Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced by the glaze, makes them a hit with kids.
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Versatile and Delicious: Pairs perfectly with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or even a vegetarian main course.
Tools You’ll Need
- Spatula or spoon: For stirring and serving.
- Slow cooker: A 4- or 6-quart slow cooker works best.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the glaze ingredients.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
There’s something delightfully sweet, tender, and buttery about Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots that makes them the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these carrots add a touch of elegance to your table. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the work for you—set it, forget it, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby carrots (or peeled and sliced regular carrots)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
- Rinse the carrots thoroughly. If using regular carrots, peel and slice them into 2-inch pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
- Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
- Pour the glaze mixture over the carrots and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Carrots
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through. The carrots should be tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once done, give the carrots a final stir to coat them in the glaze.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.
- Add Zing: A squeeze of fresh orange juice or a sprinkle of orange zest adds a citrusy brightness to the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked carrots in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
A: Absolutely! Baby carrots are perfect for this recipe as they save time on prep.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra carrots without overcrowding.
Conclusion: Sweet and Savory Perfection
These Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots are tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With their sweet, buttery glaze, they’ll quickly become a family favorite at your dinner table. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and reviews—we’d love to see how you serve them!
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 140
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every bite of these delicious glazed carrots, and watch them disappear fast!
