Description
This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tender vegetable side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The carrots are slow-cooked with a luscious combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and warming spices, creating a glossy glaze that enhances their natural sweetness. Garnished with fresh thyme, these carrots provide a comforting and flavorful accompaniment that’s effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)
Glaze
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: If using whole carrots, peel and slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Baby carrots can be used as is.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the carrots in the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cubed butter, salt, cinnamon, and pepper directly on top of the carrots.
- Combine and Cook: Gently stir the ingredients to combine but keep the butter in pieces so it melts slowly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the carrots are tender and infused with the sweet glaze.
- Final Touches: Once done, give the carrots a gentle stir to coat them evenly with the glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme if desired for an extra burst of aroma and flavor.
Notes
- You can swap baby carrots with peeled and sliced regular carrots if preferred.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar according to taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- The dish can also be cooked on high for 1.5 to 2 hours if short on time, but low and slow brings out the best flavor.
- Garnishing with thyme is optional but adds a fresh herbal note that complements the sweetness.
Keywords: slow cooker carrots, maple glazed carrots, sweet glazed carrots, slow cooked vegetables, easy side dish, holiday side recipe