Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Tender carrots are coated in a rich maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, enhanced with butter and a hint of warm spices.
This no-fuss recipe is made in the slow cooker, freeing up your oven and making prep a breeze!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby carrots or sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Place the carrots in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
2. Make the Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
3. Coat the Carrots:
- Pour the glaze over the carrots, tossing to coat them evenly.
4. Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
Calories: ~160
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 7g, Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 140mg
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the glaze.
- Use whole carrots and cut them into sticks for a rustic presentation.
- For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen carrots?
Yes, but the texture may be softer. Reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can reheat the carrots in the slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup works well as a substitute.
Storing & Reheating
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker on low until warmed through.
Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free version.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy topping.
- Use baby rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation.
Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Equipment
- - Slow cooker
- - Mixing bowl
- - Spoon
Ingredients
- - 2 lbs baby carrots or sliced carrots
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- - 1/4 cup maple syrup
- - 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - Optional: fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- **1. Prepare the Carrots:**
- - Place the carrots in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- **2. Make the Glaze:**
- - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- **3. Coat the Carrots:**
- - Pour the glaze over the carrots, tossing to coat them evenly.
- **4. Cook:**
- - Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low** for 4-5 hours or on **high** for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- **5. Serve:**
- - Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
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