Introduction
There’s something magical about slow-cooked vegetables, especially when they’re smothered in a sweet, sticky glaze. These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect side dish that checks all the boxes: easy to make, bursting with flavor, and a crowd-pleaser every time. Imagine tender carrots slowly simmering in a rich mixture of maple syrup and brown sugar, caramelizing to perfection and filling your home with a delicious aroma.
I first made these glazed carrots during a busy holiday season when I needed something simple yet special for our family dinner. With all the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, the slow cooker became my best friend. I could set these carrots up in the morning and forget about them until it was time to eat. They’ve since become a staple at our holiday meals, and honestly, they’re a winner even on regular weeknights. I love how the sweetness of the maple syrup complements the earthiness of the carrots, and the brown sugar adds that irresistible caramelized flavor. Plus, using the slow cooker means you get hands-off cooking and more time to focus on other dishes—or just relax!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. No need to stand by the stove or constantly check on them.
- Family-friendly: The sweet glaze makes these carrots a hit with both kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds!
- Delicious flavor: The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter creates a beautifully sweet and rich glaze that clings to the carrots perfectly.
- Perfect for any occasion: These glazed carrots are versatile enough to be served on a regular weeknight but also special enough for holiday dinners or gatherings.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the ingredients in advance, making it ideal for busy days or when hosting a large crowd.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your side dish game without the stress, this recipe is the one for you. Tender, sweet, and savory—these slow cooker carrots are always a win.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (low setting) or 2 hours (high setting)
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as a side dish
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (you can use whole baby carrots to save time)
- ¼ cup maple syrup – Pure maple syrup works best for that deep, rich flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – For the perfect amount of caramelized sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the carrots.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice to the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg brings a hint of warmth that pairs well with the maple glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the sweetness and complements the maple and brown sugar.
- Pinch of salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Carrots
- Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them into 1-2 inch pieces. If you’re using baby carrots, you can skip the cutting step and toss them straight into the slow cooker. I prefer to use regular carrots because they tend to have a better flavor, but baby carrots work just fine in a pinch.
- Tip: If you want to cut down on prep time, opt for pre-cut or baby carrots!
Mix the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- You’ll want to make sure the butter is fully melted so that it blends easily with the maple syrup and sugar. This is where the magic happens—the butter gives the glaze that rich, luxurious texture while the maple syrup and brown sugar add that perfect sweetness.
- Tip: You can slightly warm the maple syrup and butter before mixing to ensure they incorporate seamlessly.
Add Carrots and Glaze to the Slow Cooker
- Place the carrots into the slow cooker. Pour the glaze mixture over the top, making sure all the carrots are evenly coated. You can use a spoon to toss them gently, ensuring every carrot is covered in the sweet, buttery mixture.
- Tip: If you’re making this for a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything!
Slow Cook the Carrots
- Set your slow cooker on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. The key here is low and slow—this allows the carrots to soak up all the flavors of the glaze while becoming tender and caramelized.
- Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time to make sure they’re cooking evenly and continue absorbing that beautiful glaze.
- Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little watery at first. As the carrots cook, they’ll release some moisture, but the glaze will thicken as it cooks and coats the carrots perfectly.
Check for Doneness
- After the cooking time is up, check the carrots with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy. The glaze should have thickened and coated the carrots with a lovely, shiny finish.
- If the glaze still looks a bit thin, you can remove the lid and let the carrots cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken more.
- Tip: Be careful not to overcook the carrots. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite!
Serve the Carrots
- Once the carrots are perfectly glazed, turn off the slow cooker and give them one final stir. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, making sure to drizzle any leftover glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color or sprinkle with a touch of sea salt to enhance the flavors even more.
How to Serve
These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots make the perfect side dish for a variety of meals:
- Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a cozy, comforting dinner.
- Pair with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable like broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- They’re also an excellent addition to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, where they shine next to stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
- For a fun twist, serve them with toasted nuts like pecans for added crunch!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Carrots: While baby carrots are convenient, using whole fresh carrots gives you the best flavor and texture.
- Cut Evenly: Try to cut your carrots into even sizes so they cook uniformly in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your carrots less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe is super easy to double or even triple if you’re feeding a crowd—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
- Make Ahead: These carrots can be made a day ahead of time and reheated. The flavors only get better with time!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Savory Twist: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup and brown sugar and add some thyme or rosemary for a more savory dish.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Citrus Glaze: Add a splash of fresh orange juice to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the carrots! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Or, you can reheat them in the slow cooker on low for about an hour.
Special Equipment
- Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart slow cooker works best for this recipe. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure to use a larger size.
- Vegetable Peeler: For peeling the carrots quickly and efficiently.
- Whisk: To ensure the glaze is smooth and well-mixed.
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these glazed carrots up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat them before serving. The flavor actually gets better as it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead option.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I use frozen carrots?
Fresh carrots are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture better. However, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch—just note that they may turn out a bit softer.
Can I cook these on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the carrots on the stovetop over medium-low heat until they are tender and the glaze thickens. Just keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
PrintSlow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (you can use whole baby carrots to save time)
- ¼ cup maple syrup – Pure maple syrup works best for that deep, rich flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – For the perfect amount of caramelized sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the carrots.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy spice to the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg brings a hint of warmth that pairs well with the maple glaze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the sweetness and complements the maple and brown sugar.
- Pinch of salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots
- Start by peeling your carrots and cutting them into 1-2 inch pieces. If you’re using baby carrots, you can skip the cutting step and toss them straight into the slow cooker. I prefer to use regular carrots because they tend to have a better flavor, but baby carrots work just fine in a pinch.
- Tip: If you want to cut down on prep time, opt for pre-cut or baby carrots!
- Mix the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- You’ll want to make sure the butter is fully melted so that it blends easily with the maple syrup and sugar. This is where the magic happens—the butter gives the glaze that rich, luxurious texture while the maple syrup and brown sugar add that perfect sweetness.
- Tip: You can slightly warm the maple syrup and butter before mixing to ensure they incorporate seamlessly.
- Add Carrots and Glaze to the Slow Cooker
- Place the carrots into the slow cooker. Pour the glaze mixture over the top, making sure all the carrots are evenly coated. You can use a spoon to toss them gently, ensuring every carrot is covered in the sweet, buttery mixture.
- Tip: If you’re making this for a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything!
- Slow Cook the Carrots
- Set your slow cooker on low heat for 3-4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. The key here is low and slow—this allows the carrots to soak up all the flavors of the glaze while becoming tender and caramelized.
- Stir the carrots halfway through the cooking time to make sure they’re cooking evenly and continue absorbing that beautiful glaze.
- Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little watery at first. As the carrots cook, they’ll release some moisture, but the glaze will thicken as it cooks and coats the carrots perfectly.
- Check for Doneness
- After the cooking time is up, check the carrots with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy. The glaze should have thickened and coated the carrots with a lovely, shiny finish.
- If the glaze still looks a bit thin, you can remove the lid and let the carrots cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and thicken more.
- Tip: Be careful not to overcook the carrots. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite!
- Serve the Carrots
- Once the carrots are perfectly glazed, turn off the slow cooker and give them one final stir. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, making sure to drizzle any leftover glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color or sprinkle with a touch of sea salt to enhance the flavors even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 180
Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a side dish that’s easy to love. With minimal prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have perfectly tender, sweet, and flavorful carrots that pair well with any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the hands-off cooking means you have more time to relax or focus on other dishes.