Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

When I first made these slow cooker maple & brown sugar glazed carrots, I didn’t expect them to steal the show at dinner. I thought they’d be a simple side, something to accompany a roast or a holiday ham—but wow, they quickly became the star. The sweet, buttery glaze clings perfectly to each tender carrot, creating a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and elegant. Honestly, they’re one of those dishes that make the house smell incredible while cooking, drawing everyone to the kitchen before the main course even hits the table.

What I love about this glazed carrots recipe is how hands-off it is. You toss the carrots, maple syrup, a touch of brown sugar, and some butter into your slow cooker, set it on low, and forget it for a few hours. By the time dinner rolls around, you have a dish that’s tender, shiny, and bursting with flavor—without standing over a hot stove or stirring constantly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want a stress-free addition to your holiday spread.

These crockpot carrots side dish really shine in their versatility. You can serve them alongside roasted meats, sprinkle a little fresh thyme for a pop of color, or even enjoy them as a snack straight from the slow cooker—they’re that good. And don’t let the sweetness fool you; the combination of maple syrup and butter is rich but not overwhelming, making this a favorite for both adults and kids.

If you enjoy crockpot side dishes that are simple yet impressive, this recipe should go straight onto your list. It’s more than just a crockpot carrots recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with everything from a casual weeknight dinner to more elaborate holiday meals. And while it’s often served as a side, I can’t resist nibbling on a few carrots while they’re still warm and glazed with that buttery-sweet coating.

Why You’ll Love It

• Hands-off cooking at its finest – Just toss your carrots, maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter into the slow cooker and let it do the work. You can focus on other dishes or even relax while dinner cooks itself!
• Sweet, buttery, and tender – The slow cooker gently softens the carrots while infusing them with a rich maple glaze, creating a flavor that’s indulgent but never heavy.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal, a holiday feast, or experimenting with new appetizer recipes, these crockpot carrots fit right in and impress every time.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Even picky eaters love them! The natural sweetness from the maple syrup makes this a fun way to get a few extra veggies on the table.
• Versatile and easy to pair – These crockpot side dishes complement roasted meats, grains, or even a simple green salad, making them a staple you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredient List

For the Carrots:

• 2 pounds baby carrots (or peeled and sliced regular carrots)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm touch)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

• Carrots: I love using fresh baby carrots—they’re naturally sweet and cook evenly. Regular carrots work too, just slice them so they cook at the same rate.
• Maple syrup: Make sure it’s pure maple syrup, not imitation. It really makes the maple glazed carrots taste authentic and rich.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness. I always use a high-quality brand—it adds that velvety finish you’ll notice in every bite.
• Brown sugar: Don’t skip this! It adds depth to the glaze and helps the carrots get that perfect shine.
• Seasonings: A pinch of cinnamon is optional but adds a cozy, warming note that pairs beautifully with the maple. Fresh thyme sprinkled at the end is a simple way to make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker/Crockpot – The star of this recipe! I love using my 6-quart Crock-Pot; it makes cooking crockpot carrots side dishes effortless.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise amounts of maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter. I always keep a set handy to avoid guessing.
• Mixing bowl – To toss carrots with butter, syrup, and sugar before adding to the slow cooker. Makes coating them evenly so easy!
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the carrots gently without scratching your slow cooker.
• Serving dish or platter – To transfer the finished glazed carrots recipe and show off that glossy, irresistible coating.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrots

• Wash and peel your carrots if needed. Baby carrots can go straight in; larger carrots should be sliced into evenly sized sticks or rounds.
• Pat the carrots dry with a paper towel so the glaze sticks better.

Pro Tip: Evenly sized pieces cook uniformly, so no carrot ends up mushy while others are underdone.

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2. Make the Glaze

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
• Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.

Pro Tip: If the butter is cold, cut it into small pieces before whisking so it melts evenly into the syrup and sugar.

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3. Combine Carrots and Glaze

• Place the prepared carrots in the slow cooker.
• Pour the glaze over the carrots.
• Toss gently with a spoon or spatula until every carrot is coated in the sweet mixture.

Pro Tip: Be gentle when tossing so you don’t break the carrots, especially if they’re tender.

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4. Cook the Carrots

• Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 3–4 hours, or until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Check occasionally after 3 hours to prevent overcooking.

Pro Tip: Avoid opening the lid too often; it extends cooking time. Only peek if you’re checking for tenderness.

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5. Serve and Garnish

• Once cooked, transfer the carrots to a serving dish.
• Spoon any leftover glaze from the slow cooker over the carrots.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pro Tip: Serve warm for the best flavor and glossy presentation. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the carrots – Check at the 3-hour mark to make sure they’re tender but still hold their shape.
• Even coating is key – Toss carrots with the glaze before cooking so every bite is flavorful.
• Use fresh ingredients – Pure maple syrup and fresh butter make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Optional spice twist – Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Garnish last – Fresh thyme or parsley added at the end keeps it vibrant and visually appealing.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Carrots: Swap for parsnips or a mix of carrots and sweet potatoes for a different twist.
• Butter: Use coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free alternative.
• Maple syrup: Honey works too, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Brown sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Spices: Experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for seasonal variations.
• Herbs: Rosemary or sage can replace thyme for a savory edge.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these maple glazed carrots alongside roasted chicken or turkey—it adds a sweet, colorful pop to the plate.
• Pair them with a creamy mashed potato or sweet potato dish for a comforting, hearty dinner.
• They make a simple yet elegant crockpot carrots side dish for holiday spreads, like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Toss them with cooked quinoa or couscous for a wholesome, veggie-packed meal.
• For a fun appetizer twist, serve the carrots warm on a platter with toothpicks and a drizzle of extra glaze—perfect for appetizer recipes at parties.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra maple syrup if needed.
• Serve fresh: For the best flavor and glaze shine, serve immediately after cooking whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just peel and cut them into evenly sized sticks or rounds so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.

How long can I keep leftover glazed carrots?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully without losing flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the carrots and glaze, then cook on low in the slow cooker just before serving. You can also reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The maple glaze will still taste rich and delicious.

Can I freeze slow cooker maple glazed carrots?

Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Sure! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or fresh herbs like rosemary can add a seasonal twist to your glazed carrots recipe.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!