If you’re searching for a side dish that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance, look no further than this Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe. This delightful dish turns simple baby carrots into a luscious, tender treat glazed with a rich mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, all cooked low and slow to perfection. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, elevating your dinner table with vibrant color and cozy flavors every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is all about balancing simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the natural sweetness and texture of the carrots, creating that irresistible glaze.
- 2 lbs baby carrots: Tender and naturally sweet, these are the star of the dish and cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a smooth richness that helps the glaze cling to every carrot.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: Brings a deep, natural sweetness that enhances the caramelization.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Complements the maple syrup with molasses undertones for a complex sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a warm, gentle spice that lifts the flavor profile nicely.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the bottom of your slow cooker. This simple step ensures the glaze won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, setting you up perfectly for success.
Step 2: Add the Baby Carrots
Place the vibrant baby carrots evenly in the slow cooker. Their uniform size helps them cook consistently, ensuring every bite is tender and sweet.
Step 3: Make the Glaze Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This luscious glaze is what transforms the carrots into a decadent treat.
Step 4: Coat and Cook
Pour the glaze over the carrots and toss gently to make sure every carrot is beautifully coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until the carrots are tender and perfectly glazed. Don’t forget to stir once or twice during cooking for even flavor distribution.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining glaze on top for extra shine and sweetness. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re using it for that lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a vibrant contrast to the rich glaze, brightening both the color and freshness of the dish. For a little crunch, you could also sprinkle toasted pecans or slivered almonds over the top.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements hearty grain dishes and creamy mashed potatoes, making it a versatile side that fits many different meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving these glazed carrots in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright ceramic dish to show off their glossy coating. You can even skewer them for a fun party appetizer or arrange them atop a bed of quinoa or wild rice for a wholesome vegetarian plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The carrots will absorb even more flavor as they rest, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
Though glazed carrots taste best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Keep them for up to 2 months, but note the texture may soften slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the carrots in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or extra maple syrup if needed to revive that fresh glaze shine.
FAQs
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can peel and cut regular carrots into bite-sized sticks or rounds. Just keep in mind the cooking time might be slightly longer to achieve perfect tenderness.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish, but if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—just reduce the added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil, and ensure your maple syrup and sugar are certified vegan. The dish will still be deliciously sweet and tender.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Cooking on low heat for the full 4–5 hours helps the glaze cook gently without burning. Stirring occasionally also prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Can I add other spices to the glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a splash of orange juice to add more complexity and brightness to your glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little patience can yield a side dish that steals the show. Once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple at your table, perfect for everything from casual dinners to holiday feasts. Give it a whirl and watch how these glowing carrots win over everyone around your table!
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
These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet and tender side dish perfect for any meal. The carrots are slow-cooked to perfection with a buttery glaze infused with maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a warm and comforting flavor that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Carrots & Glaze
- 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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the carrots and glaze from sticking during cooking.
- Add Carrots: Place the baby carrots evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Coat the Carrots: Pour the glaze mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker and toss gently to coat all the carrots evenly with the glaze.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during cooking for even glazing, until the carrots are tender and beautifully glazed.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, drizzle any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use whole carrots cut into smaller pieces if baby carrots are unavailable, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- The glaze can be tweaked to taste by adding more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
