Slow Cooker Carrots with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze: A Deliciously Easy Carrots Recipe 🥕🍁✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a healthy vegetable side dish that is both irresistibly sweet and easy to prepare, look no further than this slow cooker carrots recipe. The combination of tender carrots glazed with a rich maple brown sugar sauce makes it an ideal dish for weeknights, holiday dinners, or any meal that calls for a simple yet flavorful vegetable side. Using the slow cooker not only frees up stovetop space but also ensures the carrots are perfectly cooked, flavorful, and moist.
2. Ingredients for this Glazed Carrots Recipe
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into desired size
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Carrots with Maple Glaze
Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by peeling and cutting your carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can use baby carrots for an easier option, but sliced fresh carrots work best for this glazed dish.
Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon if desired. Setting aside this sweet and spicy mixture prepares the perfect glaze for the carrots.
Assemble in Slow Cooker
Place the carrots in the slow cooker and pour the glaze mixture over them. Add the water or vegetable broth to keep the carrots moist and enhance flavor during cooking.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened. For a more syrupy consistency, uncover during the last 30 minutes and turn the slow cooker to high if necessary.
Finish and Serve
Once cooked, stir the carrots gently to coat them fully with the glaze. Serve immediately as a glazed carrots side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grain bowls, or holiday feasts.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Slow Cooker Carrots
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the glaze’s texture. These carrots also freeze well for up to a month; thaw and reheat for a quick, healthy snack or side dish.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
- Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef for a hearty and flavorful easy carrots recipe.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or toasted pecans for extra texture and color.
- Serve alongside other festive dishes found in our holiday appetizer collection.
6. FAQs About This Delicious Glazed Carrots Recipe
Can I make this recipe with frozen carrots?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before placing them in the slow cooker. Keep in mind that frozen carrots may cook slightly faster, so check for tenderness earlier.
Is this a healthy vegetable side dish?
Absolutely! This recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown sugar in moderation, making it a healthy vegetable side dish with balanced sweetness. For a lower sugar option, reduce the brown sugar or substitute with honey.
How long does it take to prepare this easy carrots recipe?
The total preparation time, including peeling, chopping, and cooking, is approximately 20 minutes. The slow cooking process takes about 3-4 hours, making this a convenient and effortless dish to prepare in advance.
7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Achieve perfectly cooked glazed carrots with ease using this reliable slow cooker that frees up your stovetop for other preparations.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Easily peel, slice, and chop carrots quickly and uniformly for this easy carrots recipe.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: A high-quality cookware set helps you prepare the glaze and other components smoothly.
8. Related Delicious Recipes
- Creamy Italian Meatballs that Melt in Your Mouth
- Delicious Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
- Red Velvet Cookie Dough Delight
9. Conclusion
This slow cooker carrots recipe with maple brown sugar glaze is an excellent way to incorporate a healthy vegetable side dish into your meals effortlessly. Its sweet, savory, and tender qualities make it an unbeatable addition to your dinner lineup, especially around the holidays or busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself making this easy carrots recipe time and again. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweetness and crunch in every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Carrots with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze
A simple, flavorful side dish of carrots glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker for easy preparation.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the sliced carrots into the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the glaze over the carrots in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until carrots are tender and glazed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or maple syrup.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze.
- Perfect to make ahead and reheat for easy meal planning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg