Sweet and Savory Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots 🍯🥕✨
1. Introduction
Discover the irresistible charm of slow cooker glazed carrots with this delightful recipe for Sweet and Savory Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. This glazed veggie dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich, flavorful maple-brown sugar glaze, making it a perfect side for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe offers an easy and impressive way to serve maple carrots that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- 1 pound of fresh carrots, sliced into your preferred thickness
- 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional for added warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of water or orange juice for liquid
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Preparation of Carrots
Start by washing and peeling your carrots. Slice them into evenly-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Place the sliced carrots into the bowl of your slow cooker.
Creating the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), salt, black pepper, and water or orange juice. This mixture will create the sweet and savory glaze that coats the carrots beautifully.
Cooking the Carrots
Pour the glaze mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker. Add small pieces of butter on top. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring gently halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened.
Final Touch
Once done, stir the carrots carefully to fully coat them in the glaze. For a glossy finish, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Glazed Carrots
Transfer the cooled glazed carrots to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them gently in a skillet. Note that the glaze may thicken upon refrigeration, so stir in a little water or orange juice to loosen it before reheating.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
This glazed veggie dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or even as part of a vegetarian main course. Consider serving alongside creamy spinach and tomato pasta or a hearty roast for a complete meal. The natural sweetness of these carrots also complements spicy dishes or can be used to brighten up holiday platters.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced fresh carrots?
Yes, you can; just reduce the cooking time slightly as baby carrots are tender and cook faster. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the carrots and glaze ahead, and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat in a slow cooker or microwave before serving.
Are there any dietary modifications I can make?
You can substitute honey for the maple syrup for a different flavor profile or use coconut sugar for a vegan option. For low-sugar versions, reduce the brown sugar amount accordingly.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 3-4 hours in the slow cooker.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for hands-free, easy cooking of glazed carrots. It ensures even heat and keeps the dish warm until serving.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplifies slicing and preparing carrots, saving time and effort.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ideal for preparing the glaze mixture or finishing touches on the stove.
8. Conclusion
Making slow cooker glazed carrots with maple brown sugar glaze is a straightforward and flavorful way to elevate your vegetable side dishes. The combination of natural sweetness and savory elements creates a delicious glazed veggie dish that fits perfectly into any meal. With minimal prep and effortless cooking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
9. Enjoy Your Perfectly Glazed Carrots!
Experiment with different seasonings or add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped pecans for extra texture. For more inspiring recipes, explore our collection of tasty dishes like Italian meatballs or red velvet cookies. Happy cooking!
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Sweet and Savory Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory glaze made from maple syrup and brown sugar, slow-cooked for maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place carrots in the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the glaze over the carrots in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally until carrots are tender and glazed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. For a richer flavor, add a splash of orange juice or zest. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets if using plant-based butter and syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg