Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced side dish perfect for holidays and potlucks. Cooked hands-free in the slow cooker, they free up your oven and are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall meal. With just a few simple ingredients, this crowd-pleasing veggie dish transforms carrots into a glazed delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, dump-and-go slow cooker side dish

• Uses minimal ingredients—just 6 pantry staples

• Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar

• Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or everyday dinners

• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals

• Vegetarian and gluten-free

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds baby carrots

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

• ¼ cup real maple syrup

• ⅓ cup salted butter, cubed

directions

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
   Place the baby carrots into a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle in the salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir to coat.

2. Add Maple Syrup
   Pour the maple syrup over the carrots and toss again to distribute evenly.

3. Add Butter
   Dot the top with the cubed butter. Place the lid on the slow cooker.

4. Cook
   Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.

5. Thicken the Glaze

   • Option 1: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, switch to high, and let the glaze reduce.

   • Option 2: Transfer the carrots to a bowl and keep warm. Pour the glaze into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, whisking until thickened.

6. Serve
   Return glaze to carrots, stir gently, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5–6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)

• Total time: ~6 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Use whole carrots: Peel and slice into coins or sticks for a rustic feel

• No maple syrup?: Use honey, corn syrup, or increase brown sugar to ¾ cup

• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter spread instead of butter

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for more fall flavor

• Refined sugar-free: Use coconut sugar or only maple syrup

• Garnish ideas: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for color contrast

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze cooled carrots and glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

• Reheating: Microwave in 30-second bursts or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or butter

FAQs

1. Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes! Peel and cut 2 pounds of whole carrots into sticks or coins. Adjust cooking time if needed.

2. What if I don’t have real maple syrup?

You can use honey, pancake syrup, or increase brown sugar to ¾ cup and omit the syrup.

3. Can I make these carrots ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook them in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

4. Do I have to thicken the glaze?

No, but thickening the glaze helps coat the carrots better and gives a richer flavor.

5. What’s the best way to thicken the glaze?

Simmering the liquid on the stovetop works best—it takes about 5 minutes.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a larger slow cooker (like 8 quarts) and possibly a bit more cooking time.

7. Are these carrots very sweet?

They’re sweet but balanced with butter and salt. You can reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

8. Can I skip the cinnamon?

Yes. It adds fall flavor but is optional. You could also try nutmeg or leave spices out altogether.

9. What’s a good garnish for serving?

Chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color without overpowering the dish.

10. Can I serve these cold or at room temperature?

They’re best served warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature as part of a buffet or potluck.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a guaranteed hit at any table. With their rich glaze, cozy cinnamon spice, and buttery texture, they’ll have even picky eaters coming back for seconds. Whether you’re prepping a holiday feast or need a no-fuss veggie side, this recipe delivers both convenience and flavor in every bite.

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