These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delightful addition to any holiday or weeknight meal. Made with tender baby carrots, a buttery maple syrup glaze, and a touch of cinnamon, this dish offers a sweet, savory, and subtly spiced flavor profile. This slow cooker recipe is both hands-off and incredibly easy, making it perfect for busy holiday prep or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients:
2 lbs baby carrots
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Place baby carrots in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the carrots, tossing to coat them evenly.
Cook the Carrots:
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice. Cook until the carrots are tender and glazed to perfection.
Serve:
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, drizzle any extra glaze from the slow cooker over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: These glazed carrots are best served warm straight from the slow cooker. Transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle any extra glaze over the top for added flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Pairing Suggestions: These carrots make a great side dish for roast turkey, ham, pork loin, or any hearty main. They also pair beautifully with other holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or green bean casserole.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place the carrots and any extra glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the carrots in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or extra butter if they seem a bit dry. For larger portions, place them in the slow cooker on low until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
- Carrot Cake Cookies Stuffed with Cream Cheese
- Best Ever Carrot Cake
FAQs:
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be a great substitute for maple syrup in this recipe. It will give a slightly different flavor, but it still pairs well with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Use the same amount of honey as you would maple syrup.
Can I cook these glazed carrots on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in a large pot or skillet. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and coated in the glaze.
How do I prevent the carrots from becoming too soft?
If you prefer firmer carrots, check the texture an hour or so before the end of the cooking time. Cook on the lower end of the suggested times and turn off the slow cooker once they reach your desired tenderness.
Can I add other seasonings or spices to the glaze?
Yes! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a warm, festive flavor. For a touch of heat, try a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion:
These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delicious, low-fuss side that adds color, flavor, and a touch of sweetness to your table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just need a comforting addition to a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please!
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful, these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are sweetened with a rich maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, making them an easy and delightful holiday side dish. Perfectly cooked in the slow cooker, they require minimal prep and are ideal for busy gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs baby carrots
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place baby carrots in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the carrots and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender and glazed, stirring once or twice.
- Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with any extra glaze, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a less sweet version, reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup.
Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more festive taste.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 150 kcal
