Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
This easy Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots uses pre-washed and cut baby carrots right out of the bag. Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and a little nutmeg. Cooks in 5 hours on low!
This glazed carrot recipe is exactly why the slow cooker is the GOAT in my kitchen appliance line up! If you’re not using your crock pot for side dishes (along with life-saving weeknight dinners), you’re doing it wrong. Sorry, not sorry I said it. Toss in a bag of baby carrots, melt some butter, stir in the sugar and spices with almost no effort. I usually crack the lid near the end so the glaze thickens up a bit, but honestly, even if you don’t, it still tastes great.
How to make Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Toss the carrots in the mixture.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots prewashed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the carrots: Place 2 pounds of prewashed baby carrots into the slow cooker.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using).
- Coat the carrots: Pour the glaze mixture over the carrots and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 5–6 hours (or high heat for 3–4 hours) until the carrots are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Thicken the glaze: For a thicker glaze, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30–45 minutes of cooking to let the liquid reduce.
- Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Give everything a good stir before starting the slow cooker to make sure the butter, sugar, and spices coat the carrots evenly. It’s the little things that make a big difference.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat (around 4-5 hours) gives the carrots a tender texture without turning them mushy. If you’re short on time, high heat for 2-3 hours works too—just keep an eye on them.
- Test for Doneness: Pierce a carrot with a fork to check if it’s tender. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your carrots and the slow cooker.
- Taste Before You Serve: Right before serving, give the carrots a taste. Need more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey. A little bland? Sprinkle in a salt to brighten the flavors.
- Citrus flavor: Add the zest of one orange or 2 tablespoons of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy flavor that goes with the sweetness of the carrots.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or slivered almonds over the finished dish for some texture and a hint of nuttiness.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spice.
- Maple Infusion: Swap out part of the brown sugar for 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
- Herb Boost: Toss in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for a savory, aromatic twist.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in ¼ cup of dried cranberries or raisins right before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this easy Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots recipe or any other of my recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Since these glazed carrots are coated in butter and sugar, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to cool completely before storing, and ensure they stay chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Reheating
From the Refrigerator:
- Stovetop: Place the glazed carrots in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Add a small splash of water or melted butter if the glaze has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions
Why is my glaze so thin?
Glaze consistency can vary depending on the water content in the carrots. To fix it, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30–45 minutes of cooking and stir occasionally to let the glaze thicken. If needed, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help it along.
Can I make these carrots ahead of time?
Yes, but keep in mind they might soften further when reheated. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the glaze thickens too much.
Why are my carrots unevenly cooked?
Uneven cooking is often due to overcrowding or large carrot sizes. Make sure the carrots are evenly spread out in the slow cooker and are of similar size for consistent results. Stir them halfway through cooking for even glazing.
