly.
3. Finish the glaze: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Mix in the brown sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Strip the leaves from one thyme sprig and add them to the sauce.
4. Cook the carrots: Add all the browned carrots back into the skillet and stir to coat them in the glaze. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let the carrots cook for 5 minutes.
5. Thicken the glaze and serve: Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the carrots beautifully. Garnish with the remaining fresh thyme sprig and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Brown Carrots in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the carrots. Cooking them in two separate batches ensures they have enough space to make contact with the hot pan, giving them a nice color and caramelized flavor instead of just steaming.
• Be Careful with Whiskey: When adding whiskey or any alcohol to a hot pan, it can ignite. To be safe, you can temporarily remove the pan from the heat source before pouring in the liquid. Cooking the whiskey for a few minutes burns off the harsh alcohol taste, leaving behind a smooth, rich flavor.
• Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful earthy, peppery note that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the butter. While dried thyme can be used in a pinch, the flavor of fresh herbs is much brighter.
• Don’t Overcook the Carrots: The goal is for the carrots to be “tender-crisp,” meaning they are cooked through but still have a slight bite. The final 5 minutes of cooking with the lid off helps them reach this perfect texture while the glaze thickens.

What To Serve Glazed Carrots

These Whiskey-Glazed Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. They are a classic accompaniment to a holiday meal, served alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a beef roast. For a weeknight dinner, they are delicious with grilled pork chops, roasted chicken, or a simple steak and mashed potatoes.

How To Store Glazed Carrots Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze may solidify when cold; simply reheat the carrots gently in a skillet or in the microwave. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The texture of the carrots can become soft and watery after thawing, which will affect the overall quality of the dish.

Whiskey-Glazed Carrots Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1
• alories: 290 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 41mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use baby carrots for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the chopped carrots with a 2-pound bag of baby carrots. This will save you peeling and chopping time. The cooking time should remain about the same.
• Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the whiskey? Absolutely. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the whiskey with an equal amount of apple juice, chicken broth, or even water. The flavor will be different, but the carrots will still have a delicious sweet glaze.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the carrots up to the point of adding them back to the glaze. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the glaze, add the carrots, and cook for the final 10 minutes. This makes it a great option for busy holiday cooking.
• What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Fresh thyme gives the best flavor, but you can use dried thyme if needed. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and add it to the skillet along with the brown sugar.

Try More Recipes:

• White Sandwich Bread Recipe
• Wonton Taco Cups Recipe
• Yorkshire Pudding Recipe