Make Ahead Baked Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with Make Ahead Baked Carrots—a perfect recipe to save time and wow your guests! This easy, make-ahead option blends tender, blanched carrots with a rich glaze of melted butter, brown sugar, and honey, creating a sweet and savory delight. Ideal for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, these carrots are prepped in advance and baked fresh, ensuring a stress-free kitchen experience. The dish bakes to perfection in under an hour, producing caramelized, fork-tender carrots with a hint of parsley for a fresh finish. Whether you're planning for a crowd or just a family meal, this versatile recipe is a flavorful, time-saving gem.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel and slice the carrots into uniform rounds or sticks, about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and blanch them for 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if planning to bake immediately. If making ahead, skip this step.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Place the blanched carrots in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the carrots and toss to coat them evenly.
If making ahead, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Bake the carrots, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
596 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.3 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.2 g | 146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1997 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.0 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.9 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 352 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
