Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe

Experience the delight of sweet and savory in this simple yet flavorful recipe, Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots. This dish is perfect for those who want to add an interesting twist to their usual carrot recipes. The brown sugar and butter provide a rich sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a hint of warm spice. It's all slow-cooked to perfection, making the carrots tender and tasty.

Photos of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe should be easily found in your home pantry. However, if you're missing a few, they're staples that are readily available in any supermarket. The key ingredient here is the brown sugar, which gives the carrots their distinctive sweet flavor. Make sure to choose a good quality brown sugar for the best results.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

Carrots: The main ingredient of this dish, providing a robust source of vitamins and fiber.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the dish.

Brown sugar: Gives the carrots a sweet flavor.

Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warm spice that complements the sweetness.

Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

One reader, Carver Cabrera says:

These slow cooker brown sugar carrots are a game-changer! The sweetness from the brown sugar and the tenderness of the carrots make for a delightful side dish. The flavors blend perfectly, and the ease of using the slow cooker is a bonus. It's a must-try for any carrot lover!

Carver Cabrera

Cooking Techniques for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

How to prepare the carrots: Peel and trim the carrots, then cut them into uniform pieces.

How to mix the ingredients: Combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, then mix until well combined.

How to garnish with brown sugar: Sprinkle additional brown sugar over the cooked carrots before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

How To Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

Let your slow cooker do the work of cooking up this delectable carrots recipe! It’s slathered in a brown sugar mix for a delightful side dish.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 4 minutes

Total: 9 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5lbscarrotspeeled and cut into ¾” coins
¼cupunsalted butter
½cupbrown sugarpacked
½tspcinnamon
½tspkosher salt

Instructions

Add the carrots, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt to the slow cooker.
Mix until well combined.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
Garnish with additional brown sugar, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 134.62kcal
Fat: 4.29g
Saturated Fat: 2.50g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.37g
Carbohydrates: 24.12g
Fiber: 5.35g
Sugar: 14.83g
Protein: 1.81g
Cholesterol: 10.17mg
Sodium: 211.02mg
Calcium: 69.65mg
Potassium: 614.44mg
Iron: 0.62mg
Vitamin A: 1610.49µg
Vitamin C: 11.15mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

When preparing your carrots for this recipe, make sure to peel them thoroughly and cut off any green tops. This will ensure a more uniform and pleasant texture in the final dish. Additionally, when adding the brown sugar, try to sprinkle it evenly over the carrots rather than dumping it all in one spot. This will help the sugar to distribute more evenly, resulting in a more consistent flavor throughout.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Slow Cooker Carrots

Prep ahead: Chop and peel the carrots the night before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

Use baby carrots: Consider using baby carrots instead of full-sized carrots to save time on peeling and chopping.

Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup, saving time on washing the slow cooker.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe

carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar sweet and earthy flavor to carrots and will work well in this recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor and richness to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the carrots.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup will provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the carrots.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warm and slightly sweet flavor that will complement the carrots and add a different dimension of spice to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt will provide the same level of salinity and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Presentation Tips for Serving Brown Sugar Carrots

Elevate the carrot presentation: Arrange the cooked carrots in a circular pattern on a large serving platter, creating a visually appealing display.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the carrots with sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary to add a pop of color and a hint of aromatic freshness.
Create a caramelized glaze: Before serving, brush the carrots with a glaze made from reduced brown sugar and butter, adding a glossy sheen to the dish.
Add a touch of sophistication: Serve the slow cooker brown sugar carrots in individual porcelain dishes to elevate the dining experience and showcase the dish's elegance.
Enhance with edible flowers: Sprinkle the platter with delicate edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies for a visually stunning and gourmet touch.
Serve with artisanal bread: Accompany the carrots with slices of warm, crusty sourdough bread to provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Slow Cooker Carrots

Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures over an extended period of time.
Butter knife: A small knife with a blunt edge, used for spreading butter or other spreads onto food.
Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used primarily to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Brown Sugar Carrots

Let the carrots cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled carrots to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the carrots for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen carrots in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed carrots in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or butter to restore the desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can reheat the carrots in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
If the reheated carrots appear dry, add a small amount of butter or brown sugar to enhance the flavor and moisture.
Serve the reheated carrots as a side dish, or incorporate them into other recipes like soups, stews, or casseroles for added flavor and nutrition.

