If you love a side dish that’s both simple and spectacular, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted something sweet, buttery, and hands-off for a holiday dinner, and wow, it did not disappoint. The carrots come out tender and perfectly coated in that luscious maple glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and savory. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through every step so your slow cooker magic happens flawlessly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you focus on other things.
Rich, Balanced Flavor: Maple and butter create a sweet, buttery glaze that perfectly complements the natural earthiness of carrots.
Family Favorite: This dish consistently gets rave reviews from guests and family alike, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Serving: Great for holidays, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping – it fits almost any occasion.

The image shows a slow cooker filled with cooked baby carrots. The carrots are bright orange, shiny, and smooth, packed close together in one layer, filling the pot almost to the top. The slow cooker is black inside with a stainless steel outer body, placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, household items like kitchen utensils and a plant can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, easy carrot side dish, holiday vegetable recipes, sweet glazed carrots, healthy vegetable side

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the ingredients in this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe lies in their simplicity—they all work harmoniously to elevate the humble carrot to something special. Here’s what you want to look for at the store to get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh whole baby carrots with vibrant orange color, a small white bowl filled with deep golden maple syrup, a small white bowl holding packed light brown sugar, neat cubes of pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of finely ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green thyme arranged elegantly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, easy carrot side dish, holiday vegetable recipes, sweet glazed carrots, healthy vegetable side

Baby carrots: I love using baby carrots because they’re tender and don’t need peeling, but if you want to use whole carrots, just peel and slice them evenly so they cook up nicely.
Brown sugar: It adds a warm sweetness and balances out the maple syrup beautifully.
Maple syrup: Go for 100% pure maple syrup if you want that deep, authentic flavor—it makes a noticeable difference.
Butter: Cubed butter melts into a rich, velvety glaze, giving the carrots a perfect shine and flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: This adds a cozy, subtle spiciness that pairs incredibly well with maple and carrots.
Pepper: Balances the sweetness just a smidge, so don’t skip it.
Fresh thyme (optional): A little sprinkle after cooking adds a lovely, earthy brightness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe pretty classic, but don’t be afraid to switch things up based on your mood or what’s in your pantry. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes personalization.

Add some heat: I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper and it gave the sweetness a nice kick that my family surprisingly loved.
Herbal twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage to bring a different herbal aroma. Rosemary is especially lovely for holiday dinners.
Orange zest: Grate a bit of orange peel into the mix for a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens up the glaze.
Vegan option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and you’ve got yourself a delicious plant-based side.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots and Combine Ingredients

Start by adding your carrots to the slow cooker—baby carrots go straight in, but if you’re using whole carrots, peel and slice them evenly about ¼ inch thick so they cook uniformly. Then sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper right over the carrots and give everything a gentle stir with your hand or spoon to combine those flavors upfront.

Step 2: Pour in the Maple Syrup and Add Butter

Next, pour in the maple syrup evenly over the carrots, and toss them gently so every piece gets coated in that sweet goodness. Now take your cubed butter and scatter it on top—this melts down into the most luscious, velvety glaze you can imagine.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow (or High if You’re In a Rush)

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. The carrots will become fork-tender and perfectly infused with flavor. If you can, give the carrots a gentle stir once or twice during cooking—this helps keep the glaze evenly distributed and prevents sticking.

Step 4: Thicken the Glaze Before Serving

When the carrots are done, it’s time for that final flourish. You can either remove the lid and continue cooking on high for 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate, thickening the glaze naturally—my preferred method for hands-off simmering. Alternatively, scoop out the carrots and keep them warm in a bowl, then pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan on the stove, simmering it over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes while whisking until it thickens up nice and syrupy. This step ups the wow factor big time!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh thyme if you like that herby brightness—it’s subtle but takes the dish to the next level. Serve these warm, and watch your family swoon over the sweet, buttery goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Even Slicing: If using whole carrots, slice them uniformly so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye towards the end of cooking; carrots can become mushy if left too long, especially on high.
Butter Placement: Distributing butter in cubes over the top allows it to melt slowly and coat the carrots better.
Stir During Cooking: Stir once or twice if possible to prevent carrots sticking and to keep the glaze consistent.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

