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- 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) Use fresh baby carrots for the best taste. If you use regular carrots, peel and cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook nicely. The maple syrup adds a sweet touch that pairs well with the butter. I love using unsalted butter for more control over the salt in the dish. Olive oil gives the carrots a nice richness. Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice. A bit of salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. Thyme, either fresh or dried, brings a lovely herb note. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. You want everything ready for a smooth cooking process. The blend of sweet and savory will make this dish a hit at your table. First, wash the carrots under cool water. If you use regular carrots, peel them with a vegetable peeler. This step helps remove any dirt and wax. Next, cut the carrots into uniform sizes. Aim for pieces about one inch long. This helps them cook evenly. In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients. You will need pure maple syrup, melted butter, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This glaze is sweet and savory, making it perfect for carrots. Place the prepared carrots in the slow cooker. Pour the maple glaze over the carrots. Toss them gently to coat each piece well. Cover the cooker and set it to low heat for about 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can use high heat for 2 hours instead. The carrots are done when they are tender. After cooking, stir the carrots again. This ensures they are coated with the glaze. If you want a thicker glaze, cook them on high for an extra 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps reduce the liquid and makes the glaze stick better. Enjoy these delicious carrots as a side dish! Cutting carrots into uniform sizes is key. This helps them cook evenly. If you have big and small pieces, some will be soft while others stay hard. Aim for pieces about the same size. After cooking, check the carrots for tenderness. You can use a fork to poke them. If they slide off easily, they are ready. If not, let them cook a bit longer. You can add herbs or spices to make these carrots even better. Try rosemary for a piney taste or add a bit of garlic for a kick. If you want a twist, swap out thyme for dill. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. If you prefer your dish less sweet, cut back on the syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. For a nice presentation, arrange the glazed carrots on a platter. Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top. This gives a lovely look and adds extra flavor. These carrots pair well with many main dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. They also go great with pork chops or fish. These flavor combos will surely impress your guests! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish fit different diets. For a gluten-free version, use pure maple syrup. This recipe is already free from gluten. If you want a vegan alternative, swap out the butter for a plant-based option. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Both will keep the flavor but make it suitable for vegans. If you want to change the taste, try adding garlic or ginger. Just a clove of minced garlic or a small piece of minced ginger can add depth. You can also experiment with herbs. Fresh rosemary or parsley can give a new twist. Use what you love or have on hand. Each choice makes the dish unique. While slow cooking is easy, you can also use other methods. If you are short on time, try the stovetop. Just add the ingredients to a pan, cover, and simmer on low. This method takes about 20-30 minutes. You can bake them in the oven too. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet, drizzle with the glaze, and roast at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Both methods work well and can save you time. To keep your maple glazed carrots fresh, follow these steps: - Best practices for refrigeration: Allow the carrots to cool before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Containers for storage: Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tight to keep out air. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully: - Methods for reheating without losing texture: Use the microwave for quick heating. Place the carrots in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. You can also reheat them on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water to help steam them gently. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option: - How to freeze glazed carrots for future use: First, let the carrots cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They need less cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Make sure to thaw them before adding to the slow cooker. Frozen veggies may release more water, so check the glaze. You might need to cook it longer to get the right thickness. To thicken the glaze, remove the lid of the slow cooker. Cook on high for an extra 15-20 minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate and gives you a thicker texture. You can also add a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the glaze while cooking. You can try other root vegetables, like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Broccoli and green beans also work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite mix. Leftovers will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious glazed carrots. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store your carrots effectively. Remember, uniform cutting and flavor adjustments elevate the dish. With the right techniques, glazed carrots can be a standout side. Try different herbs or cooking methods to keep things fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey, and make these carrots your own!

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

Elevate your meals with these delicious Sweet & Savory Maple Glazed Carrots! This easy recipe combines tender carrots with a rich maple glaze, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t miss out on impressing your guests—click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime memorable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Instructions
 

Start by washing and peeling the carrots if using regular ones. Cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.

      Place the carrots in the slow cooker and pour the maple mixture over them. Toss to coat the carrots evenly.

        Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for about 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours until the carrots are tender.

          Once cooked, give the carrots a gentle stir to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the glaze.

            If you desire a thicker glaze, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to evaporate some liquid.

              Serve warm as a delightful side dish at your next meal!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the glazed carrots on a serving platter and sprinkle with a few extra thyme leaves for an elegant touch.