Why You’ll Love these Sweet Glazed Carrots
Carrots, often relegated to the boring side dish category, truly shine in this sweet glazed version that will make you question why you haven’t been preparing them this way all along. I promise, the combination of apple juice concentrate and orange rind creates a symphony of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy carrot flavor.
What I love most about this recipe is how the cloves add that surprising warmth, while the cornstarch creates a silky glaze that clings to each tender slice. They’re fancy enough for holiday meals but simple enough for Tuesday night dinner. Plus, they’re a veggie even picky eaters can’t resist!
What Ingredients are in Sweet Glazed Carrots?
These sweet glazed carrots come together with just a handful of simple ingredients that transform ordinary carrots into something truly special.
What makes this recipe stand out is the clever use of apple juice concentrate instead of refined sugar, letting the natural sweetness shine through while the orange rind adds a bright, citrusy note. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
- 8 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices (or a 1-pound bag of baby carrots)
- 1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 tablespoon grated, fresh orange rind
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your carrots really matters. Look for firm, bright orange carrots without cracks or soft spots.
If you’re short on time, baby carrots work beautifully and save you the step of peeling and slicing.
And about that orange rind—make sure you’re just grating the colorful outer layer (the zest) and not the bitter white pith underneath.
Trust me, that little bit of orange makes all the difference in creating a glaze that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
How to Make these Sweet Glazed Carrots
Making these sweet glazed carrots couldn’t be simpler, and the process brings together a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Start by steaming 8 large carrots (sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds) or a 1-pound bag of baby carrots for about 15 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite to them. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not so mushy that they fall apart when stirred with the glaze.
While your carrots are steaming away, it’s time to prepare that gorgeous glaze that makes this dish so special. In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of thawed frozen apple juice concentrate, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange rind, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Whisk these ingredients together until smooth—the cornstarch might try to clump up on you, so be patient and persistent with your whisking. Then turn on the heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice the sauce transforming from cloudy to glossy right before your eyes. That transformation is so satisfying, isn’t it?
Once both components are ready, gently fold your tender steamed carrots into the thickened sauce, making sure each piece gets evenly coated with that sweet, aromatic glaze.
The orange and clove aromas that fill your kitchen at this point are absolutely divine—like a cozy fall afternoon distilled into dinner. Serve these glazed carrots hot, perhaps with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
The bright orange color against the shiny glaze makes for a presentation that’s as appealing to the eyes as it’s to the taste buds. And there you have it—a vegetable side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course.
Sweet Glazed Carrots Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this sweet glazed carrots recipe lies in its flexibility—you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Instead of apple juice concentrate, try maple syrup, honey, or orange juice for different flavor profiles. Don’t have fresh orange rind? A dash of orange extract works in a pinch.
I sometimes swap the cloves for cinnamon or nutmeg when I’m craving a different warmth.
And while I love traditional carrots, rainbow carrots create a stunning presentation that makes my dinner guests think I’m far fancier than I actually am.
Parsnips work wonderfully too, for a slightly earthier twist.
What to Serve with Sweet Glazed Carrots
Now that you’ve mastered the art of customizing these sweet carrots, let’s talk about perfect pairings.
These glazed beauties complement roasted meats brilliantly—I serve them alongside herb-crusted pork loin or a simple roast chicken for Sunday dinners.
For everyday meals, try them with grilled salmon or pan-seared chicken thighs. The sweet-tangy flavor profile cuts through richer proteins wonderfully.
Need starch? Mashed potatoes or wild rice make ideal companions, soaking up that delicious orange-apple glaze.
For a complete vegetarian plate, pair with mushroom risotto or a hearty bean stew. Trust me, the color alone brightens any dinner table.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a vibrant side dish, these sweet glazed carrots deliver every time. I love how the apple juice concentrate creates a naturally sweet glaze without refined sugar, while that hint of orange zest and cloves adds unexpected depth. Trust me, even veggie skeptics will reach for seconds.
The beauty of this recipe? Its versatility. Make it ahead and reheat just before serving, or toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile. These carrots have become my go-to side when I need something reliable but impressive.
Sweet Glazed Carrots With Apple Juice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Steam the carrots for about 15 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- While the carrots are steaming, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the apple juice concentrate, orange zest, cornstarch, and ground cloves.
- Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth, making sure to break up any cornstarch clumps.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the carrots are steamed and the glaze is ready, gently fold the carrots into the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
