The Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe is a delightful way to transform simple baby carrots into a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will brighten up any meal. Combining the perfect balance of buttery sweetness with a hint of warm cinnamon, this recipe is quick, fuss-free, and yields irresistibly tender carrots that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these glazed carrots cooked in an Instant Pot bring both comfort and elegance to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe relies on a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to give you that perfect glaze and texture. Each element adds its own magic—from the natural sweetness of baby carrots to the richness of melted butter and the cozy touch of cinnamon.
- Baby carrots (2 pounds): Choose fresh, firm carrots for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Water (1 cup): Essential for steaming the carrots perfectly in your Instant Pot.
- Butter, melted (3 tablespoons): Adds luxurious richness and helps the glaze develop a silky finish.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar (¼ cup packed): Gives the carrots their signature sweet caramelized flavor.
- Salt (¼ to ½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the glaze.
- Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Add Water to Cooker
Start by pouring one cup of water into the bottom of your 6-quart Instant Pot. This water creates the steam needed to gently cook the carrots to perfection inside the steamer basket.
Step 2: Add Carrots to Basket
Place the baby carrots evenly into the steamer basket and carefully lower it into the Instant Pot. This method ensures the carrots cook with steam, retaining their natural sweetness and nutrients.
Step 3: Cook the Carrots
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for just 3 minutes. This short cooking time is key to keeping the carrots tender yet not mushy. Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release of the pressure valve to stop cooking right away.
Step 4: Drain Water
Carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot and pour out the water left over in the Instant Pot. This prevents sogginess and preps the pot for glazing.
Step 5: Season Carrots
Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Return the cooked carrots to the pot, then add melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. These ingredients will mingle as you cook to create a decadent glaze that clings to every carrot.
Step 6: Sauté Carrots
Cook the carrots in the glaze for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently but continuously, until they become tender, glossy, and beautifully coated. This final step builds the flavor and texture that makes this Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Serve with Parsley
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top. This little burst of green adds freshness and a lovely pop of color.
How to Serve Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also brings a gentle herbaceous note that balances the sweet glaze perfectly. Feel free to sprinkle some toasted nuts or a little lemon zest if you want an extra special touch.
Side Dishes
These glazed carrots pair wonderfully with a variety of mains like roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. They also complement hearty grain bowls or a holiday dinner spread with mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, arrange the glazed carrots in overlapping rows on a long platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. You can even toss them with a handful of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of feta cheese to surprise your guests with a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover glazed carrots, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a nutritious side dish even on busy days.
Freezing
While glazed carrots can be frozen, the texture might soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Use within 2 months for the best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to recoat the carrots in their glaze. Avoid overheating to keep them tender without becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots in this Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe?
Absolutely! Just slice regular carrots into even sticks or rounds so they cook evenly. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure perfect tenderness.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the glaze?
You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a natural sweetness that complements the buttery glaze beautifully.
Is it necessary to use the sauté function for glazing?
Yes, sautéing after steaming is what gives these carrots their delicious glossy finish and allows the sugar to caramelize slightly. It’s a crucial step for that signature glaze.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Definitely. Simply swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based margarine or oil, and use coconut sugar to keep the sweet flavor intact.
How do I know when the carrots are perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot?
After the 3-minute high-pressure cook and quick release, the carrots should be tender but still hold their shape. If they feel too firm, you can always cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the way this Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe turns humble carrots into a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to make your family or guests ask for seconds. So go ahead, try this recipe today, and watch how glazed carrots can become the shining star of your meal!
Print
Instant Pot Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Glazed Carrots recipe offers tender, flavorful baby carrots coated in a sweet and buttery glaze with a hint of cinnamon. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy side dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Carrots and Cooking Liquids
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1 cup water
Glaze and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (or oil)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ¼–½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Add water to cooker: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot to create steam for cooking the carrots.
- Add carrots to basket: Place the 2 pounds of baby carrots into a steamer basket and set the basket inside the Instant Pot over the water.
- Cook the carrots: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure. Cook the carrots for 3 minutes, then perform a quick release to immediately release the pressure.
- Drain water: Carefully remove the steamer basket from the Instant Pot and drain the water remaining in the pot.
- Season carrots: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function and return the cooked carrots to the pot. Add the melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, salt to taste, and cinnamon.
- Sauté carrots: Stir and sauté the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender and well-coated with the glaze.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the salt according to your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, use oil instead of butter.
- Make sure to quick release the pressure immediately after cooking to avoid overcooked carrots.
- Fresh parsley adds a lovely color and mild freshness but is optional.