How To Reheat Leftover Brown Sugar Carrots

Reheat the carrots in the microwave: place the desired amount of leftover brown sugar carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking. This method is quick and easy, perfect for when you're in a rush to enjoy your sweet and savory carrots once again.
Warm up the carrots in a skillet: transfer the leftover carrots to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized around the edges, about 5-7 minutes. This method allows you to add a touch more butter or a sprinkle of brown sugar to refresh the flavors and create a delightful glaze.
Reheat the carrots in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the leftover carrots in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For an extra touch of indulgence, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating and sprinkle with additional brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, allowing the carrots to caramelize and develop a delightful crust.
Revive the carrots in the slow cooker: if you have a bit more time and want to recreate the original cooking method, place the leftover carrots back into the slow cooker, add a splash of water or orange juice, and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through. This method ensures the carrots retain their tender texture and allows the flavors to meld together once more.

Interesting Trivia About Brown Sugar Carrots

Brown sugar carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth.

Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

The slow cooker brown sugar carrots recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical and delicious choice for a family meal.

Are Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Healthy?

The slow cooker brown sugar carrots recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high sugar content. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
However, the addition of ½ cup of brown sugar significantly increases the calorie and sugar content of the dish.
Butter, although used in moderation, adds saturated fat to the recipe.
The use of cinnamon and salt is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall healthiness of the dish.

While the recipe does include a healthy vegetable as its base, the added sugar and butter overshadow the nutritional benefits of the carrots.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2-3 tablespoons, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine through.
Replace the butter with a heart-healthy oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to reduce the saturated fat content.
Add a variety of spices, such as ginger, nutmeg, or allspice, to enhance the flavor without relying on sugar.
Consider adding other vegetables, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes, to increase the nutrient diversity of the dish.
Serve the carrots as a side dish alongside lean proteins and whole grains to create a balanced meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Carrot Recipe

This slow cooker brown sugar carrots recipe is a delightful way to elevate the natural sweetness of carrots. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates a rich and indulgent glaze that perfectly complements the tender carrots. Cooking them low and slow allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and delicious. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a perfect side dish for any occasion, and the addition of a sprinkle of extra brown sugar adds a delightful touch of sweetness. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the natural flavors of carrots with a hint of indulgence.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese, topped with chives for a burst of freshness.

Garlic Bread: Warm and toasty garlic bread brushed with herb-infused butter and sprinkled with a touch of parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with crunchy bacon bits for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Cook chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg. Serve over fettuccine for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: Combine a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi. Toss in a homemade honey-lime dressing for a refreshing and healthy side dish.

Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sage: Roast butternut squash until caramelized, then blend with broth and cream for a velvety soup. Top with crispy sage leaves for a burst of flavor and texture.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe:

This slow cooker brown sugar carrots recipe is a must-try for any carrot lover. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet and warm flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. The use of unsalted butter adds a rich and creamy texture, while the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. With the added touch of kosher salt, this recipe promises a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe to elevate your vegetable game.

Share your thoughts on this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby carrots instead of regular carrots. Keep in mind that baby carrots may cook faster than regular carrots, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare this recipe a day ahead and reheat it before serving. The flavors will have more time to meld, resulting in a delicious dish.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but be mindful of the overall saltiness of the dish. You may want to adjust the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to balance the flavors.

Can I add other spices or herbs to the carrots?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. Thyme, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist to the dish.

Can I double the recipe if I'm serving a larger group?

Absolutely, you can double the recipe if you're serving a larger group. Just make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased quantity, and adjust the cooking time as needed.