Coca-Cola Carrots
+5 photos

Coca-Cola Carrots

4 servings
A bottle of Coke may be the last "special ingredient" you'd imagine for a vegetable side dish, but these Coca-Cola carrots will convince you its really a multi-talented drink.

Ingredients

  • unsalted butter
    6 tbsp.
  • chopped shallots

    from 2 large [3 oz. total] shallots

    ½ c
  • sprigs thyme

    plus more fresh leaves for garnish

    4
  • carrots

    peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4-in.-thick coins, about 5 cups

    2 lb.
  • bottle or can cola soft drink

    preferably coca-cola

    1
  • chicken stock
    ½ c
  • country-style dijon mustard
    2 ½ tbsp.
  • light brown sugar
    2 tbsp.
  • kosher salt
    1 ½ tsp.
  • crushed red pepper

    optional

    ⅛ tsp.
  • chopped toasted pecans
    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Heat butter in a large 5- to 6-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium until melted. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until just slightly softened, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Add thyme, carrots, cola, stock, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper (if using).  Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high, then reduce to a simmer over medium-low. Cover and simmer, undisturbed, until carrots are just tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer carrot mixture to a platter using a slotted spoon; discard thyme sprigs.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Increase heat to medium-high; cook sauce mixture, uncovered and stirring often, until thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, 8 to 12 minutes. Return carrots to sauce mixture and reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until carrots are tender and lightly glazed in sauce, about 8 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Return carrot mixture to platter. Sprinkle with pecans; garnish with thyme. Serve immediately.

    Step 5
Coca-Cola Carrots
+5

Coca-Cola Carrots

50 min4 servings

Similar Recipes

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple glazed carrots are a perfect side dish for any meal and especially holiday dinners. They are simply brushed with simple ingredients of melted butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar then roasted until perfectly caramelized and fork-tender!

25 minutes4 servings222 kcal
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe (Ginger Carrots)

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe (Ginger Carrots)

These sweet Honey Glazed Carrots will be right at home on your Thanksgiving table, but they taste just as good with any simple weeknight meal!Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

30 minutes8 servings128 kcal
Harvard Beets

Harvard Beets

Harvard Beets are an amazing old-fashioned recipe that you will fall in love with. This is easy to make after you roast beets, and is a fantastic side dish.

45 minutes4 servings175 kcal
Easy Oven Roasted Carrots

Easy Oven Roasted Carrots

How to make simple and delicious Roasted Carrots!

40 minutes103 kcal
Grilled Carrots Get a Spicy Makeover with This Buffalo-Style Recipe

Grilled Carrots Get a Spicy Makeover with This Buffalo-Style Recipe

Grilled carrots treated like buffalo wings is a delicious way to enjoy your veggies in the summer.

15 minutes4 servings187 kcal
Creamy Vegetable Casserole

Creamy Vegetable Casserole

In this easy vegetable casserole recipe, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are lightly coated in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, and baked to bubbly deliciousness.

45 minutes350 kcal
Chayote Squash Side Dish

Chayote Squash Side Dish

This chayote recipe features the plump, pear-shaped mirliton squash sautéed with garlic, spices, and red wine vinegar for a tasty vegetable side dish.

20 minutes2 servings90 kcal
Best Carrot Cake

Best Carrot Cake

This is truly our best-ever carrot cake recipe. These tender layers are brushed with a buttermilk glaze and wrapped in cream cheese frosting.

2.3 hours12 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for a surprising side dish that will get everyone talking? These Coca-Cola Carrots transform a humble vegetable into an unforgettable culinary experience, proving a soda can be a truly multi-talented ingredient. You might be skeptical, but a bottle of cola brings an incredible depth of flavor to these carrots, balancing sweetness with the tangy kick of country-style Dijon mustard and savory chicken stock. This unique combination creates a rich, complex glaze that elevates a simple side dish to something truly special. Prepare to be delighted by the rich, complex flavors of these Coca-Cola Carrots. Each forkful delivers tender carrots coated in a glossy, savory-sweet glaze, brightened by the subtle piquancy of Dijon mustard and a fragrant whisper of thyme. The optional crushed red pepper adds a gentle warmth, perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, creating a side dish that's far from ordinary. The total preparation and cook time is around 50 minutes, making this a rewarding yet manageable addition to any meal. Feel free to experiment with the herbs; fresh rosemary could offer a different aromatic note if you don't have thyme on hand. For a different texture or if you have nut allergies, you can omit the toasted pecans. If you prefer less heat, simply leave out the crushed red pepper for a milder flavor profile. These impressive carrots are ideal for a festive holiday dinner, a special occasion, or an elevated weeknight meal. Serve them alongside roasted meats like chicken or pork, or as a vibrant addition to a Sunday supper spread.

Frequently Asked Questions