Irresistible Crockpot Glazed Carrots: Your Ultimate Easy Holiday Side Dish
Imagine a side dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet bursts with sweet and savory flavors, becoming a standout on any holiday table. Look no further than these amazing **Crockpot Glazed Carrots**! This recipe takes fresh, wholesome carrots and transforms them into a tender, glistening delight, slow-cooked in a rich brown sugar and garlic glaze. It’s the kind of dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to focus on other culinary creations or, even better, enjoy time with your loved ones.
Holiday cooking can often feel like a juggling act, with your oven full of a roasting turkey and your stovetop crowded with boiling potatoes, steaming green beans, and simmering gravy. That’s where your trusty slow cooker becomes a true hero! By utilizing your crockpot for these **dump-and-go brown sugar garlic glazed carrots**, you reclaim valuable oven and stovetop space. It’s a truly hands-off approach to crafting a delicious vegetable side that will impress everyone. If you’re looking for another equally effortless slow cooker side, be sure to try my crockpot sweet potato casserole – it’s another family favorite!
Getting started with this recipe couldn’t be easier. All you need are a few common ingredients you likely already have on hand: fresh carrots, brown sugar, butter, and a couple of aromatic spices. With just about 10 minutes of active prep time, you can set your slow cooker, walk away, and let it work its magic. Come dinner time, you’ll be greeted with a pot full of warm, perfectly tender carrots, bathed in a luscious, sweet, and savory glaze that’s ready to be served. It’s truly a game-changer for busy holiday meals or even simple weeknight dinners.
These **brown sugar glazed carrots** are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of main dishes. Their rich, sweet flavor complements savory meats and poultry perfectly. Consider serving them alongside some succulent creamy garlic chicken, a comforting cracker barrel meatloaf, or my impressive praline glazed ham for a truly unforgettable meal. This elegant yet simple side dish is guaranteed to elevate any holiday feast or Sunday family dinner, adding a touch of gourmet without the fuss.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to fit various dietary needs, making it vegan with a simple butter swap, or adjust the flavor profile by including your favorite spices or even incorporating other root vegetables for a delightful medley. Trust me, these **crockpot glazed carrots** are not just another side dish; they are destined to become a cherished family favorite and your new go-to recipe for stress-free holiday entertaining year after year.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots Recipe…
- Made with a Handful of Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure items. This recipe uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find and transform into something extraordinary.
- Easy to Make Ahead of Time and Reheat: Prepare these delicious carrots a day or two in advance, store them, and simply reheat when it’s time to serve. This is a lifesaver for busy hosts during the holidays, allowing you to enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress.
- A Set-It-and-Forget-It Recipe: Once the carrots and glaze are in the slow cooker, your work is largely done! The slow cooker handles all the cooking, slowly simmering the carrots to tender perfection without constant supervision.
- Sweet, Salty, and Savory: This recipe strikes a perfect balance of flavors. The brown sugar provides a comforting sweetness, while butter and a hint of garlic and salt add a delightful savory depth, creating an incredibly satisfying side dish.
- A Great Option for Busy Weeknights: Don’t reserve these amazing carrots just for holidays! Their ease of preparation makes them a fantastic and wholesome addition to your regular weeknight dinner rotation.
- A Perfect Side Dish for a Big Holiday Meal: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, or any special occasion, these glazed carrots add a touch of elegance and flavor without adding to your kitchen workload.
Ingredient Notes for Perfect Crockpot Glazed Carrots
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and helpful substitution options to ensure your glazed carrots turn out perfectly every time. For precise measurements, the full ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Carrots: The star of our dish! We recommend using raw carrots, peeled and chopped into uniform 2-inch chunks. Uniformity ensures even cooking and tenderness. While peeling is optional for some, it does give the carrots a smoother, more refined appearance, especially for a holiday presentation. A bag of baby carrots can also be used for convenience; simply rinse them thoroughly.
