Description
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots are a simple and delicious side dish featuring tender baby carrots coated in a sweet and spiced glaze made with brown sugar, cinnamon, real maple syrup, and butter. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, these carrots are slow-cooked to tender perfection with a rich, thickened glaze.
Ingredients
Carrots and Seasonings
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/3 cup butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Add the baby carrots to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Season Carrots: Sprinkle in the salt, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly over the carrots.
- Add Maple Syrup: Pour in the maple syrup and toss well to distribute the syrup thoroughly over the carrots.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Spread the coated carrots out evenly in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Butter and Cover: Top the carrots with the cubed butter, then add the lid to the slow cooker to retain heat and moisture.
- Cook Carrots: Cook on "high" setting for 3 hours, or on "low" setting for 5 to 6 hours. If possible, stir the carrots once or twice during this cooking time to promote even glazing.
- Thicken Glaze: To thicken the glaze, remove the lid during the final 30 minutes and switch to "high" heat until the glaze thickens. Alternatively, transfer the carrots to a large bowl and keep warm, then pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat while whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes. This method produces the best glaze consistency.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh baby carrots and real maple syrup for a natural sweetness and flavor balance.
- Stirring midway helps coat the carrots evenly and prevents burning at the bottom.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, use the stovetop glazing method after slow cooking as described.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust cinnamon and sweetness to taste for a personalized flavor touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American