I am so excited to share this secret with you because it has honestly changed my life during the holidays. You know how it goes when you have a million pots bubbling on the stove and the oven is completely packed. I used to get so stressed out trying to time everything perfectly. Then I started making these carrots in the slow cooker and it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. They turn out so sweet and tender that they basically taste like candy. I have seen kids who normally hate vegetables reach for third helpings of these. It is the perfect way to save time whether you are hosting a huge family dinner or just trying to get through a busy Tuesday night. You just throw them in and let the machine do all the hard work for you.

Why You Will Love Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

The best part about this recipe is the set it and forget it factor. You do not have to stand over a hot stove stirring a pan while you are trying to talk to your guests or fold laundry. Because the carrots cook slowly over several hours the maple syrup and the brown sugar actually have time to soak deep into the center of the vegetable. It is not just a coating on the outside. Every single bite is bursting with flavor. Plus you probably already have all the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now so you do not even need a special trip to the store.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Make sure you use real maple syrup for this one if you can find it. The flavor is much deeper than the imitation stuff. Here is what you need to get started.

2 pounds of carrots
1/4 cup of melted butter
1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Choosing the Right Carrots for Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

You have a couple of choices when it comes to the carrots themselves. If you are really short on time just grab a bag of baby carrots. They are already peeled and washed so you can just dump them straight in. It is a huge time saver. However if you want the best possible flavor I suggest buying whole garden carrots. You have to peel them and slice them into rounds yourself but they tend to be a bit sweeter and have a more robust flavor that really shines after a few hours of slow cooking. Either way will work great so just go with what fits your schedule.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

First you want to get your carrots ready by washing and peeling them if you went with the whole ones. Slice them into thick coins or sticks. Next grab a small bowl and whisk together your melted butter maple syrup brown sugar salt and cinnamon until it looks nice and smooth. Now here is my favorite trick to save on washing dishes. Just put your carrots directly into the slow cooker and pour that liquid glaze right over the top. Give everything a good toss right there in the pot until every carrot is covered in that sweet mixture.

Setting the Proper Time and Temperature

You want to be careful with the timing so they do not turn into mush. If you have all day you can set your slow cooker to Low for 4 to 5 hours. If you are in a bit more of a hurry you can set it to High for 2 to 3 hours. I always suggest checking them at the earliest time mark with a fork. You want them to be soft enough to eat easily but still hold their shape. Every slow cooker runs a little bit differently so keep an eye on them the first time you make this.

Essential Tips for Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

One of the biggest mistakes people make is overcooking them until they fall apart. If you get to the end of the cooking time and the sauce looks a little too thin for your liking just take the lid off. Turn the heat up to High and let it cook for another 15 minutes. The extra moisture will evaporate and leave you with a thick and sticky glaze. If for some reason the glaze looks way too thick or dry you can stir in a small splash of orange juice or even a little bit of beef broth to thin it out without losing any of that savory sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

I get asked a lot if these can be made ahead of time. The answer is a big yes. You can make them the day before and just keep them in the fridge. When you are ready to serve them I think it is best to reheat them in a big skillet on the stove for a few minutes. This helps the glaze get shiny and hot again. If you have leftovers just put them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are actually really good the next day too.

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Magic: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

This is a side dish that feels like a treat but it is still full of vitamins from the carrots. Here is a rough idea of the nutrition for one serving based on standard ingredients.

Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g