Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots

These Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots are simple, savory, and slow-cooked to perfection. The dish is tossed with brown sugar and drizzled with thick maple syrup or honey for the perfect balance of rich caramel sweetness.

Baby Carrots or Whole Carrots

You can use either in this recipe. I typically use whole carrots.

Baby carrots are a convenient option as they are pre-peeled and often come pre-washed, which will save you time and effort in the preparation process.

The cook time will be similar for both baby carrots and whole carrots, but the actual cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the carrot pieces.

Peeling

Peeling the carrots is also a matter of preference.

If you are using whole carrots, the decision to peel them often depends on the condition of the carrots. Peeled carrots often look more visually appealing.

Carrot skins are edible and contain additional nutrients, so you can choose to leave the skins on if the carrots are fresh, clean, and free from any blemishes or dirt. Simply wash the whole carrots thoroughly before adding them to the crockpot.

Glaze Ingredients

I like to use a combination of brown sugar or sweetener and maple syrup. Here are some other options:

• Maple: Be sure to use pure maple syrup as opposed to pancake syrup. Pure maple syrup is simply maple tree sap that's been boiled down to a thicker consistency. That's it. Just one ingredient. Pancake syrup is made with corn syrup and artificial maple extract. It will be a lot thinner than pure maple syrup.
• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Orange Glaze: Create a bright and citrusy glaze by mixing orange juice (¼ cup) and orange zest (1 tablespoon).
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Rosemary-Butter: Combine melted butter with fresh rosemary leaves for a savory glaze that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots.

How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Slow cook. Gently pierce the carrots with a fork or a knife. When they are done, the carrots should be tender but not mushy. They should still have a slight firmness, and you should be able to easily pierce through the center without much resistance.
3. Cool before serving.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The cook time will vary based on the size and thickness of the carrots you use. It will take around 2-4 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low.

How to Avoid Mushy Carrots

• Use Fresh Carrots: Start with fresh, firm, and crisp carrots. Avoid using carrots that are already soft, wilted, or have visible signs of spoilage. Using frozen or previously frozen carrots is more likely to turn out mushy.
• Cut Carrots into Uniform Sizes: To ensure even cooking, cut the carrots into uniform sizes. Try to keep them similar in thickness, so they cook at the same rate.
• Don't Overcook: Carrots cook relatively quickly, especially when chopped into smaller pieces. Check the carrots for doneness periodically, and avoid overcooking them. Depending on the size and thickness, carrots may be ready in as little as 2-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low in the crockpot.
• Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Leave enough space in the crockpot for the carrots to cook evenly. Overcrowding may cause uneven cooking and result in some carrots being mushy while others remain undercooked.

Can You Make it Ahead/How to Store

They can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for up to 2 to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat them gently. You can do this in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even in the crockpot itself. Add a little bit of water or broth to the carrots if they appear dry while reheating.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for up to 2 to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Pair With These Main Dishes

Slow Cooker Crockpot Bone In Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Spiral Ham
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtail
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cornish Hens

More Slow Cooker Crockpot Side Dish Recipes

Slow Cooker Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

To make these on the stove, check out our Candied Carrots recipe.