Description
This Crockpot Glazed Carrots recipe offers tender, sweet, and lightly spiced carrots slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful apple cider glaze. Enhanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle cayenne kick, then finished with a rich buttery sauce, this dish is a perfect, effortless side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Glaze and Vegetables
- ½ cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar!)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 2 pounds carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into slices (½ stick)
Thickening Mixture
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze mixture: Add the apple cider, brown sugar, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional cayenne pepper into your crockpot. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the sugar and spices are well dissolved.
- Add the carrots: Place the 2-inch carrot pieces into the crockpot and toss them gently to coat evenly with the glaze mixture.
- Add the butter: Distribute the sliced unsalted butter over the coated carrots to add richness and flavor during cooking.
- Cook the carrots: Cover the crockpot and cook on the high setting for 3 hours, allowing the carrots to become tender and soak up the glaze.
- Remove carrots: Carefully remove the cooked carrots from the crockpot and transfer them to a serving platter, keeping them warm.
- Thicken the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the remaining liquid in the crockpot. Cover and allow to cook until the glaze thickens, about 15 to 30 minutes on high. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Pour the thickened glaze over the carrots on the platter and serve immediately for a delicious, glossy finish.
Notes
- For a bit of heat, add the cayenne pepper; omit if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Use fresh, firm carrots for best texture and flavor.
- Apple cider adds natural sweetness and depth; do not substitute with apple cider vinegar.
- Make sure to cut the carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time if your crockpot runs hot or cool, check for tenderness after 2.5 hours if needed.
