Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / All RECIPES / Slow Cooker Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Slow Cooker Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Free up your oven and stove this holiday season with these irresistibly sweet and buttery Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, made entirely in your slow cooker! This easy, hands-free recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and loved by all ages, it’s a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs baby carrots (or peeled and chopped whole carrots)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
  • ⅓ cup salted butter, cubed (unsalted works too—just adjust the salt)
  • ⅓ cup real maple syrup
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Add the baby carrots to the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Add the Maple Syrup and Butter: Drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots and stir gently to distribute. Spread the carrots evenly in the slow cooker, then top with the cubed butter.
  3. Cook:
    • On High for 3 hours.
    • Or on Low for 5-6 hours.
      Stir once or twice during cooking, if possible.
  4. Thicken the Glaze:
    • Option 1 (Slow Cooker): For the final 30 minutes, switch to “High” and leave the lid off to thicken the glaze.
    • Option 2 (Stovetop): Remove the carrots and keep warm. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan, simmer over medium-high heat, and whisk until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  5. Serve: Pour the thickened glaze over the carrots, gently toss, and serve warm.

Substitutions

  • Maple Syrup: Use honey, corn syrup, or pancake syrup, or increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup and omit the syrup.
  • Carrots: Whole carrots can be peeled and cut into sticks or coins for this recipe.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace butter with butter-flavored coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Refined Sugar-Free: Substitute brown sugar with ¼ cup coconut sugar, 3 tbsp honey, or ¾ cup maple syrup.

Tips for Success

  • Perfect for Potlucks: Plug your slow cooker in at the host’s house, set it to “Warm,” and you’re good to go—no fighting for oven space!
  • Make Ahead: Prep everything in advance, and simply reheat in your slow cooker when needed.

These Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots bring a warm, comforting flavor to any meal. Whether you’re hosting or attending, this side dish is a stress-free way to impress your family and guests!

Slow Cooker Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Print

Slow Cooker Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Recipe by snackonmeat
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
These Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots are a standout side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Made with maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to get everyone excited about eating their veggies!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds baby carrots

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar

  • ¼ cup real maple syrup

  • ⅓ cup butter, cubed

Directions

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the baby carrots in the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the carrots. Stir until evenly coated.
  • Add Maple Syrup and Butter: Pour the maple syrup over the carrots and toss to distribute. Spread the carrots evenly, then top with the cubed butter.
  • Cook:
  • Set the slow cooker to High and cook for 3 hours.
  • Or set to Low and cook for 5–6 hours.
  • Stir 1–2 times during cooking, if possible.
  • Thicken the Glaze:
  • Option 1 (Slow Cooker): For the last 30 minutes, remove the lid, switch to “High,” and let the glaze thicken naturally.
  • Option 2 (Stovetop): Remove the carrots to a large bowl and keep warm. Pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). This method gives the best results.
  • Serve: Pour the thickened glaze over the carrots, toss gently, and serve warm.
  • Pro Tips
  • These glazed carrots are ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy, make-ahead side dish.
  • For added flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped pecans before serving.
  • Enjoy this sweet and savory dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday main course!