Simple and easy yet impressive
Instant Pot Glazed Carrots are quickly becoming my favorite way to enjoy carrots!
Growing up there were two vegetables my parents could easily get me and my sister to eat.
Steamed broccoli that was covered in Cheese Whiz, and brown sugar glazed carrots. (If you’re having doubts about your littles’ eating habits, please take myself as case in point that ANYTHING is possible!)
It was quite the nostalgic moment when I discovered you can make a easier, and quicker version of those sweet and savory glazed carrots.
Easier because we’re popping it all into an Instant Pot…
And faster because, once again, we’re using an Instant Pot! And thanks to its pressure cooker magic those sweet and slightly savory baby carrots will be soft, tender, and ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes!
You can serve these up on any ol’ weeknight when you need a simple side dish. (These carrots seriously pair great with just about any main dish!) Or opt for a simple side for a holiday dinner.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Salt. Adding a bit of salt gives the carrots a nice sweet and salty flavor. The salt also helps to bring out the natural flavors of the carrots, so don’t leave this out!
- Carrots. A 2-pound bag of organic baby carrots is used in this recipe. These are handy because they are already rinsed, peeled, and all have a similar shape and size. Another type of carrot, like whole, fresh carrots, can also be cut into slices (like you do when learning How to Boil Carrots) but you will need to decrease your cook time by a minute.
- Sugar. Just a little bit of brown sugar goes a long way. So don’t overdo it! (I did this when testing and they tasted more like dessert! lol) You can also substitute the refined sugar with coconut sugar or even a liquid sweetener such as honey or pure maple syrup. If you’re nervous about making them too sweet, just add in a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired level.
- Butter. This makes up the bulk of the sauce. If you’re dairy-free you can also substitute with a dairy-free butter alternative or use coconut or avocado oil instead. Olive oil is not recommended since it has a pretty strong taste that will overpower the sweetness of the carrots.
- Cinnamon. This spice is optional, but just a pinch of it really adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. You can also try substituting this with ground nutmeg if you’d prefer.
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Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Prep the Instant Pot and carrots.
Pour water into the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot. The water creates steam inside of the Instant Pot so the carrots can cook.
If you’re using whole carrots, be sure to peel and slice them first.
Place carrots into a steamer basket and place it into the electric pressure cooker.
Pro Tip: Using a steamer basket makes it much easier to remove the carrots once cooked. It also prevents the carrots from becoming too mushy.
Cook the carrots.
Cook carrots on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Do a quick pressure release as soon as the timer goes off. Make sure you’re paying attention here!
Remove the steamer basket from the Instant Pot and drain the water from the pot. Be very careful at this point as the pot is very hot!
Sauté the carrots.
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the cooked carrots back to the pot along with the butter or oil, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the carrots are soft and tender. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot, as well.
Serve the tender carrots immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy!
FAQs
Glazed carrots are very good for you, especially when the recipe uses minimal added sweetener. These vegetables are relatively low in calories but pack a nutritional punch even though they have a natural sweet taste. In particular, carrots have health benefits for both your heart and your eyes.
Glazed carrots will last in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days after cooking. However, be sure they didn’t sit out too long at room temperature and keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
What to serve with it?
These Instant Pot Glazed carrots make a delicious side dish to numerous meals. Here are a few main dish ideas that go well with this recipe.
A few of my favorites are Honey Mustard Chicken, Filet Mignon Recipe, and Lemon Dill Salmon.
Chicken Piccata and Balsamic Chicken are both delicious, as well.
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Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons butter melted*
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar*
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Parsley optional
Instructions
- Pour water into the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot.1 cup water
- Add baby carrots to a steamer basket and place it into the pot.2 pounds baby carrots
- Cook carrots on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release the pressure valve as soon as the timer goes off.
- Remove the steamer basket from the Instant Pot and drain the water from the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the cooked carrots back to pot along with the butter, or oil, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ¼-½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the carrots are soft and tender.
- Serve with finely chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!Parsley
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Notes
- Steaming: A steamer basket is the easiest way to cook Instant Pot carrots. It lifts the carrots up and away from the water so they don’t end up getting too soggy while cooking.
- Butter: Coconut, vegetable, or olive oil may also be used instead of the butter if dairy-free or vegan.
- Sugar: Don’t overdo the sugar. If you’re nervous these will come out too sweet, test and taste the brown sugar glaze until you’ve added enough to your desired sweetness. Coconut sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup can be used if avoiding refined sugars.
- Spices: A little pinch of cinnamon is a lovely addition, or try adding in nutmeg if you have a picky eater who doesn’t like cinnamon.
- Herbs: Sprinkle on some fresh herbs before serving. It adds a nice pop of color and a wonderful fresh flavor to the glazed carrots.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Carrot Recipes
You will find many ways to prepare carrots, whether they’re for a holiday meal or you’re just looking for a great side dish. From the stove top to the oven, from the crockpot to the air fryer, try one of these recipes next.
