If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting, elegant, and delicious, then you’ll adore this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe. Tender carrots bathe in a buttery, maple-kissed glaze with just a hint of warm cinnamon, filling your kitchen with an aroma that signals something truly special is underway. This is the kind of side dish that wows at holiday feasts but is so effortless you’ll want to whip it up on a random Tuesday—no oven juggling required. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has made both family dinners and potluck get-togethers shine!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe lies in its handful of everyday ingredients, each one chosen to build layers of depth and irresistible sweetness. Don’t skip or swap—each component plays a role in flavor and presentation.

Baby carrots (2 pounds) or whole carrots (1 1/2 pounds, peeled & sliced): Baby carrots make this extra easy, but slicing whole carrots adds a rustic feel and vibrant color.
Packed brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a molasses-rich depth that caramelizes beautifully with the butter and maple syrup.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Go for real maple syrup if you can; it’s the heart of the glaze, lending a luxurious sweetness.
Butter, cubed (1/3 cup): Butter brings silky richness that ties the glaze together, making every bite more enticing.
Salt (1 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances and sharpens the sweetness, ensuring the dish isn’t one-note.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle, cozy warmth that takes these carrots from basic to special.
Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to give a gentle kick and round out the dish.
Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional): The perfect finishing touch for a pop of color and a breath of freshness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

Start by washing and peeling your carrots if you’re using whole ones, then slice them into evenly sized rounds or sticks. If you’re opting for baby carrots, simply give them a rinse and drain. Uniform sizes mean even cooking, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add the prepared carrots straight to your slow cooker. Sprinkle over the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. With a quick toss, you’ll start infusing the carrots with all those cozy, sweet-and-savory flavors that will develop as they slow-cook.

Step 3: Add Maple Syrup and Butter

Drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots, giving them a good coating, then scatter cubes of butter all across the top. The butter will melt down and mingle with the syrup, brown sugar, and seasonings, blanketing the carrots in a dreamy glaze.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to high for about 3 hours, or low for 5 to 6 hours. Stir once or twice if you get the chance, and watch as the carrots soften and the glaze gently thickens, soaking into every bite.

Step 5: Thicken the Glaze

For that gorgeous, clingy glaze, you’ve got two options: leave the lid off for the final 30 minutes to let the sauce reduce, or pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it for about 5 minutes until syrupy, then pour it right back over the carrots. Either way, your Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe gets that perfect glossy finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and herby flair. Serve warm to let the full flavor and silkiness shine.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe

Garnishes

A few sprigs of fresh thyme not only make these carrots look extra gorgeous, but their subtle lemony notes also cut through the sweetness. You can also try a scatter of chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

The Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe is a perfect counterpart to roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin. For a meatless meal, pair with a creamy risotto, herby quinoa, or hearty stuffing—these carrots won’t be upstaged.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your carrots in a rustic ceramic bowl with the glaze drizzled on top and a little extra fresh thyme. For dinner parties, stack the carrots artfully in individual ramekins. If you’re feeling playful, use multi-colored heirloom carrots—they look absolutely stunning in this recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe will keep beautifully! Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days—the flavors only get richer as they meld.

Freezing

You can freeze these carrots for longer-term storage. Place them (along with any glaze) in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to three months— just know they’ll be a bit softer upon reheating, but the flavor stays intact.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the carrots and glaze into a saucepan on low, stirring gently until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the glaze from separating. If the glaze is too thick, just add a splash of water and stir.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Whole carrots (peeled and sliced) work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe. They often add a bit more rustic charm and can be sliced into beautiful rounds or sticks—just be sure to keep the pieces a similar size for even cooking.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes—just replace the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or even coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients in this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe are already naturally plant-based.

How do I prevent the carrots from becoming mushy?

Check doneness around the 3-hour mark on high or 5-hour mark on low. The carrots should yield to a fork but still hold their shape. Overcooking is the main culprit for mushiness, so timing is key.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 to 8 quarts). Double all the ingredients and increase the cooking time slightly if needed—just test the carrots with a fork for tenderness.

Is it possible to make this with other root vegetables?

Yes! While this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe is all about carrots, you can mix in parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even chunks of turnip for a fun twist. Adjust cooking times as needed for the different veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable. It transforms humble carrots into a sweet, glossy side dish that always wins raves. I hope you’ll give it a try—the process is easy, the results are irresistible, and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-6 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and easy Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot recipe that yields tender, sweet carrots coated in a rich maple syrup and brown sugar glaze. Perfect as a side dish for any meal!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Add the carrots to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker: Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
Mix brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and pepper: Combine these ingredients in the slow cooker with the carrots.
Pour in the maple syrup: Ensure the carrots are evenly coated.
Spread butter over the carrots: Distribute the cubed butter over the carrots.
Cook on high or low: Cover and cook until carrots are tender.
Thicken the glaze: Either cook uncovered or thicken the liquid in a saucepan.
Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Notes

You can customize the glaze by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice.
For a caramelized finish, broil the carrots for a few minutes after slow cooking.