- Brown Sugar: This is key to creating that wonderfully thick, sweet, and caramelized glaze. Light brown sugar is generally preferred for its molasses notes, which add depth without being overwhelmingly rich. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your desired level of sweetness.
- Butter: Adds incredible richness and a velvety texture to the glaze, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Unsalted butter is usually recommended so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish. For a dairy-free or vegan option, see the “Recipe Variations” section below.
- Spices (Minced Garlic, Salt, Fresh Thyme): This carefully selected blend elevates plain carrots into a deeply aromatic and flavorful side.
- Minced Garlic: Provides a savory, pungent counterpoint to the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a complex flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly floral note that beautifully complements the carrots. If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can use a pinch of dried thyme (about ¼ teaspoon) or substitute with fresh parsley, finely chopped, for a milder, fresher finish.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
One of the many beauties of these simple glazed carrots is how few specialized tools you need. This is a super easy side dish that can be made with just a few common kitchen essentials! Beyond your trusty **crockpot** (or slow cooker), you’ll primarily need:
- Vegetable Peeler: For smoothly peeling your carrots, if desired, resulting in a cleaner finish.
- Chef’s Knife: For efficiently trimming and chopping your carrots into uniform pieces.
- Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the delicious brown sugar glaze.
- Whisk: To ensure the glaze ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Wooden Spoon (or spatula): For tossing the carrots with the glaze and stirring them during cooking.
How to Make Glazed Carrots in the Crockpot: Step-by-Step Guide
This section provides clear, step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through making these delightful glazed carrots. For the complete printable recipe, including exact measurements and nutritional information, please refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots for the Crockpot
Begin by placing your peeled and uniformly chopped carrots into the slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out as much as possible for even cooking. Uniform chunks (about 2-inch pieces) are important to ensure all carrots become perfectly fork-tender at the same time.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Luscious Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined glaze. This ensures all flavors are evenly distributed. Once mixed, pour this rich glaze generously over the carrots in the crockpot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, toss the carrots gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is beautifully coated in the sweet and savory mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on high. Allow the carrots to cook for 3-4 hours, or until they reach that desirable “fork-tender” stage – easily pierced with a fork without resistance. If your schedule allows, open the lid once or twice during the cooking process to give the carrots a gentle stir. This helps ensure they cook evenly and are continuously coated in the flavorful glaze.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once the carrots are perfectly tender and glistening, they are ready to serve. Spoon them warm onto your serving dish, making sure to drizzle plenty of the rich, sweet brown sugar glaze over the top. For an optional touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh thyme or parsley before presenting. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These **slow cooker glazed carrots** are excellent for meal prepping and make-ahead convenience. To store, allow your cooked carrots to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, they will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 10 months. When ready to enjoy frozen carrots, be sure to let them thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Transfer the carrots and glaze to a frying pan. Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the glaze has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Place a serving of carrots in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Crockpot: For larger quantities, reheat in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for 1-2 hours, or on “low” for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Glazed Carrots
- Choose the Right Carrots: While you can use either regular carrots or baby carrots, standard carrots, peeled and uniformly chopped, tend to offer the best texture and appearance for an elegant side dish. Peeling isn’t strictly mandatory for flavor, but it does enhance the visual appeal.
- Uniform Sizing is Key: Ensure all your carrot pieces are roughly the same size (about 2-inch chunks). This is crucial for even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still firm.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Not in a hurry? You can cook these **slow cooker glazed carrots** on the low setting for 5-6 hours instead of on high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow cooking often results in even more tender carrots and a deeper integration of flavors.
- Don’t Forget to Stir: While it’s a “set-it-and-forget-it” recipe, giving the carrots a stir once or twice during the cooking process helps ensure every piece is bathed in the glaze and cooks uniformly.
- Enhance the Glaze: For an extra rich and glossy finish, you can transfer the glaze from the crockpot to a small saucepan after the carrots are cooked. Simmer it gently over medium heat for a few minutes to reduce and thicken slightly, then pour it back over the carrots.
