These sweet buttery baby carrots taste just like the ones from Cracker Barrel! They are soft, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. This easy side dish is perfect for any meal and takes just a few simple ingredients.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed:
- 2 pounds fresh baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch of ground nutmeg
How To Make Baby Carrots?
- Cook the carrots: Rinse the carrots and place them in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover them, then cover the pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until fork-tender.
- Add the glaze: Drain half of the water, then add the margarine, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well, cover again, and cook for a few more minutes until the carrots are soft but not mushy.
- Season and serve: Taste and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor, then serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:
- Use the right amount of water: Add just enough water to cover the carrots. Too much water can make them lose flavor, and too little may cause them to dry out before they soften.
- Cook until fork-tender: Check the carrots by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft but still hold their shape. Overcooked carrots can turn mushy and lose their texture.
- Melt the margarine completely: Stir well after adding the margarine so it coats all the carrots evenly. This helps them get a smooth and buttery glaze.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste: If you like sweeter carrots, add a little more brown sugar. If you prefer a lighter glaze, use less sugar or swap it for honey.
- Add nutmeg at the end: If using nutmeg, sprinkle it in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents it from becoming too strong.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the carrots cool completely, then put them in a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: After cooling, place the carrots in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Place the carrots in a pan over low heat. Add a small amount of water or butter and stir occasionally for 5 minutes, until hot.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 71 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 412mg
- Potassium: 268mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 0g
Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
40
minutesCalories
71
kcalThese sweet buttery baby carrots taste just like the ones from Cracker Barrel! They are soft, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. This easy side dish is perfect for any meal and takes just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh baby carrots
2 tablespoons margarine
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch of ground nutmeg
Directions
- Cook the carrots: Rinse the carrots and place them in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover them, then cover the pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until fork-tender.
- Add the glaze: Drain half of the water, then add the margarine, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well, cover again, and cook for a few more minutes until the carrots are soft but not mushy.
- Season and serve: Taste and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor, then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use the right amount of water: Add just enough water to cover the carrots. Too much water can make them lose flavor, and too little may cause them to dry out before they soften.
- Cook until fork-tender: Check the carrots by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft but still hold their shape. Overcooked carrots can turn mushy and lose their texture.
- Melt the margarine completely: Stir well after adding the margarine so it coats all the carrots evenly. This helps them get a smooth and buttery glaze.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste: If you like sweeter carrots, add a little more brown sugar. If you prefer a lighter glaze, use less sugar or swap it for honey.
- Add nutmeg at the end: If using nutmeg, sprinkle it in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents it from becoming too strong.