If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than these Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Cooked slowly to perfection in the crock pot, this easy side dish is sweet, buttery, and ideal for any holiday table—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Friendsgiving.
Perfect for busy cooks and large gatherings, these crock pot sweet carrots pair beautifully with just about any main dish and add a bright pop of color to your plate. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work—freeing up oven space and giving you one less thing to stress about during the holidays.
Need more holiday ideas? Try these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs or warm up the morning with Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal!
Table of Contents
Why These Crock Pot Sweet Carrots Are a Holiday Essential
What makes this recipe such a standout? It’s all in the flavor and the ease. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a silky glaze that caramelizes the carrots as they slowly cook. A touch of butter adds richness, while the natural sweetness of the carrots shines through.
This recipe is:
- Perfect for easy side crockpot recipes
- Great for Friendsgiving food ideas or Simple Christmas Recipes Dinner
- Kid-approved and vegetarian-friendly
- Just 5 minutes of prep—set it and forget it!
If you’re planning a large holiday dinner, these Thanksgiving recipes side dishes crockpot style are life-savers. Serve alongside Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or Stuffed Acorn Squash for a well-rounded feast.
Ingredients for Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistibly glazed carrots. Use baby carrots for convenience or peel and slice whole carrots for a rustic look.
- 2 lbs (900g) baby carrots
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for holiday flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme
Want to try a different sweet twist? These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are another crowd-favorite with warm, cozy flavors.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish, just a few kitchen basics:
- 4 to 6-quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Serving dish with lid or foil (for potluck transport)
Looking for another slow cooker winner? Try this hearty Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal—it’s great for breakfast or dessert!
How to Make Carrots in Slow Cooker – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Rinse the baby carrots and pat them dry. If using whole carrots, peel and cut them into uniform chunks or sticks.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 3: Add to Crock Pot
Place the carrots in your slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top and stir to coat all the carrots evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Stir once more before transferring to a serving dish. Spoon extra glaze over the top and garnish with herbs if desired.
Want to round out your meal? Add Crockpot Fajitas as a main and enjoy a hands-off dinner party experience.
Tips for the Best Carrot Slow Cooker Recipes
- Don’t overcook: You want tender carrots, not mushy ones. Test with a fork around the 4-hour mark.
- Cut evenly: If using whole carrots, cut them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use real maple syrup: It adds depth of flavor that artificial syrup can’t match.
- Double the glaze if you want extra to drizzle over other sides or meats.
- For more slow cooker inspiration, try this Crack Breakfast Casserole—perfect for holiday mornings!
Recipe Variations and Swaps You Can Try
Customize this recipe to match your tastes or what you have on hand:
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Swap maple syrup for honey.
- Savory Glazed Carrots: Add rosemary, thyme, or garlic for a savory version.
- Spiced Carrots: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or pumpkin spice for a warm twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter to make this recipe completely plant-based.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce brown sugar by half and add more cinnamon for flavor.
Looking for more cozy fall flavors? These Pumpkin Twists are flaky, sweet, and perfect for dessert or brunch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
These glazed carrots are a side dish superstar! Try them with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Baked ham
- Quinoa or wild rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Crock Pot Potato Side Dishes like cheesy potato gratin or garlic mashed
They also pair well with veggie mains like Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or Vegetable Casserole.
Perfect for the Holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving
This side is a must for your simple Christmas recipes dinner lineup or your Friendsgiving food ideas crockpot menu. It’s:
- Make-ahead friendly
- Oven-free (freeing up space for mains and pies)
- Pretty on the plate thanks to the vibrant orange and glossy glaze
- Loved by picky eaters and kids alike
Planning a full Friendsgiving spread? Add Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Dump Cake for dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Glazed Crockpot Carrots
- Using frozen carrots: They release too much water and may become mushy.
- Not stirring halfway through: Helps glaze coat all the carrots evenly.
- Cooking too long: This can turn the glaze into syrup and the carrots too soft.
- Too much sugar: Maple syrup and carrots are already sweet—don’t go overboard.
- Skipping the salt: A little salt enhances all the sweet flavors.
Avoid a soggy mess by sticking to baby carrots or fresh-cut large carrots.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
These carrots are great for prepping in advance or storing leftovers:
- Store in fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: In the microwave or gently in a saucepan with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Freeze in single layers to avoid clumping.
- Make-ahead tip: Mix the glaze and prep the carrots the day before, then combine and cook the next day.
Need more freezer-friendly ideas? Don’t miss these Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches—perfect for busy mornings after the big feast.
Crock Pot Side Dish Pairings to Complete the Meal
Here are more side dishes for crockpot cooking that pair well with these carrots:
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Zucchini
- Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs – for a sweet keto dessert
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – great with tea or coffee post-dinner
FAQ: Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Can I use whole carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes! Just peel and cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Do I have to use maple syrup?
Real maple syrup gives the best flavor, but you can substitute honey or agave.
Can I cook this on the stove or in the oven?
Yes, but keep an eye on the glaze—it can burn. Simmer in a covered pan or bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes.
How do I know when the carrots are done?
They should be fork-tender but not mushy. Start checking after 2–3 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
Final Thoughts on This Easy Side Crockpot Recipe
These Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are everything a holiday side should be: simple, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. The sweet, buttery glaze brings out the best in fresh carrots, and the slow cooker makes the process hands-off and stress-free.
Whether you’re prepping for a big family dinner, a potluck with friends, or just want a cozy addition to your weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. Add it to your carrot slow cooker recipes rotation—you won’t regret it!
Love easy recipes like this? Try Mini Pancake Cereal for a fun and trendy breakfast, or keep the sweet holiday spirit going with Pumpkin Truffles.
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Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: The Sweetest Crockpot Side Dish for Every Holiday Table
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are tender, buttery, and coated in a sweet, glossy glaze. Made in the slow cooker with minimal effort, this naturally gluten-free side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. A true Southern-inspired comfort food that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) baby carrots
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare carrots: Wash and peel if needed. Place baby carrots in the slow cooker.
- Make glaze: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Coat carrots: Pour the mixture over carrots and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Serve: When carrots are tender and glaze thickened, stir again, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cut large carrots into even rounds or sticks if not using baby carrots.
- Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes if the glaze is too thin.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for holiday flavor.
- For savory-sweet balance, stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Carrots pair perfectly with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Keywords: Maple Glazed Carrots, Brown Sugar Carrots, Crockpot Carrots, Holiday Side Dish, Sweet Carrots Recipe
