Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker maple and brown sugar glazed carrot recipe offers a sweet and buttery twist on a classic side dish. Perfectly tender and richly flavored, these carrots are an effortless addition to any meal. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, comforting treat.

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 to 6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
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. Or transfer the carrots to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Pour the cooking 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

• Use fresh thyme or rosemary for an herby twist to complement the sweetness.
• Swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer a lighter sweetness.
• For extra texture, add toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving.
• Peeling and slicing whole carrots ensures quicker, even cooking if baby carrots aren’t available.

Storage

Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 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 make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare these glazed carrots on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes until tender, adding the glaze ingredients in the same order.

Will this recipe work with frozen carrots?

Frozen carrots can be used, but reduce the cooking time as they will soften faster. Check for tenderness after 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high in the slow cooker.

Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 94 reviews

This Amazing Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrot recipe offers a sweet and buttery side dish that’s effortlessly tender and packed with warm flavors. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, these carrots are glazed with maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, making them an ideal complement to any hearty meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

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

Glaze

• 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 (Optional)

• Fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Add Carrots: Place the baby carrots (or peeled and sliced whole carrots) into a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In the slow cooker, sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pepper over the carrots. Stir gently to combine and coat the carrots evenly with the dry ingredients.
3. Pour Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup into the slow cooker and toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure all carrots are glazed uniformly.
4. Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats and evenly distribute them over the top of the coated carrots to add richness during the slow cooking process.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the carrots become fork-tender. If feasible, stir the carrots 1-2 times during cooking to redistribute the glaze and ensure even cooking.
6. Thicken Glaze (Optional): To intensify the glaze’s thickness, either remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch to high heat, allowing the liquid to reduce, or transfer the carrots to a serving bowl and keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the glazed carrots with fresh thyme before serving warm to add a touch of herbal freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Using baby carrots saves prep time, but peeled and sliced whole carrots work equally well.
• Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s wattage and desired carrot tenderness.
• For a thicker glaze, removing the lid during the last cooking phase helps evaporate excess liquid.
• Fresh thyme garnish is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor.
• Butter can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly version (note: the recipe as is is not vegan).

Keywords: slow cooker carrots, maple glazed carrots, brown sugar carrots, easy side dish, slow cooker recipe, glazed carrots