You might think that Cracker Barrel has some crazy secret ingredient that makes their carrot side dish so delicious. It is a secret ingredient but it's not so crazy! By adding a little sugar to the carrots it heightens and freshens the flavor without being overly sweet.
2 pounds fresh baby carrots
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons butter
Place the carrots in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat and add enough water to just cover them. Put a lid on the saucepan and bring to a boil.
Turn the heat to low once it boils and then let simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the carrots can be pierced with a fork.
Drain the carrots well and return to the saucepan. Add the salt, sugar, and butter. Stir, over low heat, until the butter is melted and the carrots are coated in the mixture.
Serve the baby carrots hot.
For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular butter.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving for added color and taste.
To retain more nutrients, steam the carrots instead of boiling them.
For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of orange zest to the carrots before serving.
If you prefer a bit of crunch, don't overcook the carrots; remove them from heat while they still have some firmness.
Experiment with adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness.
Serve these carrots as a side dish with a variety of main courses, as their sweetness pairs well with many flavors.
For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the butter mixture.
Remember, the key to this dish is simplicity, so let the natural flavors of the carrots shine through.
Adding sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots without making them overly sweet.
Yes, brown sugar can be used for a slightly different, more caramel-like flavor.
Yes, you can use regular carrots cut into smaller pieces, but cooking times may vary.
The carrots are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork but are not mushy.
Yes, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a different flavor.
Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat it, but be careful not to overcook the carrots when reheating.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, frozen baby carrots can be used, but the cooking time may be slightly shorter.
For a low-sugar version, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
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reviews & comments
March 25, 2020
Used regular carrots instead of baby carrots since I have a lot of carrots. I will make again. Susan
I was told by a Cracker Barrel waitress that they cook the carrots in water with corn syrup added. I have done this for years and it does work.
The cook at Cracker Barrel told me they used honey, not sugar in the carrots. Iâm going to try this recipe substituting that.
These were good,but not nearly as good as Cracker Barrel...
Why? What was different?
I have always loved Cracker Barrel's baby carrots. Now I will be able to prepare them anytime.