A white pedestal dish filled with a large pile of shiny, cooked baby carrots in bright orange color is placed at the center of a dining table. Behind it, a tray holds a sliced roasted meat with a browned crust, green beans, and small round potatoes on the side. The table is covered with a white tablecloth over a white marbled surface and set with white plates with a blue and gold rim on top of burgundy textured chargers. There are clear glass goblets and silver cutlery neatly arranged around the plates. Blurred yellow flowers in a vase and small pumpkins decorate the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, easy carrot side dish, holiday vegetable recipes, sweet glazed carrots, healthy vegetable side

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh thyme because its gentle earthiness perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple glaze. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for a little crunch, which really impresses guests and adds texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a simple pan-seared pork chop. It’s also a fantastic addition to any Thanksgiving spread or Sunday dinner where you want something comforting yet elegant.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve these carrots in a rustic wooden bowl with a sprig of thyme tossed on top, adding a homey, festive feel. You can also layer them on a platter with fresh rosemary sprigs or orange slices to bring extra color and aroma to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover maple glazed carrots store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool them completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these carrots before, and while the texture softens a bit after thawing, the flavor stays lovely. Freeze in portions for easy thaw-and-warm meals. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to help restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to keep the glaze smooth and glossy.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots in this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe?

Absolutely! Just peel and slice them into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. The cooking time should remain about the same, but keep an eye on tenderness as carrots vary in size and thickness.
How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?

The best way is to remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate and thicken naturally. Alternatively, simmer the cooking juices on the stovetop until syrupy, then toss back with the carrots.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the carrots and glaze ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, cook as directed. Leftovers also reheat well for easy next-day servings.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

It can be! Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure your maple syrup is pure and unfiltered. The dish will remain delicious and plant-based.
What else can I add to enhance the flavor?

Try a dash of nutmeg or freshly grated orange zest for a twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can also layer in earthy notes that complement maple and cinnamon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how reliably tasty this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but practically makes itself, which is a total win in my book. Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting guests, or making extra for later, you’ll enjoy its sweet, cozy flavors that bring a little sunshine to any meal. Seriously, give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite in our house!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 139 reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot recipe offers a sweet, tender, and perfectly glazed side dish that’s effortless to prepare. Baby carrots are slowly cooked with brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and warm spices until fork-tender and beautifully coated with a rich maple glaze. It’s an ideal cozy addition to any meal, especially during the colder months or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)

Glaze and Seasonings

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Optional Garnish

Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the baby carrots to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
Mix Seasonings: In the slow cooker, sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pepper over the carrots. Stir gently to combine and coat the carrots evenly with the seasoning blend.
Add Maple Syrup: Pour the maple syrup over the carrot and seasoning mixture. Toss everything well to ensure the carrots are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats, then distribute them evenly across the surface of the carrots in the slow cooker.
Cook the Carrots: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high heat for 3 hours, or alternatively, cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. The carrots should become fork-tender. For optimal results, stir the carrots once or twice during cooking to promote even glaze coverage.
Thicken the Glaze (Option 1): For a thicker glaze directly in the slow cooker, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking and switch the slow cooker to the high setting. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and the glaze to thicken naturally.
Thicken the Glaze (Option 2): Alternatively, transfer the cooked carrots to a serving bowl and cover to keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, whisking continuously until the glaze thickens, typically about 5 minutes. Then, pour the thickened glaze back over the carrots.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme over the glazed carrots before serving. Serve warm as a flavorful and comforting side dish.

Notes

Using baby carrots simplifies preparation, but whole carrots peeled and sliced work well too.
Stirring the carrots 1-2 times during cooking helps distribute the glaze evenly.
Choose a thickening method that fits your convenience and preference; both deliver a deliciously glossy finish.
Fresh thyme adds a fragrant touch but is optional based on taste.
This recipe can be adjusted by adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting the cinnamon for a different spice for variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3/4 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg