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Perfect Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrots: Easy Kid-Approved Side

Bourbon maple glazed carrots - featured image

These sweet, buttery glazed carrots with a hint of bourbon are quick and easy to make, and even picky eaters will ask for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (about 450g) fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) bourbon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g) black pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them into even 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely until bubbly but not browned.
  3. Add the Sweeteners: Pour in the maple syrup and bourbon. Stir together and let cook for about 30 seconds to burn off some alcohol.
  4. Add the Carrots: Toss the sliced carrots into the skillet. Add the salt and stir to coat evenly. Spread into a single layer.
  5. Cook and Stir: Cook the carrots, stirring every 2-3 minutes, for about 12-15 minutes, until tender and the glaze has reduced to a thick, syrupy consistency. Adjust heat to medium-low if glaze bubbles too hard.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or black pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter. To prevent burning, keep heat at medium or medium-low and stir frequently. If doubling the recipe, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon maple glazed carrots, kid-approved carrots, easy side dish, glazed carrots, maple syrup carrots, bourbon carrots