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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

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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the baby carrots to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats, then distribute them evenly across the surface of the carrots in the slow cooker.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/slow-cooker-maple-glazed-carrots-recipe/