Easy Crockpot Carrots (Tender & Sweet!)
This post may contain affiliate links.
Jump to a Section:
Unlock the easiest way to prepare a delicious and healthy side dish with this simple crockpot carrots recipe. Tender, sweet, and infused with a buttery brown sugar glaze, these slow cooker carrots are completely hands-off and perfect for holidays or busy weeknights. Just a few minutes of prep, and your crockpot does all the work, leaving you with perfectly cooked carrots that are bursting with flavor. They are the ideal accompaniment to any main course, freeing up your oven and stovetop space.
There’s a simple magic to turning a humble vegetable into a star side dish, and it doesn’t get much easier than with your slow cooker. I first discovered this method during a chaotic Thanksgiving when my oven and stovetop were completely occupied. These crockpot carrots saved the day, emerging perfectly tender, sweet, and glazed without any fuss.
This recipe transforms ordinary carrots into a buttery, slightly caramelized delight that melts in your mouth. The slow cooking process allows the carrots to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the brown sugar glaze, making them irresistibly delicious. It’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ side that guarantees perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Carrots Recipe
This isn’t just a convenient recipe; it’s a smarter way to cook, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Here’s why it will become your new go-to:
- Frees Up Oven Space: The number one reason to love this recipe! It’s an absolute game-changer for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas or for any large family meal.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, you simply toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away. No stirring, no monitoring—just delicious results.
- Perfectly Tender Texture: Slow cooking breaks down the carrots’ fibers gently, resulting in a fork-tender texture that isn’t mushy. The low, consistent heat ensures they cook evenly.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a side dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory glaze is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Crockpot Carrots
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
The Star of the Show:
- Carrots: You’ll need about 2 pounds. You can use whole carrots that you peel and slice, or save time with pre-cut crinkle carrots or even baby carrots. For the best flavor, slice whole carrots into uniform ½-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
For the Glaze:
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and a silky texture to the glaze. Melting it first helps it coat the carrots evenly. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute a good quality plant-based butter.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well. It provides the classic sweet, molasses flavor that creates the caramel-like glaze. Honey or maple syrup are excellent substitutes if you prefer.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing the sweetness of the glaze. Don’t skip these, as they elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon is optional but highly recommended. It adds a wonderful warmth that complements the sweetness of the carrots beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Peel and slice 2 pounds of carrots into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. Consistent sizing is crucial for even cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon to create the glaze.
Place the sliced carrots in the slow cooker and pour the glaze mixture over them. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are easily pierced with a fork.
Easy Crockpot Carrots (Tender & Sweet!)
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker, vegetable peeler, chef's knife, cutting board, small mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Peel and slice the carrots into uniform ½-inch thick rounds. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and have the perfect tender texture.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon until well combined. This creates the delicious glaze that will coat the carrots.
- 3
Place the sliced carrots into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the carrots.
- 4
Toss everything together gently until all the carrots are evenly coated with the glaze. Spread them into an even layer.
- 5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The carrots are done when they are fork-tender but not mushy.
- 6
Give the carrots a good stir to recoat them in the glaze that has formed at the bottom of the crockpot.
- 7
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately.
Notes
Time-Saving Tip: Use a 2-pound bag of baby carrots or pre-sliced crinkle-cut carrots to skip the peeling and chopping step.
Substitutions: You can easily substitute honey or pure maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness. For a savory twist, omit the cinnamon and add ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.
Storage: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Carrots
Make every batch of your slow cooker carrots a resounding success with these simple but effective tips:
- Uniform Slices are Key: Cut your carrots into pieces of similar size and thickness. This is the most important step for ensuring they all cook evenly and are perfectly tender at the same time.
- Don’t Add Extra Liquid: Resist the temptation to add water or broth. Carrots release a surprising amount of their own moisture during cooking, which is all you need to create the perfect glaze and prevent burning.
- Cook on Low: While you can cook them on high for a shorter time, cooking on low heat yields the best texture. It prevents the carrots from becoming mushy and allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the carrots with a slotted spoon once cooked. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, whisk it into the remaining liquid in the crockpot, and cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened. Then, toss the carrots back in.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These versatile crockpot carrots pair wonderfully with almost any main dish.
Serving Ideas:
- Holiday Feasts: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a juicy prime rib.
- Weeknight Dinners: They are a perfect match for roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
- Comfort Food: Pair them with a hearty pot roast for the ultimate cozy meal.
Flavor Variations:
- Honey & Herb: Swap the brown sugar for honey and add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for a more savory, herbal flavor.
- Spicy & Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Orange Ginger: Replace the cinnamon with a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright, zesty twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
- To Store: Allow the carrots to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: The best way to reheat is in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Freezing: While you can freeze them, the texture of the carrots may become slightly softer upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
More Easy Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you love the simplicity of this recipe, be sure to try these other favorites:
Want more set-it-and-forget-it recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest slow cooker creations delivered straight to your inbox!
