If you’re searching for a side dish that’s vibrant, sweet, and completely irresistible, look no further than these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. This recipe transforms simple baby carrots into glossy jewels bathed in buttery maple goodness with just the right touch of brown sugar. Whether you’re elevating a holiday table or needing a splash of color for weeknight dinner, these carrots are a joy from the first bite to the last spoonful.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely adore how these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing unique sweetness, color, richness, and that perfect touch of spice.

Baby carrots: Naturally sweet and tender, they save you the hassle of peeling and chopping while looking picture-perfect on the plate.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds lush richness and coats the carrots with a silky glaze.
Pure maple syrup: Brings a deep, mellow sweetness that balances perfectly with the earthiness of carrots.
Light brown sugar (packed): Infuses a caramel note that thickens the glaze and enhances the maple flavor.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and making the other flavors pop.
Black pepper: Lends a subtle warmth and lovely contrast to the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a whisper of cozy spice that makes this dish extra special for holidays.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Gives a fresh, herbal finish and a festive fleck of green.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Start by gathering your 2 pounds of baby carrots. Since they’re already peeled and cut, you can simply toss them right into your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. I love how fuss-free this makes the whole process!

Step 2: Whisk the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, light brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon if you’d like an extra-cozy touch. Give everything a good mix so you end up with a rich, aromatic syrup.

Step 3: Coat the Carrots

Pour your luscious maple-brown sugar mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every carrot is kissed with that glossy glaze. Even coating now means every bite will be packed with flavor later.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low and let the carrots cook for 4–5 hours, or speed it up on high for 2–3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots are fork-tender and irresistibly glossy. Give them a gentle stir before serving to evenly distribute all that sticky-sweet goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley if you like. This green pop not only makes the dish look gorgeous but also adds a spark of freshness against the sweet glaze. Your Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are ready to impress!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a grate of orange zest for brightness or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. Sometimes, just a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving really elevates the sweet-savory flavors.

Side Dishes

These glazed carrots pair beautifully with hearty mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or prime rib. For a cozy weeknight, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or herby quinoa. Their sweet charm also complements rich, savory casseroles at any holiday gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in a rustic bowl lined with fresh herbs, or arrange them on a long platter with a drizzle of extra glaze on top. For a festive twist, alternate them with roasted rainbow carrots for a colorful showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze thickens just a bit overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—some say even better!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots! Spread cooled carrots on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture softens slightly, but the flavors remain spot-on.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the carrots gently in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to redistribute the glaze. If the glaze seems too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just peel and cut whole carrots into even, bite-size sticks or coins. This works beautifully and can add even more color if you use rainbow carrots.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or use coconut oil for a subtle twist. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. Use a larger slow cooker if needed so everything cooks evenly. Just keep in mind the cooking time may be slightly longer with a fuller pot—check for tenderness before serving.

Will this work without the cinnamon?

Of course. The cinnamon is completely optional and the carrots will still have loads of maple-brown sugar flavor. Feel free to skip it or add a pinch of nutmeg instead for a new layer of warmth.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the glaze and carrots the night before, store them separately, then just combine and cook on the day you want to serve for effortless entertaining.

Final Thoughts

Bring a burst of color and a little extra sweetness to your table with Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. They’re easy, festive, and guaranteed to win rave reviews. Invite them to your next gathering or weeknight meal—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners. The sweet glaze pairs beautifully with the tender baby carrots, creating a dish that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Carrots:

2 pounds

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Place the Carrots: Place the baby carrots in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using.
Coat Carrots: Pour the mixture over the carrots and stir to coat evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the carrots are tender and glazed.
Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.