- Serving Suggestion: Always serve these sweet carrots with a generous drizzle of the extra glaze from the bottom of the crockpot over the top for maximum flavor and a beautiful shine.
Delicious Recipe Variations to Try
- Make Them Vegan: It’s incredibly easy to make these **crockpot carrots vegan**! Simply swap out the dairy butter for an equal amount of coconut oil, olive oil, or your favorite plant-based butter alternative. This ensures everyone can enjoy this delightful side dish.
- Alternative Sweeteners: While brown sugar provides a classic caramel note, you can easily adjust the sweetness. Skip (or cut back on) the brown sugar and use a generous drizzle of maple syrup or honey instead. These natural sweeteners add their own unique flavor profiles that are equally delicious. You could also try a combination!
- Sweet and Spicy Kick: Love a bit of heat? You can easily add some spice to these glazed carrots. Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. A tiny bit of fresh ginger (grated) can also add a delightful warmth.
- Herbacious Options: While fresh thyme is wonderful, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Rosemary adds a piney, earthy flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh sage can bring a more autumnal note. You can also use a combination!
- Citrus Brightness: For a touch of freshness, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the glaze mixture. The bright citrus notes will cut through the sweetness and elevate the overall flavor profile. A tablespoon of orange juice can also be added for extra moisture and flavor.
- Root Vegetable Medley: This great recipe isn’t just for carrots! Try it with other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes (cut into similar 2-inch chunks), parsnips, or even a mix of root vegetables for a colorful and flavorful medley. Note that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the density of the vegetables.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts over the carrots just before serving. The nutty crunch pairs beautifully with the sweet, tender carrots.
Slow Cooker Carrots FAQ
Your carrots are considered “fork-tender” when they can be easily pierced with a fork with minimal resistance, but still hold their shape without being mushy. This indicates they are fully cooked and have absorbed the flavors of the glaze.
Yes, absolutely! Making glazed carrots the day before is a fantastic time-saving tip, especially for holiday meals. Store the premade glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. The next day, you can gently reheat them in the crockpot on a low setting, or in a buttered frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the glaze seems too thick.
You certainly can! To make a quicker stovetop version, combine all the glaze ingredients (brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, salt) in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then add your chopped carrots and toss them well to ensure they are fully coated. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened to your liking. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Garnish, serve, and enjoy!
Yes, cooked carrots are indeed good for you! Both raw and cooked carrots are packed with beneficial nutrients and vitamins, most notably beta-carotene (which the body converts to Vitamin A), as well as Vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Cooking carrots can even make some of these nutrients, like beta-carotene, more bioavailable (easier for your body to absorb).
While fresh carrots are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first. However, they may release more water during cooking, potentially thinning the glaze. You might need to extend the cooking time slightly or remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the glaze to thicken.
If your glaze seems too thin after the carrots are cooked, you have a few options:
- Remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Carefully remove the carrots and transfer the remaining glaze to a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the hot glaze in the slow cooker (or saucepan) and cook for another 15-30 minutes on high (or until thickened on the stovetop).
More Delicious Holiday Side Dishes to Explore
- Southern Cornbread Casserole with Jiffy Mix
- Creamy Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
- Classic Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
- Decadent Creamed Spinach
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
- Homemade Creamed Corn
Crockpot Glazed Carrots
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots peeled, ends trimmed, and sliced into uniform 2-inch chunks
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter melted (can use plant-based butter or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- fresh thyme or fresh parsley finely chopped, optional garnish
Instructions
-
Add the peeled and uniformly chopped carrots to the crockpot, spreading them out as much as possible for even cooking.
-
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter (or vegan alternative), minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Pour this rich brown sugar mixture over the carrots and toss well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
-
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the carrots are perfectly fork-tender. If convenient, stir the carrots once or twice during the slow cooking process to promote even cooking and coating. Alternatively, cook on low for 5-6 hours.
-
Spoon the glistening carrots onto your serving dish, making sure to drizzle plenty of the sweet and savory glaze over them. Serve warm, garnished with finely chopped fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
