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This Slow Cooker Candied Carrots recipe is easy to make sweet, tender carrots with a buttery brown sugar glaze. It’s a simple and delicious side dish perfect for any meal or holiday spread.
Other carrot recipes we love are slow cooker honey garlic carrots, and slow cooker baby carrots.
Table of Contents
This recipe for Slow Cooker Candied Carrots is a great choice if you’re looking for an easy, sweet, and buttery side dish. The crockpot does all the work, letting the carrots cook slowly in brown sugar and butter until they’re perfectly tender and packed with flavor. It’s a great addition to holiday dinners or any weeknight meal, with simple ingredients and no fuss. Perfect for when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Other recipes we love to make that are packed with carrots are Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies, or Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots.
What you need:
- Carrots – I start with a 2-pound bag of whole carrots. I used a wavy cutter to slice them, I think I got this wavy cutter at pampered chef, but I don’t see it available there anymore. Here is a wavy cutter that is similar. I love this cutter, I use it often for salads for carrots and cucumber. Of course, this recipe can be made without the wavy cutter, just use a regular knife.
- Brown Sugar – This is what makes the recipe “candied”. The brown sugar adds sweetness and makes the sauce a little thick.
- Seasonings – Cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Water – Helps the carrots “steam” in the slow cooker.
Variations
- Baby carrots serve as a convenient alternative to sliced carrots.
- Honey is a fantastic substitute if you prefer not to use brown sugar.
- For extra flavor, consider using apple juice in place of water.
- Enhance the dish with a subtle kick by adding 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Slice the carrots with a knife or a wavy cutter if you have one.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- Pour over water. Stir.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Main Dish ideas to go with glazed carrots:
- Turkey – A Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey is a great choice for a main dish for these carrots. (You can make slow cooker turkey breast!)
- Ham – A brown sugar-glazed ham is excellent with carrots.
- Chicken – Such as my slow cooker chicken thighs.
Recipe FAQs
Place in a saute pan or small saucepan and cook on low until the desired temperature is reached.
You can make this ahead of time (such as the night before) and place in your slow cooker. Beware though, the slow cooker insert can crack when put on the heat, straight from the fridge. I like to place the slow cooker on the counter for 20 minutes before cooking.
Slow Cooker Candied Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg. and salt.
- Pour in the water and stir.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
- Serve and enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
- Baby carrots serve as a convenient alternative to sliced carrots.
- Honey is a fantastic substitute if you prefer not to use brown sugar.
- For extra flavor, consider using apple juice in place of water.
- Enhance the dish with a subtle kick by adding 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
I made this recipe on 12-11,2020. It is, was, the best. I followed the recipe exactly as shown, it was perfect. Making it again for our new year’s dinner this year (2024) with baked ham and coleslaw.
Can you use a Instant pot?
Love this! Would baby carrots be okntonusw?
Yes, though you may need to cook a little longer.