These Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots are a delicious and elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Tender carrots are glazed with a rich and flavorful sauce made with maple syrup and bourbon, creating a sweet and savory combination that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Elegant: The combination of sweet maple syrup, smoky bourbon, and a hint of ginger creates a glaze that’s both sophisticated and delicious. It’s a perfect way to elevate simple carrots into a special side dish.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and impressive side dish on the table in no time.
Versatile: These glazed carrots are incredibly versatile. They pair well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken and grilled steak to Thanksgiving turkey and holiday ham

Ingredients

Carrots: Peeled and sliced diagonally for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the carrots and prevent sticking.
Ground ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the glaze.
Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a rich maple flavor.
Bourbon: Adds a smoky and complex flavor to the glaze.
Fresh chives: Chopped fresh chives add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Carrots

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the sliced carrots to the pan and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until they start to char slightly. Stir the carrots frequently to prevent them from burning.

Step 3: Add the Glaze

Sprinkle the ground ginger over the carrots and stir to combine.
Pour the maple syrup and bourbon into the skillet. Be careful, as the mixture may steam when it hits the hot pan.
Continue to sauté the carrots for another 10 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the carrots are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the glazed carrots with chopped chives and a dash of sea salt.
Serve the carrots warm directly from the skillet, or transfer them to a serving dish for a more elegant presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prevent Scorching: Stir the carrots frequently while they’re sautéing to prevent them from scorching or burning.
Careful with the Bourbon: Adding the bourbon and maple syrup to the hot skillet will cause steam to rise. Step back slightly when adding these ingredients to avoid getting burned.
Adjust the Glaze: If the glaze becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency

How to Serve

These Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots are a versatile side dish that pairs well with:

Roasted chicken or turkey: The sweetness of the glaze complements the savory flavors of poultry beautifully.
Grilled steak or pork: The smoky bourbon flavor enhances the richness of grilled meats.
Holiday meals: These glazed carrots are an elegant addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
Vegetarian dishes: They also pair well with vegetarian main courses, such as lentil loaf or stuffed portobello mushrooms.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the carrots gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey, rum, or even brandy. You can also omit the alcohol altogether and use a bit more maple syrup or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.

2. Can I use baby carrots?

Yes, you can use baby carrots, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the carrots and glaze ahead of time and reheat them before serving.

4. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and omit the butter. You can also use a plant-based butter substitute.