If you want an easy side dish that tastes like it came straight from a holiday buffet, these slow cooker brown sugar glazed carrots are exactly what you need. They’re tender but not mushy, coated in a shiny, buttery glaze, and sweetened with brown sugar for that classic caramel-like flavor. Best of all, the crockpot does the work—no babysitting the stove, no juggling oven space, and no stress when you’re cooking for a crowd.
These glazed carrots are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinners, and busy weeknights when you want something warm and comforting. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or even a simple meatloaf. And because they cook gently in the slow cooker, the carrots soak up flavor while staying bright, soft, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Glazed Carrots
- Hands-off cooking with the slow cooker
- Perfect for holidays when oven space is limited
- Sweet, buttery glaze that kids and adults love
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple and classic, with a rich glaze that clings to every carrot slice.
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced (or use baby carrots)
- 1/4 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for extra shine)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional thickener)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, or sesame seeds
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
This method is easy enough for beginners, but the results taste like a special occasion.
- Prep the carrots
Peel and slice carrots into even rounds (about 1/2-inch thick). If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. - Add to the slow cooker
Place carrots in the crockpot. Add butter (cut into pieces), brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top if you want extra gloss. - Cook until tender
Cover and cook on:
- HIGH for 2–3 hours, or
- LOW for 4–5 hours
Stir once or twice if you can, but it’s not required.
- Thicken the glaze (optional but recommended)
If you want a thicker, stickier glaze, mix cornstarch and water in a small cup. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15–20 minutes on HIGH, then cover until the glaze thickens. - Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, topped with parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Carrots
- Slice evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook if you prefer carrots with a little bite—start checking early on HIGH.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Thickener = glossy finish. The cornstarch step makes the glaze cling beautifully, especially if there’s extra liquid.
- Avoid watery glaze: If your carrots release a lot of moisture, crack the lid for the last 20 minutes to help it reduce.
Flavor Variations (Easy Upgrades)
These crockpot carrots are flexible and easy to customize.
1) Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots
Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves and use honey instead of maple syrup. Skip cinnamon and finish with parsley.
2) Orange Brown Sugar Carrots
Add 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest. This is especially good for holiday meals.
3) Spiced Holiday Carrots
Add cinnamon plus a tiny pinch of nutmeg and cloves. This gives a warm “holiday side dish” flavor without being overwhelming.
4) Savory Butter Carrots
Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add 1/2 teaspoon thyme. This makes them less sweet and more dinner-friendly for everyday meals.
5) Maple Bourbon Glaze
Swap honey for maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional). The flavor is rich, slightly smoky, and perfect for grown-up gatherings.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
These carrots work with almost everything. Great pairings include:
- Roast chicken, turkey, or ham
- Meatloaf or pot roast
- Pork chops with gravy
- Mashed potatoes, stuffing, or mac and cheese
- Green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for balance
They’re also an excellent option for potlucks because they stay warm in the slow cooker for serving.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make ahead:
You can peel and slice the carrots up to 2 days ahead and keep them in the fridge in a sealed container.
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds. Add a tiny splash of water or butter if the glaze thickens too much.
Freezing:
Carrots can be frozen, but the texture may soften more after thawing. If you freeze them, cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and reheat gently.
Common Questions
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes. Baby carrots are a great shortcut—no peeling or slicing. Cooking time is similar.
Why is my glaze thin?
Carrots release moisture in the slow cooker. Use the cornstarch slurry, or reduce liquid by cooking uncovered for a bit at the end.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled. Stir once or twice for even cooking.
Are these carrots very sweet?
They’re pleasantly sweet, like classic glazed carrots. For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup and skip honey.
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