Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker recipe for maple and brown sugar glazed carrots makes a sweet and savory side dish that’s effortless to prepare. Tender carrots are gently cooked with a rich glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the carrots to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In the slow cooker, mix brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Stir to combine with the carrots.
3. Step 3: Pour in the maple syrup and toss well to coat the carrots evenly.
4. Step 4: Cut the butter into cubes or pats and spread them over the carrots.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. If possible, stir 1-2 times during cooking.
6. Step 6: To thicken the glaze, choose one method:
   1. Remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking and switch to high.
   2. Transfer carrots to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: If desired, garnish with fresh thyme before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
• Substitute honey for maple syrup if preferred, though it will alter the taste slightly.
• Stirring the carrots occasionally during cooking helps ensure even glazing.
• Using baby carrots speeds up cooking time, but peeled and sliced whole carrots work well, too.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

While fresh carrots are best for texture, frozen carrots can be used. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and check for tenderness earlier.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly.

Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This slow cooker recipe features tender baby carrots glazed with a sweet and savory combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. Perfectly cooked low and slow, these carrots develop a rich, buttery glaze that’s both comforting and flavorful, making an ideal side dish for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)

Glaze Mixture

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Garnish

• Fresh thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrots: Add the baby carrots or peeled and sliced whole carrots to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
2. Mix the Glaze: In the slow cooker with the carrots, combine the brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pepper. Stir gently to coat the carrots with the dry ingredients.
3. Add Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the carrot and spice mixture, tossing well to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the sweet syrup.
4. Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats and distribute them evenly over the top of the coated carrots.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. If possible, stir the mixture once or twice during cooking to help distribute the glaze.
6. Thicken the Glaze (Option 1): For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch the slow cooker to high to reduce the liquid.
7. Thicken the Glaze (Option 2): Alternatively, transfer the cooked carrots to a bowl, cover to keep warm, then pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat while whisking constantly until the glaze thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour the thickened glaze back over the carrots.
8. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving the carrots warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• You can use either baby carrots or peeled whole carrots sliced to ensure even cooking.
• Stirring the carrots once or twice during cooking helps to evenly coat them with the glaze.
• Both methods for thickening the glaze work well; choose based on your convenience and texture preference.
• Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note but is optional.
• This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, especially turkey or chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker carrots, maple glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, slow cooked side dish, buttery glazed carrots, cinnamon carrots, easy vegetable side