Free up your oven and let your slow cooker do the work with these Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! A hands-free, effortless side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, these carrots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re vegetarian, gluten-free, and potluck-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven-Free Convenience: No need to compete for oven space—just set it and forget it!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Keep your dish warm and ready to serve without reheating.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance, and let your slow cooker handle the rest.
- Irresistible Flavor: A balance of sweet maple, warm cinnamon, and rich butter makes these carrots unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots (or peeled and chopped whole carrots)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- ⅓ cup butter, cubed
How to Make Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Prep the Carrots: Place the baby carrots in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Sweetness & Spice: Sprinkle in the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the carrots evenly.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the carrots and mix well.
- Top with Butter: Evenly distribute the cubed butter on top.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional):
- Method 1: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch to high.
- Method 2: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, simmer the sauce in a saucepan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until thickened, then pour back over the carrots.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Carrot Substitutes: Swap baby carrots for whole carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or rounds.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with butter-flavored coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- No Maple Syrup? Substitute with honey, corn syrup, or increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup.
- Crunchy Topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts for texture.
- Extra Flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice adds a delicious twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Set to cook when ready.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or butter to refresh the glaze.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots are the ultimate holiday side dish, but they’re just as great for Sunday dinners, potlucks, BBQs, and more. No oven, no fuss—just delicious, buttery, sweet carrots that everyone will love!
Try them for your next gathering and watch them disappear! 🥕✨
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