Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots are tender, buttery carrots glazed in brown sugar and a splash of whiskey. This sweet and savory side dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is perfect for everything from a weeknight dinner to a holiday table. With rich caramelized flavor and a hint of warmth from the whiskey, these carrots are anything but ordinary—and they might just steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Whiskey Carrots Recipe
- Big flavor, minimal effort: Just a few pantry staples and one skillet deliver rich, bold flavor.
- Sweet and savory perfection: The brown sugar-whiskey glaze coats every carrot in sweet warmth.
- Ready in 25 minutes: Ideal for last-minute dinners or stress-free holiday prep.
- Elegant yet comforting: A unique twist on glazed carrots that still feels cozy and familiar.
Whiskey Carrots Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, divided
- 2–3 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- ½ cup Jack Daniels (or your favorite whiskey)
- ¾–1 cup brown sugar
- ½–1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.
- Sauté carrots: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add half the carrots, cooking for about 60–90 seconds. Remove and repeat with the remaining carrots.
- Deglaze with whiskey: With an empty skillet, pour in the whiskey and let it bubble for 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol.
- Create glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and let it melt. Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
- Simmer carrots: Return all carrots to the skillet. Toss to coat in the glaze, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Remove lid, season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking uncovered for 5 more minutes, or until carrots are tender and glaze is thick.

Expert Recipe Tips
- Slice carrots evenly for consistent tenderness.
- Cook carrots in two batches to ensure proper browning and avoid crowding.
- Use a good-quality whiskey for a smoother flavor—bourbon also works well.
- Let the glaze bubble gently at the end to thicken without burning.
- Chopped chives or fresh herbs make a pretty and tasty finishing touch.
Recipe Variations
- Honey Bourbon Carrots: Swap brown sugar with honey and use a sweeter bourbon like Maker’s Mark.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a warm contrast.
- Maple Glazed: Use pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, autumnal sweetness.
- Citrus Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright finish.
- Herbed Whiskey Carrots: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the pan as the carrots simmer.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store leftover whiskey carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Whiskey Carrots
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring gently.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Yes, any smooth whiskey or bourbon works. Each variety adds its own subtle flavor twist. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind just the rich, deep flavor. - Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop just before serving. - Why aren’t my carrots caramelizing well?
Be sure your skillet is hot, avoid overcrowding, and don’t skip the sauté step—it sets the stage for caramelization. - What if the carrots taste too sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or balance it with more pepper or a splash of vinegar for contrast.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Creamy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls
- Pioneer Woman Chow Chow Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 236
- Fat 12g
- Saturated fat 7g
- Trans fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg
- Sodium 229mg
- Potassium 391mg
- Carbohydrates 21g
- Fiber 3g
- Sugar 19g
- Protein 1g

Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots
Description
These Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots are glazed in brown sugar, butter, and whiskey for a sweet, savory, and caramel-rich side dish that’s ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1 tbsp butter over high heat. Sauté carrots in two batches, 60–90 seconds each. Remove.
- Add whiskey to deglaze the skillet; let bubble 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Return carrots to pan, coat well, cover, and cook 5 minutes.
- Uncover, season with salt and pepper, and simmer another 5 minutes until tender and glazed.
Notes
- Cut carrots evenly for even cooking.
Use quality whiskey for smoother flavor.
Glaze thickens as it cools—don’t overcook.
Pioneer Woman Whiskey Carrots