Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots Recipe

Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots – A perfect sweet and savory side dish! Tender carrots coated in a rich glaze of maple syrup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners!

Carrots never tasted so good! These Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and rich flavors, making them an irresistible side dish for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. The combination of pure maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and smooth bourbon creates a luxurious glaze that elevates simple carrots into a dish everyone will be talking about.

Whether you're looking to impress guests or just want to enjoy a flavorful veggie side, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive into everything you need to know to make perfect glazed carrots!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Easy to make – With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

• Perfectly balanced flavors – The natural sweetness of carrots pairs beautifully with the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, maple syrup, and bourbon.

• Versatile – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or even a cozy Sunday dinner.

• Impressively gourmet – The bourbon gives it a sophisticated twist that feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each ingredient helps create the best version of this dish!

Carrots (1 pound, chopped)

Fresh, vibrant carrots are the star of this dish. They provide a natural sweetness and earthy flavor that works beautifully with the glaze. Chop them into even sizes so they cook uniformly.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

A little olive oil helps coat the carrots and adds a light richness that balances out the sweetness of the glaze.

Butter (2 tbsp)

Butter enhances the glaze by adding a velvety texture and a hint of creaminess. It also helps the flavors meld together.

Brown Sugar (¼ cup, packed)

Brown sugar deepens the sweetness and adds a caramel-like richness, perfectly complementing the maple syrup and bourbon.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Salt enhances all the flavors, while black pepper provides a subtle contrast to the sweetness, balancing the dish.

Cinnamon (¼ tsp)

A hint of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the glaze, making it feel extra special.

Maple Syrup (2 tbsp, pure)

Using pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) is crucial. It adds a deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon.

Bourbon (2 tbsp)

Bourbon gives the glaze a rich, slightly smoky depth and enhances the caramelized flavors. Don’t worry—most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the delicious flavor behind!

Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped)

Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Carrots

1. Place the chopped carrots in a 2-quart saucepan and add enough water to barely cover them.

2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt to season the carrots as they cook.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let the carrots simmer for about 6-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

• Tip: "Tender-crisp" means they should still have a slight crunch. You should be able to pierce them with a fork but with slight resistance.

4. Drain the carrots and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze

1. Return the saucepan to medium heat and add butter and olive oil. Stir until the butter melts completely.

2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Pour in the maple syrup and bourbon, stirring frequently.

4. Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Carrots & Serve

1. Add the drained carrots back into the pan with the glaze.

2. Toss the carrots in the glaze until they are fully coated.

3. Sprinkle in fresh parsley and give everything one last stir.

4. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: ½ cup (approx.)

• Calories: 150

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 10mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Sugar: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

Expert Tips for Success

1. Pick the Right Carrots

• Use fresh whole carrots for the best texture and flavor. Baby carrots can work in a pinch but tend to be softer and hold less flavor.

• Slice them into even pieces for consistent cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook the Carrots

• If they become too soft, they won’t hold up well in the glaze.

• Aim for that tender-crisp texture so they stay slightly firm but still easy to eat.

3. Choose a Quality Bourbon

• The bourbon’s flavor does matter! A good-quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes will enhance the dish beautifully.

• Worried about alcohol? Most of it burns off, leaving just a hint of depth. However, you can substitute it with apple cider if preferred.

4. Let the Glaze Thicken

• Simmering for a full 5 minutes allows the glaze to slightly caramelize, giving the carrots a glossy, sticky coating.

5. Make It Your Own!

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

• For extra crunch, top with toasted pecans or walnuts.

• For a citrus twist, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the glaze.

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve with Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots? Here are some delicious ideas:

🥩 Main Dishes:

• Roast Chicken – The sweet glaze balances the savory flavors.

• Grilled Steak – A perfect contrast of smoky and sweet.

• Baked Salmon – The maple bourbon glaze complements the richness of salmon.

🥔 Side Dishes:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing with a smooth, buttery contrast.

• Garlic Green Beans – Adds freshness to the meal.

🍷 Drinks:

• A glass of bourbon or whiskey enhances the dish’s caramel notes.

• A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Riesling pairs beautifully.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots – A perfect sweet and savory side dish! Tender carrots coated in a rich glaze of maple syrup, bourbon, and brown sugar. Perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners!

Cook time: 20 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

• Carrots (1 pound, chopped)
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
• Butter (2 tbsp)
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup, packed)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Cinnamon (¼ tsp)
• Maple Syrup (2 tbsp, pure)
• Bourbon (2 tbsp)
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Place the chopped carrots in a 2-quart saucepan and add enough water to barely cover them.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt to season the carrots as they cook.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let the carrots simmer for about 6-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Tip: "Tender-crisp" means they should still have a slight crunch. You should be able to pierce them with a fork but with slight resistance.
5. Drain the carrots and set aside.
6. Return the saucepan to medium heat and add butter and olive oil. Stir until the butter melts completely.
7. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Pour in the maple syrup and bourbon, stirring frequently.
9. Let the glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
10. Add the drained carrots back into the pan with the glaze.
11. Toss the carrots in the glaze until they are fully coated.
12. Sprinkle in fresh parsley and give everything one last stir.
13. Serve immediately while warm.

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Try This Recipe & Share Your Thoughts!

Ready to elevate your carrot game? Try these Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots and let me know what you think! If you make them, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram (@yourhandle) – I’d love to see your delicious creations!

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