If you’re looking for a side dish that’s effortless to make but delivers big on taste, these slow cooker maple-glazed carrots are a perfect choice. Carrots, often underrated as a side dish, become the star of the table when cooked low and slow in a rich glaze of maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. The result is a comforting, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to vegetarian mains.
This recipe is especially convenient for busy days or holiday meals when your oven and stovetop are already full. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let the magic happen. As the carrots cook, they absorb the sweet and spiced flavors of the glaze, becoming tender and irresistibly delicious. Plus, this dish is a fantastic way to add color and nutrients to your plate without much effort.
These glazed carrots complement a variety of main courses—think roast turkey, baked salmon, or grilled tofu. They’re kid-friendly too, making them a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions. If you’ve ever doubted how flavorful cooked carrots can be, this recipe is here to change your mind.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut (or baby carrots)
1/3 cup sliced butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Place the carrots into a slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the salt, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup until combined. Pour this mixture over the carrots and stir well to coat them evenly. Distribute the butter slices across the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. Stir occasionally during cooking for even glaze distribution.
Pro Tip: For a thicker glaze, switch the slow cooker to HIGH during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish for your favorite main meals.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
These maple-glazed carrots are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. The dish provides a good balance of natural sugars and fiber from the carrots, along with some fat from the butter for flavor. While the glaze adds sweetness, it’s easy to adjust the sugar content if you’re aiming for a lighter option. This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply swap the butter with a plant-based alternative.
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