If you’re looking for a show-stopping side that takes almost no effort but delivers exceptional flavor, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. This recipe turns humble baby carrots into a glossy, sweet, and buttery dish with the perfect balance of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or just want to brighten up a weeknight dinner, these carrots are the kind of comfort food everyone goes back for seconds (and thirds!).

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots is how a few simple ingredients can transform into something truly crave-worthy. Every element brings something special, from the earthy sweetness of carrots to the deep, caramel notes of maple syrup and brown sugar. Here’s what you’ll need:

Baby Carrots: Pre-washed and perfectly sized, these save prep time and soak up all the sweet, buttery glaze.
Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with carrots.
Brown Sugar (packed): Gives a rich, molasses-like depth and helps create that irresistible glossy glaze.
Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes): Adds richness and makes the glaze silky and luscious.
Ground Cinnamon: Just the right amount for a cozy, aromatic warmth that enhances the sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural flavor of the carrots.
Black Pepper: A pinch for a slight kick, grounding all the sweet flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional, chopped for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish just before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Start by giving your baby carrots a quick rinse, even if they’re pre-washed. Pat them dry, then pile them into the bottom of your slow cooker. This sets the foundation for all that maple-brown sugar magic to happen!

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, packed brown sugar, cubed unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly mixed. This blend will melt together as it cooks, creating a dreamy sweet-and-savory glaze for your carrots.

Step 3: Coat the Carrots

Pour the glaze mixture over the carrots, making sure to scrape every last bit out of the bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to toss the carrots gently, coating them as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if the butter is still solid—it will melt as the slow cooker heats up.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook your Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. If you can, give them a gentle stir about halfway through to ensure all the carrots get coated in that luscious glaze. Cook until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze is thick and shiny.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the carrots are perfectly tender, give them one last gentle stir. Spoon them into your favorite serving dish, making sure to drizzle all that extra glaze over the top. If you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast to the deep orange carrots and makes the dish look instantly more festive. For extra flair, try a tiny dusting of flaky sea salt or even a hint of orange zest for a fresh twist right before serving.

Side Dishes

These carrots are the ultimate partner for holiday mains like roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. They also pair beautifully with weeknight staples: think baked chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian grain bowl. Their sweet glaze is the perfect counterpoint to savory, herb-forward dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve your Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in a wide, shallow serving bowl, letting the glaze pool around the carrots. For a dinner party, try piling them up on a long platter and dotting with parsley. You can even use them as a vibrant topping for creamy mashed potatoes or fold leftovers into a frittata the next morning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Spoon any remaining carrots and glaze into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making them even more tempting for next-day lunches or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead for future meals, let the carrots cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the glaze may separate a bit when thawed, but a quick stir during reheating will bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add the carrots and glaze back to a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. If the glaze seems too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just peel and slice full-sized carrots into uniform sticks or rounds so they cook evenly. The flavor will be just as delicious, and it’s a great way to use up whole carrots you have on hand.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this dish is fantastic for holidays or gatherings. Simply double all the ingredients and add a bit more cook time, checking for tenderness as you go. Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume!

What if I want a thicker glaze?

If you prefer a stickier glaze, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This lets some liquid evaporate and thickens the sauce beautifully without extra steps.

Can I make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The glaze will still be rich and glossy, and the finished dish will be just as satisfying for dairy-free guests.

Do these carrots travel well for potlucks?

Yes, they’re perfect for taking along to gatherings. Just keep them warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, or reheat in a microwave-safe dish when you arrive. The glaze keeps the carrots moist and flavorful even if they sit for a bit.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots enough! They’re the kind of side dish that quietly steals the spotlight and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s for a special holiday meal or any night you need a little extra comfort on your plate, give these carrots a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

This Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe offers a sweet and tender side dish perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Baby carrots are glazed with a luscious mixture of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and warming cinnamon, then slow-cooked to perfection for a flavorful and effortless dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

2 pounds baby carrots

Glaze

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

Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the baby carrots evenly in the slow cooker bowl to ensure even cooking.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, unsalted butter cubes, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are blended.
Coat Carrots: Pour the glaze mixture over the baby carrots in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat all the carrots evenly with the glaze.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Carrots should become tender and nicely glazed by the end. If possible, stir the carrots once halfway through cooking to redistribute the glaze.
Final Stir and Garnish: Before serving, stir the carrots gently to ensure they are fully coated with the glaze. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of fresh orange juice to the glaze mixture.
This recipe can be doubled for holiday meals; just increase the cooking time slightly to account for the larger quantity.
If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American