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If you’re on the hunt for a fast and flavorful side dish that even picky eaters will love, these Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots are a total winner. They’re sweet, buttery, and perfectly tender—all made in just a few minutes with the magic of your pressure cooker. Whether you’re serving them with a weeknight dinner or adding them to your holiday spread, they’re a colorful (and super tasty) addition to the table.

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

This recipe is just one of my go-to side dishes when I need something quick that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You can pair these with mains like Instant Pot mini meatloaf bites and mashed potatoes, or round them out with sides like crockpot mashed potatoes or green bean casserole—all easy favorites you might already have on your meal plan.

I especially love that this recipe uses pantry staples—carrots, brown sugar, butter, and broth—so it’s easy to whip up last minute. Plus, it’s a great way to get a veggie on the table that doesn’t feel like a chore to eat!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Just 3 minutes of cook time in the Instant Pot!

• Kid-friendly – The sweetness makes it a great gateway veggie for little ones.

• Minimal ingredients – You likely already have everything on hand.

• Perfect for holidays or everyday dinners – Looks pretty on the plate and tastes amazing.

• No oven needed – Keep your kitchen cool and your oven free for other dishes.

Ingredients

• 32 oz bag of baby carrots
• ½ cup of chicken broth, you can use water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons of butter
  

  How to Make Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

  • Dump your carrots into your inner pot
  • Add in broth, butter, and brown sugar.
• 
  • Lock lid.
  • Press the Manual button and adjust the time to 3 minutes.
  • When the timer beeps, do a quick release.
• 
  • Open the lid and stir.
• 
  • Enjoy

Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh baby carrots for the best texture—frozen carrots can get mushy.

• Don’t skip the quick release—overcooking can turn your carrots into mush.

• Want extra flavor? Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for a cozy twist.

• Double the batch if you’re cooking for a crowd, but be sure not to overfill your Instant Pot past the fill line.

• Use unsalted butter if you want better control over the overall saltiness.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yep! Just peel and slice them into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water works just fine, or you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra butter or broth to keep them saucy.

Can I use frozen carrots?
You can, but they may turn out softer than fresh ones. If you do, reduce the pressure cook time to 2 minutes.

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