Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These slow cooker glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness and comfort to any holiday meal. Infused with maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, they offer a perfectly tender bite that’s ideal for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The simplicity of the crock pot ensures that even the busiest cooks can prepare this crowd-pleasing dish effortlessly. Whether served as a holiday side or a comforting weeknight treat, these glazed carrots will become a new favorite, winning over even the most reluctant vegetable eaters.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Baby carrots – The main star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and tenderness. Their uniform size ensures even cooking.
- Butter – Adds richness to the dish, enhancing the carrots’ natural flavor and helping to create a luscious glaze.
- Maple syrup – Infuses the dish with a deep, earthy sweetness that complements the carrots’ flavor.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the glaze with its caramel-like richness, making the dish irresistibly sweet.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness, intensifying the flavors of the dish.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a touch of spice, giving the carrots a festive twist.
Easy Steps to Perfectly Glazed Carrots
- Add the baby carrots to a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the carrots, then stir well to coat.
- Drizzle in the maple syrup, making sure the carrots are evenly coated.
- Scatter the butter cubes over the top of the carrots.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- For a thicker glaze, uncover during the last 30 minutes and set to high. Alternatively, transfer the liquid to a saucepan, simmering over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
For the richest, most flavorful results, real maple syrup is highly recommended, but substitutes like honey or corn syrup can work if necessary. For an even thicker glaze, using the stovetop method to reduce the sauce ensures the most luxurious texture. If baby carrots aren’t available, regular carrots can be peeled and sliced into uniform pieces; they will cook just as tenderly in the slow cooker.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1/3 cup butter cubed
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the baby carrots into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Evenly sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the carrots, then stir thoroughly to combine.
- Drizzle in the maple syrup, tossing to coat the carrots well.
- Distribute the carrots evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker and top them with the cubed butter.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Stir the carrots once or twice during the cooking process if possible.
- For a thicker glaze, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes and set the cooker to high. Cook until the sauce thickens. Alternatively, transfer the carrots to a bowl, cover to keep warm, and pour the liquid into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat while whisking for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.
Notes
Thickening the Glaze: The saucepan method provides the best results for thickening the glaze.
Carrot Substitution: If baby carrots are not on hand, peel and cut 2 pounds of whole carrots into strips or coins. Cook until they can be easily pierced with a knife.