Freeze-Ahead Golden Glazed Carrots
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Servings: 5
Description:
This Freeze-Ahead Golden Glazed Carrots recipe is a wonderful make-ahead dish that’s both convenient and delicious. It’s from a Woman’s Circle magazine, and the idea behind it is ingenious. The carrots are blanched, glazed, and then frozen in the same casserole dish you’ll later bake them in—this way, you don’t have to worry about thawing them out before baking. You simply take the casserole from the freezer, unwrap, and bake. This technique is perfect for not only carrots but could easily be applied to other vegetables as well. The golden glaze is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, adding an extra layer of flavor to your dish. This recipe is a real time-saver and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a tasty side without any hassle during your meal prep.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boiling water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Light brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Orange (zest of) | 1 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Carrots (peeled and sliced) | 1 pound |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 153.8 kcal |
| Fat | 4.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.2 mg |
| Sodium | 376.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugar | 19.2 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
Instructions:
-
Blanch the Carrots:
- Place the peeled and sliced carrots into a medium saucepan. Pour the boiling water over the carrots until they are fully submerged.
- Bring the water back to a boil and cook the carrots for exactly 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain the carrots thoroughly and set them aside.
-
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a separate small saucepan, combine the flour, light brown sugar, salt, and thyme. Stir them together to ensure the flour and sugar are evenly distributed.
- Slowly add the cider vinegar, lemon juice, and orange juice into the mixture, followed by the zest of one orange. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add the butter to the saucepan and stir it in. Allow the butter to melt and cook the glaze over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare the Freezer Dish:
- Line a casserole dish with aluminum foil. Make sure the strips are long enough to extend over the sides of the dish, creating an easy way to cover the carrots later. There should be enough foil to line the bottom and sides of the casserole dish completely.
-
Assemble the Carrots:
- Once the carrots are blanched and the glaze is ready, add the carrots to the prepared casserole dish. Pour the golden glaze evenly over the carrots, ensuring they are well-coated.
-
Freeze the Carrots:
- Place the casserole dish, uncovered, into the freezer. Allow the carrots to freeze completely, which should take several hours.
- Once the carrots are frozen solid, remove the casserole from the freezer. Carefully fold the aluminum foil over the carrots to cover them. Then wrap the entire package tightly with more foil, plastic wrap, or freezer wrap to ensure they stay airtight and prevent freezer burn.
-
Store in the Freezer:
- Return the wrapped carrots to the freezer. They can be stored for several weeks, ready to bake whenever you need them.
-
Bake When Ready to Serve:
- When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Unwrap the frozen carrots and place them into the casserole dish, using the same one you originally froze them in.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
-
Finish Baking:
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil cover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the carrots are fully heated through and slightly caramelized on top.
Tips for Success:
-
Freezer-Friendly: The best part of this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead of time and store in the freezer. Make a double batch to ensure you always have a tasty side dish on hand!
-
Flavor Variations: If you want to switch up the flavors a bit, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, cozy touch.
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Serving Suggestions: These glazed carrots pair wonderfully with roast meats like chicken, turkey, or ham. They also complement hearty dishes like pot roasts or casseroles.
Enjoy these easy-to-make, flavorful Freeze-Ahead Golden Glazed Carrots, the perfect side dish for busy days or family gatherings. You can prepare them in advance and bake them straight from the freezer, making them a convenient and delicious addition to any meal!
