Cracker Barrel Carrots
This Cracker Barrel Carrots Recipe brings the beloved flavors of the iconic restaurant side dish right to your kitchen. With a perfect blend of buttery sweetness, tender carrots, and simple ingredients, this recipe is quick to make and will be a hit at your next family meal or holiday gathering. The carrots are boiled to tender perfection and coated in a rich, sweet glaze made of butter and brown sugar. With minimal prep time and few ingredients, this dish is an easy-to-follow recipe that is both delicious and comforting.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot (for boiling carrots)
- 1 Medium Saucepan (for preparing the glaze)
- 1 Strainer (for draining the carrots)
- 1 Wooden Spoon (for stirring the glaze and carrots)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Baby Carrots (or 4 medium-sized carrots)
- 4 tbsp 60g Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup 50g Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp Pepper adjust to taste
Optional:
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon or Nutmeg for added warmth
Instructions
Prepare the Carrots
- Rinse the baby carrots under cold water. If using larger carrots, peel and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
Boil the Carrots
- Place the carrots in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the carrots are tender but still slightly firm. Drain the carrots and set them aside.
Make the Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Add the salt and pepper, and if you’d like, add the optional cinnamon or nutmeg.
Toss Carrots in the Glaze
- Add the drained carrots back into the pot and pour the glaze over them. Toss the carrots gently, ensuring they are evenly coated with the buttery glaze.
Simmer and Serve
- Allow the carrots to simmer for another 3-5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to soak up the glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave. You may want to add a small splash of water or butter when reheating to refresh the glaze.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish. You can also substitute honey for brown sugar for a different flavor.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Add a Crunch: For a bit of texture, try adding crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts as a garnish after cooking.
- Spices: The optional cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to the dish, but feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor.