Go Back
- 2 pounds baby carrots - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional) - Salt to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For this dish, the main ingredients shine through. I love using baby carrots because they are sweet and tender. The maple syrup adds a rich flavor. The unsalted butter brings a creamy texture to the glaze. Adding cinnamon and nutmeg gives the carrots warmth and a cozy aroma. If you want an herbal note, fresh rosemary adds brightness. Salt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it. You can also add lemon juice for a bright, zesty kick. This simple step can balance the sweet glaze perfectly. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. - Rinse and peel larger carrots. - Cut into uniform pieces. Start by rinsing your baby carrots under cool water. If you use larger carrots, peel them first. Then, cut them into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Even pieces ensure each carrot gets the same amount of glaze and heat. - Combine maple syrup and melted butter. - Mix in spices and lemon juice. In a bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and melted butter. Make sure it is smooth. Next, add in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until everything is fully mixed. This glaze is what makes the carrots sweet and flavorful. - Layer carrots in the slow cooker. - Pour glaze over the carrots. - Toss to coat and add rosemary. Put the carrots in the slow cooker in an even layer. Then, pour the maple glaze over them. Use a spoon to toss the carrots gently. Ensure every piece gets coated with the glaze. If you like, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary on top. This adds a nice herbal flavor. - Set slow cooker to low for 4-5 hours. - Or high for 2-3 hours. Now, cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the carrots to be tender but not mushy. - Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Before you serve, taste the glazed carrots. If they need more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a bit more maple syrup. This final touch makes a big difference! To make your maple glazed carrots shine, fresh herbs can add a burst of taste. I often use rosemary for its earthy notes. Just chop a tablespoon and sprinkle it on top before cooking. This small touch makes a big difference. Also, aim for high-quality maple syrup. The flavor is richer and more complex. Pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with carrots. Cooking time is key to getting the right texture. You want tender yet firm carrots, not mushy ones. Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you use a slow cooker, set it to low for 4-5 hours. For quicker results, use high for 2-3 hours. Cutting the carrots into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly. Aim for pieces that are about the same size. This way, they all finish cooking at the same time. When it comes to serving, presentation is important. Serve the warm glazed carrots in a nice bowl. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the slow cooker over the top. This adds a glossy finish that looks great. For a pop of color, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary. As for pairing, these carrots go well with roasted meats or grilled fish. They add a sweet touch that balances savory dishes beautifully. {{image_4}} You can change the sweetener in this recipe. Honey or agave syrup works well. These options give a different flavor and texture. If you choose honey, use a bit less than the maple syrup. Honey is sweeter. For agave syrup, you can keep the same amount. This makes it easy to fit your diet. Adding protein makes this dish heartier. You can mix in cooked bacon or nuts. Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor. Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, give a nice crunch. These pair well with the sweet glaze. Serve the carrots next to roast chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, replace the butter with plant-based options. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. This keeps the flavor rich and creamy. Make sure to check labels for dietary needs. With these swaps, the recipe stays delicious and fits various diets. To store your leftover maple glazed carrots, place them in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors from other foods. Make sure the lid is sealed well. The leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, refrigerating is the way to go. If you want to freeze glazed carrots, follow these steps: First, let them cool completely. Then, pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. These carrots can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can reheat your glazed carrots in two main ways: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Spread the carrots on a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them warm without drying out. If using the microwave, place the carrots in a bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavor and texture nice and tasty. To make carrots tender, cook them on low heat. This slow method helps them soften without turning mushy. - Cut carrots into similar sizes for even cooking. - Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. This keeps the heat inside. - Cook for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but adjust the cook time. Frozen carrots may need longer to cook. - Add an extra hour to your cooking time. - Skip thawing them first. Just toss them in straight from the freezer. Serve the carrots warm for the best taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Use a colorful bowl for a nice presentation. - Drizzle leftover glaze on top for added flavor. - Garnish with fresh rosemary for a pop of color. Yes, you can prepare the carrots ahead of time. Here’s how: - Wash and cut the carrots up to a day in advance. - Store them in the fridge in a sealed bag. - Cook them the day you plan to serve. This keeps them fresh and tasty. To wrap up, we explored a delightful slow cooker carrots recipe. The main ingredients are baby carrots, pure maple syrup, and butter. I shared tips on spices, cooking methods, and serving ideas. Remember, quality ingredients make a big difference. You can adapt this dish with different sweeteners and protein options. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Use these tips for tender, flavorful carrots that everyone will love. Try this recipe for your next meal; it’s simple and tasty! You'll impress everyone at the dinner table.

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

Indulge in the sweetness of Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots that are sure to impress! With just a few simple ingredients like baby carrots, pure maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon, you can create a delightful side dish that's perfect for any meal. Cooking them in a slow cooker enhances their flavor and tenderness. Click through to discover the full recipe and get ready to savor this delicious, easy-to-make dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 pounds baby carrots

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the baby carrots under cool running water. If you are using larger carrots, peel them and cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Then, stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and fresh lemon juice until fully combined.

      Transfer the washed baby carrots into the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer. Pour the maple glaze mixture over the carrots, allowing it to drizzle down evenly.

        Gently toss the carrots in the slow cooker so that every piece is generously coated with the sweet glaze.

          If you choose to enhance the flavor, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh rosemary on top of the carrots. This optional step adds a lovely herbal note.

            Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender yet hold their shape and are not mushy.

              Prior to serving, taste the glazed carrots and adjust seasoning if needed; feel free to add an extra pinch of salt or more maple syrup to amplify the sweetness according to your preference.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the warm glazed carrots in a decorative serving bowl. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the top for a glossy finish and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary. This will add a pop of color and a delightful fragrance to your dish.