If you’ve ever wondered how to transform simple baby carrots into a luscious, flavorful side dish that could easily steal the spotlight at any meal, then this Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender carrots, bathed in a sweet, buttery glaze with just a hint of cinnamon, come out perfectly tender and irresistibly shiny every time. It’s a hands-off, fuss-free way to elevate your veggies, and the slow cooker does all the work while infusing each carrot with deep, comforting flavors that will make you smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and richness. The baby carrots provide natural sweetness and a lovely texture, while the combination of maple syrup and brown sugar brings that decadent glaze that clings beautifully to each piece. The melted butter adds a silky richness, and cinnamon adds a warm spice note that rounds everything out. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making this slow cooker recipe irresistibly good.
- 2 lbs baby carrots: Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, creamy base for the glaze without overpowering the carrots.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with carrots.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a subtle warm spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a pop of color and fresh brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the bottom of your slow cooker. This little step prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier, plus it helps your glazed carrots slide right out when you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Add the Baby Carrots
Place the 2 pounds of baby carrots evenly in the slow cooker. Using baby carrots keeps things fun and bite-sized, making them perfect for scooping up that delicious glaze later on.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This velvety glaze is the heart of the recipe, layering sweetness, warmth, and a hint of saltiness over the carrots.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the glaze over the carrots in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat each carrot as evenly as possible. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Occasionally give the carrots a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to keep the glaze evenly distributed. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have absorbed all that caramelized goodness.
Step 5: Serve with a Beautiful Finish
Once cooked, transfer the carrots to a serving dish, spoon any extra glaze from the slow cooker on top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely contrast in color and a burst of fresh flavor. Now, get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but stunning garnish. Its bright green color contrasts beautifully with the glossy, caramelized carrots, and the herbaceous notes give a fresh lift to the sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
Side Dishes
This glaze-packed carrot dish pairs phenomenally with roasted meats like glazed ham, roast chicken, or even a holiday turkey. It also complements grain-based dishes such as wild rice or quinoa salads perfectly, adding sweetness and depth that balance more savory or herbal sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving these glazed carrots in elegant ramekins or alongside a vibrant grain bowl. They also make a fantastic topping for warm mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, turning an everyday meal into something memorable and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The carrots will keep their flavor well and the glaze remains wonderfully sticky.
Freezing
You can freeze these glazed carrots by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, it’s best to move them to the refrigerator overnight to let the glaze firm up slightly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover glazed carrots gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If needed, add a small splash of water or butter while reheating to keep them moist and glossy. Stir occasionally to redistribute the glaze and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Absolutely! You can use larger carrots sliced into uniform pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker carrot slices may take a little longer to become tender in the slow cooker.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so you’ll still get that lovely sweet glaze.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Definitely. You can mix the glaze ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pour over the carrots and start the slow cooker as instructed.
What if I want a less sweet version?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon or two, or swap the maple syrup for honey, which has a milder sweetness. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to balance the flavors.
Will this recipe work in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe by simmering the carrots with the glaze on low heat in a covered pot, but be sure to stir regularly to prevent burning. Cooking time will be shorter, around 20-30 minutes until tender.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe truly is a show-stopper that brings simple ingredients to life with loads of heart and sweetness. It’s a wonderful dish to bring comfort and color to your table any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy these buttery, glazed carrots that make even vegetable skeptics smile. Happy cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and tender baby carrots glazed with a rich blend of maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon, slow-cooked to perfection for a delightful side dish that complements any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 lbs baby carrots
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of the slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Carrots: Place the baby carrots evenly into the prepared slow cooker, creating a single layer for optimum glazing.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a sweet, flavorful glaze.
- Coat Carrots: Pour the glaze over the baby carrots in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to gently toss and coat the carrots evenly with the glaze.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the carrots on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir the carrots once or twice during cooking to redistribute the glaze and ensure even caramelization. The carrots are done when they are tender and nicely glazed.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, drizzle with any additional glaze left in the slow cooker, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes on high to allow the glaze to reduce slightly.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup.
- Make sure to stir the carrots occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even glazing.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings by using a larger slow cooker.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a fresh color and mild herbaceous flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
