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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats and distribute them evenly over the top of the coated carrots.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
