Bright, glossy, and brimming with cozy sweetness, Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the side dish everyone raves about, yet you hardly lift a finger to make them. Sweet baby carrots soak up real maple syrup and brown sugar, gently simmered with butter and spice until they’re tender and deeply glazed. Whether it’s a holiday spread or a simple family dinner, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe the recipe, too!

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This truly is one of those magical recipes where everyday ingredients become so much more. Each adds its own character to the Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, working together to create a balanced, beautiful side that feels special with any meal.

Baby Carrots: Pre-washed and ready to go, these make prep a breeze and cook up perfectly tender in the slow cooker.
Pure Maple Syrup: Supplies deep, natural sweetness and a hint of caramelized flavor; make sure to use the real stuff for best results.
Packed Light Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-rich depth, turning the glaze irresistibly glossy.
Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces): Melts over the carrots, giving the glaze luscious body and a subtle nuttiness.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings cozy, aromatic spice that really rounds out the sweet elements.
Salt: Just the right amount wakes up all the flavors and balances the sugars.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick, making every bite more interesting and keeping things from getting overly sweet.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and a clean, herbal finish if you want to dress things up.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Layer the Carrots in the Slow Cooker

Begin by adding your baby carrots to the slow cooker in an even layer. If you’re using regular carrots, just peel and chop them into 2-inch pieces first. This step sets the stage for those carrots to soak up every bit of the delicious glaze as they cook.

Step 2: Pour on the Maple Syrup

Drizzle the pure maple syrup evenly over the carrots. This creates a sweet base that will seep into the carrots as they slowly simmer, infusing them with rich maple flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Flavors

Sprinkle the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper across the carrots. These ingredients will meld into the syrup and butter, creating that classic Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots flavor profile—sweet, just a little spiced, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Dot with Butter

Distribute the butter pieces evenly over the top of the carrots. As the carrots cook, the butter melts into the glaze, adding a rich silkiness and helping everything meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the carrots are perfectly tender and glazed. Give them a gentle stir at the end to make sure every carrot is coated in that luscious shiny glaze. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a finishing touch—the little pop of green is a lovely contrast.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

For a final flourish, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is my go-to. It not only adds a dash of color but also a subtle freshness that lifts all the sweet and buttery flavors. A little orange zest is another fun option for zippy brightness.

Side Dishes

These carrots pair beautifully with so many main courses. They’re classic alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or chicken, but equally welcome on a vegetarian table with nut loaf or quinoa pilaf. Bonus: kids absolutely love them, so they’re a smart way to round out a weeknight meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in a wide, shallow bowl to let their glossy glaze shine. Arrange them around a serving platter of your main dish or pile them into individual ramekins for a modern, restaurant-style feel. Tiny sprigs of fresh herbs or even candied pecans scattered on top make them pop for the holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature and tucked into an airtight container in the fridge. The carrots will keep their texture and flavor for up to four days, making them a handy side whenever you need a touch of sweetness.

Freezing

The Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots freeze surprisingly well! Just place cooled carrots and their glaze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the carrots and any leftover glaze into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, you can add a splash of water to loosen the glaze. For a quick lunchbox fix, microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just peel and cut whole carrots into 2-inch pieces for similar size and even cooking. The flavor remains wonderfully sweet and the texture is spot-on.

Can I make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots vegan?

Yes, swap in your favorite plant-based butter for the regular butter and you’re good to go—everything else is vegan-friendly!

What if my glaze is too thin?

If the glaze seems runnier than you’d like, try removing the slow cooker lid and letting the carrots cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the liquid reduces and thickens naturally.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

You sure can! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold all the carrots in an even layer, and you may need to add an extra 30–45 minutes to the cook time for larger batches.

Will this work with honey instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute honey if you’re in a pinch, although you’ll get a slightly different flavor profile. For the signature taste of Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, pure maple syrup is definitely best.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s equal parts easy, delicious, and absolutely irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Each bite delivers that savory-sweet magic, and they’re just as welcome at a holiday feast as they are on a cozy Tuesday night. Give them a try and watch them become a new family favorite!

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. The sweet and savory glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Carrots:

2 pounds baby carrots

Glaze:

1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Add the Carrots: Place the baby carrots in the slow cooker.
Prepare the Glaze: Pour maple syrup over the carrots. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Add Butter: Distribute butter pieces evenly over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until carrots are tender and glazed.
Finish: Stir gently to coat all the carrots in the glaze before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use whole peeled carrots cut into 2-inch pieces if baby carrots are not available.
For a richer glaze, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of nutmeg.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American