Name: Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-484059H8M47S
Total time: PT-484059H8M47S
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 pounds baby carrots – Tender and easy to cook. You can substitute with sliced regular carrots if preferred.; ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a subtle spice to the dish.; ¼ cup packed brown sugar – Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the maple syrup.; ¼ cup real maple syrup – The star ingredient, adding a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.; ⅓ cup butter, cubed – Adds richness and helps form the glaze. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute with plant-based butter.

If you’re searching for a delicious, hands-off side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any meal, look no further than Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. These tender, sweet carrots are coated in a decadent glaze made from rich maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and brown sugar. It’s the perfect accompaniment for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. Plus, using the slow cooker makes it effortless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks looking for a hassle-free yet flavorful side dish. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks. The carrots come out tender and infused with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar, balanced by a hint of cinnamon. It’s ideal for both holiday feasts and everyday dinners.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile and adaptable to different dietary needs or preferences. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make this dish shine.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

2 pounds baby carrots – Tender and easy to cook. You can substitute with sliced regular carrots if preferred.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a subtle spice to the dish.
¼ cup packed brown sugar – Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the maple syrup.
¼ cup real maple syrup – The star ingredient, adding a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
⅓ cup butter, cubed – Adds richness and helps form the glaze. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute with plant-based butter.

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Making this dish couldn’t be simpler! Just follow these steps for perfectly glazed carrots:

1. Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by adding your baby carrots into the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them out evenly so they cook uniformly.

2. Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the carrots. Stir everything together to make sure the carrots are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.

3. Pour in the Maple Syrup

Drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots and toss them to ensure every piece gets a nice, sweet coating.

4. Top with Butter

Scatter the cubes of butter over the top. As the carrots cook, the butter will melt, mixing with the syrup and sugar to create a luscious glaze.

5. Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker to high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. For best results, stir the carrots once or twice during the cooking process.

6. Thicken the Glaze (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30 minutes and switch to “high.” This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate and thicken the glaze. Alternatively, transfer the glaze to a saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

Tips for Perfectly Glazed Carrots

Use real maple syrup: The flavor is unmatched compared to pancake syrup, which is mostly corn syrup.
Cutting regular carrots? If you’re using whole carrots instead of baby carrots, cut them into even pieces for even cooking.
Monitor the glaze: If you notice the glaze is too thin, allowing the lid to be off for the last half-hour works wonders. Just make sure to keep an eye on it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the carrots: If you leave the carrots in the slow cooker for too long, they can become mushy. Make sure to check them at the minimum cooking time.
Forgetting to stir: Stirring the carrots once or twice during cooking ensures they cook evenly and get an even coating of the glaze.
Skipping the glaze thickening step: If you want that syrupy, sticky glaze, don’t skip this step! It adds a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet glazed carrots pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. They make a fantastic side dish for:

Roast chicken or grilled meats.
A light vegetarian meal, paired with a grain like quinoa or rice.

For presentation, serve the carrots in a shallow dish and drizzle the thickened glaze over the top for a mouth-watering visual. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add a pop of color and a slight herbal note.

Variations on the Recipe

This recipe is highly adaptable! Try these variations for a new twist on a classic:

Honey-glazed carrots: Replace the maple syrup with honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy combo.
Orange zest: Add fresh orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy brightness that complements the maple and brown sugar.

How to Store Leftovers

Have leftover glazed carrots? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

In the refrigerator: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat the carrots in the microwave or on the stovetop. To bring back the glaze’s original shine, add a small splash of water or butter when reheating.
Freezing: If you plan on freezing the carrots, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just cut regular carrots into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glazed carrots up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat them just before serving.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a simple dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this easy and delicious side dish today, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!

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