Crockpot Glazed Carrots: A Set-It-and-Forget-It Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Today, we’re transforming a classic side dish into an easy, set-it-and-forget-it crockpot meal—Glazed Carrots. If you love tender, sweet, and savory carrots but don’t want to be tied to the stove, this recipe is for you. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a laid-back weeknight dinner.

Why You Should Make This Dish

Crockpot Glazed Carrots are all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing the carrots with a buttery, sweet glaze that’s downright irresistible. Imagine coming home to a dish that’s already done, with carrots so tender they melt in your mouth, coated in a rich, glossy glaze that’s just the right balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy side dish, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Crockpot Glazed Carrots:

• 1 ½ pounds of carrots (baby carrots or regular carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a warm, spiced flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, pairs well with cinnamon)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Crockpot Glazed Carrots

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make these delicious Crockpot Glazed Carrots:

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots

Start by washing and peeling your carrots. If you’re using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. If you’re using regular carrots, slice them into sticks or rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. The key is to keep them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined, so the carrots get evenly coated in all that sweet, buttery goodness.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Glaze to the Crockpot

Place the carrots in your crockpot. Pour the glaze over the carrots, making sure they’re all coated. Give them a quick stir to ensure the glaze is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cook the Carrots

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender. Stir the carrots once or twice during cooking to make sure they’re cooking evenly and soaking up all the glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the carrots are tender and glazed to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve them up hot, and get ready for some serious compliments!

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Choosing Carrots: Fresh, organic carrots are your best bet for maximum flavor. Baby carrots are convenient, but regular carrots sliced into sticks often have a better texture in the crockpot.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the seasoning. If you’re using salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar will give you a deeper, richer flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Pick according to your taste preference!
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your crockpot—every slow cooker is a bit different. If your carrots are done before the cooking time is up, you can switch the crockpot to the warm setting to keep them ready for serving.
• Glaze Consistency: If you find the glaze too thick towards the end of cooking, add a splash of water or broth and stir it in. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 15-30 minutes to thicken up.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the carrots and glaze the night before. Just store them in the fridge and throw them in the crockpot in the morning.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip the honey/maple syrup.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations to try:

1. Spicy Glazed Carrots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick.
2. Herb-Infused Glaze: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the crockpot for an earthy, aromatic twist.
3. Orange-Glazed Carrots: Replace the honey or maple syrup with freshly squeezed orange juice and add some orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Use pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
5. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Swap out the brown sugar for honey for a lighter, floral sweetness.
6. Ginger-Glazed Carrots: Grate some fresh ginger into the glaze for a warm, spicy flavor.
7. Balsamic-Glazed Carrots: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy, slightly sweet glaze.
8. Garlic and Herb Glazed Carrots: Toss in some minced garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a savory twist.
9. Pecan Glazed Carrots: Add toasted pecans to the crockpot in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a nutty crunch.
10. Bourbon-Glazed Carrots: Pour in a splash of bourbon for a rich, caramel-like flavor.
11. Cranberry Glazed Carrots: Add dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
12. Vanilla-Glazed Carrots: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for a subtle, sweet undertone.
13. Apple-Glazed Carrots: Use apple juice or cider in the glaze for a fruity, autumnal flavor.
14. Soy-Glazed Carrots: Add a splash of soy sauce for a salty, umami-rich glaze.
15. Lemon-Glazed Carrots: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy twist.

What to Serve with Crockpot Glazed Carrots

These Glazed Carrots are versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:

1. Roast Chicken: The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory flavors of a roast chicken.
2. Beef Roast: Serve them alongside a tender beef roast for a classic Sunday dinner.
3. Pork Tenderloin: The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with juicy pork tenderloin.
4. Lamb Chops: The rich, gamey flavor of lamb is balanced by the sweet glaze on the carrots.
5. Turkey: Perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
6. Salmon: The sweet and savory carrots pair well with the rich, buttery flavor of salmon.
7. Ham: A classic pairing with holiday ham.
8. Grilled Steak: The sweetness of the carrots contrasts beautifully with the savory, charred flavors of a grilled steak.
9. Vegetarian Dishes: Serve alongside a hearty vegetarian main like a lentil loaf or stuffed bell peppers.
10. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great match for the tender, glazed carrots.
11. Rice Pilaf: Serve over a bed of rice pilaf for a simple yet satisfying meal.
12. Quinoa: A healthy, protein-packed side that pairs well with glazed carrots.
13. Couscous: The fluffy texture of couscous complements the tender carrots.
14. Bread Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
15. Green Beans: Serve with simple steamed or sautéed green beans for a complete veggie side.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store your Crockpot Glazed Carrots:

• Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the glaze.
• Freezer: You can freeze glazed carrots, though the texture might change slightly. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How Much to Make for Family Gatherings

For family gatherings, you’ll want to make sure you have enough to go around. As a general rule, plan on about 1/2 cup of Glazed Carrots per person. If you’re serving 8-10 people, 1 ½ pounds of carrots should be plenty. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe.

How Far in Advance Can I Make the Crockpot Glazed Carrots?

One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can cook the Glazed Carrots in the crockpot up to 1 day in advance. After cooking, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the crockpot on low for 1-2 hours, adding a little water or broth if needed to loosen up the glaze.

With these Crockpot Glazed Carrots, you get all the flavor and elegance of the classic dish with the convenience of slow cooking. Whether you’re planning a big holiday meal or just need an easy side for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Crockpot Glazed Carrots: A Set-It-and-Forget-It Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Author: Mitzi

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour 50 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:4 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds of carrots (baby carrots or regular carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a warm, spiced flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, pairs well with cinnamon)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by washing and peeling your carrots. If you’re using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. If you’re using regular carrots, slice them into sticks or rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. The key is to keep them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined, so the carrots get evenly coated in all that sweet, buttery goodness.
3. Place the carrots in your crockpot. Pour the glaze over the carrots, making sure they’re all coated. Give them a quick stir to ensure the glaze is evenly distributed.
4. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender. Stir the carrots once or twice during cooking to make sure they’re cooking evenly and soaking up all the glaze.
5. Once the carrots are tender and glazed to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve them up hot, and get ready for some serious compliments!