If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple to make but absolutely bursts with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe. I absolutely love how these carrots come out tender, sweet, and just a little bit buttery—plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting so you can focus on the rest of your meal (or sneak in some me-time). Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these maple-glazed carrots deliver that cozy warmth that’s hard to beat.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it for hours while it works its magic.
Sweet & Savory Balance: The maple syrup pairs beautifully with cinnamon and butter for a rich, comforting glaze.
Perfectly Tender Carrots: Slow cooking helps develop a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.
Great for Meal Planning: Prep in the morning and have a delicious side ready whenever you need it.

The image shows a slow cooker filled with cooked baby carrots. The carrots are bright orange, shiny, and smooth, packed close together in one layer, filling the pot almost to the top. The slow cooker is black inside with a stainless steel outer body, placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, household items like kitchen utensils and a plant can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, maple glazed carrots, easy vegetable side dish, holiday carrot recipes, tender carrot side dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is key here. You’ll want fresh carrots that have some natural sweetness, and high-quality maple syrup really elevates this dish without overpowering it.

Flat lay of fresh whole baby carrots with vibrant orange color, a small white bowl filled with deep golden maple syrup, a small white bowl holding packed light brown sugar, neat cubes of pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of finely ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh green thyme arranged elegantly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, maple glazed carrots, easy vegetable side dish, holiday carrot recipes, tender carrot side dish

Baby carrots or whole carrots: Baby carrots are super convenient, but if you buy whole carrots, make sure to peel and slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Brown sugar: Adds that deep molasses flavor which complements the maple syrup perfectly.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is best—imitation syrups just don’t have the same warmth.
Butter: Cubed butter melts slowly, creating a silky glaze that coats every carrot.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Just a touch adds a cozy spice without taking over.
Black pepper: Gives a slight kick to keep things interesting.
Fresh thyme (optional): For garnish, fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note and pretty presentation.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe is super adaptable. Sometimes I toss in a few extra flavors to match the season or fit what I already have in the pantry—you should totally make it your own!

Add fresh ginger: For a zingy twist, grate some ginger into the mix before slow cooking—I found it adds a lovely brightness to balance the sweet glaze.
Use honey instead of maple syrup: When I’m out of maple syrup, honey works beautifully for that sticky sweetness, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Throw in sliced parsnips or sweet potatoes: Experimenting with root vegetables is fun; parsnips add an earthiness, and sweet potatoes make it heartier—both pair nicely with maple.
Make it vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and you’ve got a plant-based side everyone’ll love.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots and Add to Slow Cooker

Start by placing your baby carrots (or peeled and sliced whole carrots) right into your slow cooker. I usually use my 6-quart slow cooker so everything fits comfortably without crowding, which helps the carrots cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet & Spicy Glaze Right in the Cooker

Sprinkle the brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pepper over the carrots. Then pour in the maple syrup and give everything a good toss to make sure each carrot is thoroughly coated. You’ll love how these simple ingredients come together so easily to create that rich glaze.

Step 3: Add Butter and Set to Cook

Cut your butter into cubes or pats and distribute them evenly over the carrots. This step is crucial because as the butter melts slowly, it creates that silky, lux glaze everyone raves about. Now, pop the lid on and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. If you can, give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking, but don’t worry if you get busy—these carrots are pretty forgiving.

Step 4: Thicken the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

Once your carrots are tender and fork-ready, you have two options to get that glaze beautifully thickened: either remove the lid and switch your slow cooker to high for the last 30 minutes—this helps the liquid reduce right there with the carrots; or, if you prefer, transfer the carrots to a serving bowl to keep warm, pour the remaining liquid into a small saucepan, and simmer it over medium-high heat while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). I personally like the stovetop method for better control over the glaze’s consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Before serving, scatter some fresh thyme leaves over the top for a touch of color and flavor that compliments the maple so well. Trust me, it makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Even Cooking: If you’re using whole carrots instead of baby ones, slice them uniformly so they cook evenly—nothing worse than some mushy and some hard carrots!
Stirring Helps: I discovered stirring once or twice during cooking really enhances that glaze absorption without breaking down the carrots too much.
Slow Cooker’s Size: Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker to avoid overcrowding and ensure all carrots get perfectly glazed.
Don’t Skip the Glaze Thickening: Thickening the glaze at the end is a game changer; skipping it means a thinner sauce that won’t cling as well.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

