Save This sweet and savory side dish transforms ordinary carrots into something extraordinary. The cream soda creates a magical caramelized glaze that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of carrots with warm spices. After countless family dinners where vegetables were met with resistance, these carrots have become the most requested side dish at our table.
I first made these carrots when looking for a vegetable side that would actually excite my picky eaters. The cream soda was a last minute substitution when I realized I was out of orange juice, and it turned out to be a happy accident that's now become our signature side dish.
Ingredients
- carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins: 1½ lbs
- cream soda: ½ cup
- unsalted butter, melted: 2 tbsp
- light brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- kosher salt: 1½ tsp
- ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
- vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional): 1 tbsp
- Flaky sea salt (optional):
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven And Pan:
- Position your oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 425°F. This high heat is crucial for proper caramelization. Line your sheet pan completely with parchment or foil, making sure to cover the edges to prevent sticky cleanup later.
- Prepare The Carrots:
- Peel carrots thoroughly to remove any bitter outer layer. Cut into uniform pieces about ½-inch thick to ensure even cooking. Spread them in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan, making sure not to overcrowd which would cause steaming rather than roasting.
- Create The Magical Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream soda, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the sugar begins to dissolve and ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture will seem thin but will reduce and thicken during roasting.
- Coat The Carrots:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the arranged carrots, then use your hands or tongs to toss and turn each piece until thoroughly coated. Rearrange into a single layer again after coating for optimal browning.
- Roast To Perfection:
- Place the pan in your preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes total. At the 15-minute mark, remove the pan and stir the carrots to ensure even caramelization. They're done when fork-tender with visible caramelization on the edges and most of the liquid has reduced to a sticky glaze.
- Finish And Serve:
- Transfer the finished carrots to a serving dish, making sure to scrape any caramelized bits from the pan. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving to add brightness and textural contrast to the sweet carrots.
Save The cream soda is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered it by accident when I was out of my usual orange juice for glazing carrots, and the vanilla notes in the soda created something magical. My daughter now requests these as her birthday dinner vegetable every year, which I consider the highest praise a vegetable side dish can receive.
Make-Ahead Options
These carrots can be prepped in stages to make your meal planning easier. Peel and cut the carrots up to three days ahead, storing them submerged in water in the refrigerator. The glaze mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored separately. When ready to cook, drain and dry the carrots thoroughly before tossing with the glaze and roasting. The carrots can even be fully prepared and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving, though they're best fresh from the initial roasting.
Flavor Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect as is, there are several delicious ways to customize these carrots. For a spicy twist, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze mixture. For an herbal variation, try adding 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme to the glaze. Around the holidays, a pinch of ground nutmeg and clove transforms these into festive spiced carrots. You can also experiment with different sodas. Root beer creates a deeper, more complex flavor, while ginger ale adds a pleasant zing that pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired main courses.
Pairing Suggestions
These sweet glazed carrots create a perfect balance alongside savory protein dishes. They shine particularly well with roasted pork loin, where the caramelized notes complement the meat beautifully. For poultry, they pair wonderfully with herb-roasted chicken or turkey, making them perfect for holiday meals. When serving with beef, the sweetness offers a lovely contrast to the richness of a pot roast or prime rib. For vegetarian meals, serve alongside a hearty mushroom risotto or lentil loaf where the carrots provide a sweet counterpoint to earthy flavors.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your carrots aren't caramelizing properly, your oven temperature may be running low. Try increasing by 25°F or positioning the rack closer to the heating element. If the glaze is burning before carrots are tender, your pieces may be too large. Cover with foil and reduce temperature to 375°F to finish cooking. For excessively watery results, make sure your sheet pan isn't overcrowded and that you're using a pan with low sides to allow proper evaporation. If your carrots lack flavor, try finishing with an extra pinch of salt and a small drizzle of honey right before serving to brighten all the flavors.
Save These carrots are a delightful way to get your family to eat their vegetables. The sweet and savory glaze is irresistible, and the ease of a sheet pan meal makes it a weeknight winner.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use diet cream soda for the glaze?
Yes, both regular and diet cream soda work well for glazing the carrots. Enjoy your preferred sweetness level.
- → How do I keep carrots from burning in the oven?
Roast at 425°F and toss the carrots halfway through for even caramelization without burning. Use parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
- → What can I use instead of brown sugar?
Try substituting honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile while maintaining sweetness and texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, but check cream soda labels for gluten or other allergens to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply use your favorite plant-based butter alternative to replace the unsalted butter in the glaze.
- → Can I prepare the carrots ahead of time?
Carrots can be prepped and glazed ahead. Roast just before serving to maintain their tender texture and vibrant flavor.