A white pedestal dish filled with a large pile of shiny, cooked baby carrots in bright orange color is placed at the center of a dining table. Behind it, a tray holds a sliced roasted meat with a browned crust, green beans, and small round potatoes on the side. The table is covered with a white tablecloth over a white marbled surface and set with white plates with a blue and gold rim on top of burgundy textured chargers. There are clear glass goblets and silver cutlery neatly arranged around the plates. Blurred yellow flowers in a vase and small pumpkins decorate the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, maple glazed carrots, easy vegetable side dish, holiday carrot recipes, tender carrot side dish

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh thyme to sprinkle over these carrots just before serving. It adds a lovely herbal aroma and a pop of green that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. Sometimes, I toss in a few toasted pecans if I want some crunch—which is a surprising but delicious contrast.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a natural sidekick for roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a turkey dinner. I’ve also paired it with quinoa or wild rice salads for a simple weeknight meal that feels a little special. The maple sweetness complements savory mains beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or gatherings, I like to serve these carrots in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright ceramic dish with sprigs of thyme tucked around as decoration. You could even arrange the carrots in a pretty spiral or rows for a neat plating that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover maple glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep nicely for up to 4 days. When you reheat them, they still taste fresh and delicious, though I recommend adding a little splash of water or butter to keep them moist.

Freezing

Freezing works well! I portion leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor stays amazing.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is warming these carrots on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small pat of butter or a few teaspoons of water to refresh the glaze and prevent drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time—cover them with a damp paper towel to help keep moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots in the Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe?

Frozen carrots can work in a pinch, but they tend to release extra water and might turn out a bit softer or mushy. If you do use frozen, reduce the cooking time and keep an eye on texture to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to thicken the glaze at the end?

Thickening the glaze isn’t strictly necessary, but it really elevates the dish by giving the carrots a shiny, sticky coating that clings deliciously. It makes a noticeable difference in texture and presentation.
Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the carrots and glaze mixture the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert. Just give it a quick stir before cooking the next day. This is a huge time saver for busy days.
How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so you’ll get the same sweet and savory flavor without animal products.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so effortlessly delicious and versatile. I remember one busy weeknight when I popped everything in before heading out and came back to the sweetest aroma filling the house—the carrots were melt-in-your-mouth perfect and my family went crazy for them. Seriously, give this recipe a try; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite side dishes that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 68 reviews

Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 5-6 hours (low)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrot recipe is a simple, comforting side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a rich, sweet maple syrup glaze enhanced with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners, the slow cooker method ensures perfectly cooked carrots with minimal effort and a luscious, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

Carrots

2 pounds baby carrots (or 1 1/2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and sliced)

Glaze

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Garnish

Fresh thyme (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the baby carrots into a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pepper. Stir well with the carrots to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Add Maple Syrup and Combine: Pour the maple syrup over the carrots and toss gently to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze mixture.
Add Butter: Cut the butter into cubes or pats and spread them evenly over the top of the glazed carrots in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook the Carrots: Cover the slow cooker and cook the carrots on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the carrots are fork-tender. Stir the carrots once or twice during cooking if possible to redistribute the glaze.
Thicken the Glaze (Optional – Method 1): For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch the slow cooker to high to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Thicken the Glaze (Optional – Method 2): Alternatively, transfer the cooked carrots to a serving bowl and cover to keep warm. Pour the remaining cooking liquid into a saucepan, then simmer over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes while whisking continuously until the glaze thickens.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme over the glazed carrots before serving warm, adding a subtle herbal note to complement the sweetness.

Notes

You can use either baby carrots or peeled and sliced whole carrots based on availability or preference.
Stirring the carrots during cooking helps coat them evenly and promotes uniform glaze absorption.
To make the glaze thicker, use one of the suggested methods after cooking.
Fresh thyme garnish is optional but adds a nice fragrant touch.
This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish with any meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 4.5 oz / 128 g)
Calories: 130
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 310 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg