Looking for a delicious yet straightforward way to prepare carrots? This slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe may be just the ticket. It takes minimal effort, but the result is a flavorful, tender, and beautifully glazed side dish that's sure to impress.
This recipe uses common kitchen ingredients, but one that stands out is the dijon mustard. This type of mustard, originating from Dijon, France, is known for its smooth and creamy texture and sophisticated flavor. It's more robust and less tangy than yellow mustard, which makes it perfect for this recipe. You can find it in the condiments aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe
Carrots: These provide a natural sweetness and crunch. Choose firm, bright orange carrots with no signs of wilting.
Water: Used to steam the carrots in the slow cooker.
Kosher salt: It's less processed and has larger grains than table salt. Adjust to taste.
Unsalted butter: Used for richness and flavor in the glaze. Unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to create a beautiful glaze. Any type of honey works here.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and sophisticated flavor to the glaze.
Fresh sage: Gives a hint of earthiness. Fresh is best, but dried sage will work too.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat. Freshly ground is usually more flavorful.
One reader, Dierdre Weigel says:
This slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe is a game-changer! The carrots turn out tender and flavorful, and the honey-dijon glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tanginess. It's a simple yet impressive side dish that's become a family favorite. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe
How to slow cook the carrots: Place the carrots into your slow cooker, add the water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover and cook the carrots on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water from the carrots and return them to the slow cooker.
How to add the glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining salt, butter, honey, Dijon mustard, sage, and black pepper until they are blended well. Pour the honey-Dijon mustard glaze over the carrots and toss the carrots in the glaze to coat evenly. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
How to serve: Reduce the slow cooker’s temperature to warm. The carrots are now ready to serve, or you can cover them and hold on warm anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
This delectable slow cooker glazed carrots is the easiest and one of the best carrot recipes out there! It’s what I usually pair with my steak whenever I want to have a fancy dinner at home. Understandably so, as the carrots are deliciously glazed with honey and Dijon mixture. Not only that – this easy glazed carrots recipe also has saved me from busy weeknights SEVERAL TIMES already! It only needs a few minutes of preparation and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to make this dish.
If there’s one vegetable that’s constantly included in my grocery list, it’s carrots. Why, it’s often the star of many scrumptious side dish recipes! I do love carrots smothered with bourbon and cinnamon or orange and maple glaze. But I have to say that these healthy crockpot carrots hit differently. It’s sweet, savory, and utterly mouthwatering! Here’s what you need to make these honey-glazed carrots:
- Carrots – I’m very partial to fresh baby carrots. But feel free to use regular, canned, or frozen carrots.
- Water – I used about 1¼ cup of water to steam the carrots.
- Kosher salt – To bring out the natural flavor of the carrots.
- Glaze – My glaze includes honey, Dijon mustard, butter, sage, and black pepper. Such a combination delivers sweet, savory, and buttery flavors ALL AT ONCE!
After preparing all the ingredients, I just tossed them in the crockpot. Believe me, the hardest part is probably peeling and slicing off the carrots on a bias. Making these slow cooker carrots is THAT easy! After all, when it comes to easy and almost hands-off recipes, nothing can beat the ever-reliable crockpots.
So, if you happen to have a crockpot and a bag of carrots at home, try this slow cooker glazed carrots recipe. This carrot side dish truly deserves repeat spots in your dinner rotation. But if you ask me, crockpot glazed carrots also make for a great dish to serve during holiday dinners!
How To Make Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
Pop carrots in your crock pots to make these irresistible slow cooker glazed carrots. They’re smothered in a sweet-savory honey-Dijon mixture for the perfect mouthwatering side. It’s time-saving and will give you more room to do extra work!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3 lb carrots, peeled and cut ½-inch thick on a bias
- 1¼ cups water
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
For Honey-Dijon Mustard Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place the carrots into the slow cooker.
- Add the water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover and cook the carrots on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the water from the carrots and return them to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining salt, butter, honey, Dijon mustard, sage, and black pepper until they are blended well.
- Pour the honey-Dijon mustard glaze over the carrots. Toss the carrots in the glaze to coat evenly.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the slow cooker’s temperature to warm.
- Sprinkle your glazed carrots with fresh herbs, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For added flavor, you can also cook the carrots with chicken broth instead of water.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180.59kcal
- Fat: 4.90g
- Saturated Fat: 2.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.51g
- Carbohydrates: 34.86g
- Fiber: 7.36g
- Sugar: 22.47g
- Protein: 2.73g
- Cholesterol: 10.18mg
- Sodium: 713.59mg
- Calcium: 107.68mg
- Potassium: 765.96mg
- Iron: 1.30mg
- Vitamin A: 1930.61µg
- Vitamin C: 13.91mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
To ensure your carrots are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, cut them into uniform sizes. This will allow them to cook evenly and at the same rate. Also, when making the honey-dijon glaze, whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined. This will ensure that the honey and dijon mustard are evenly distributed, resulting in a more flavorful and consistent glaze for your carrots.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
Prep ahead: Chop the carrots and mix the glaze the night before. Store the carrots in an airtight container in the fridge and the glaze in a separate container. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use baby carrots: If you're short on time, opt for baby carrots instead of whole carrots. They require less prep work and can be cooked whole in the slow cooker.
Check for doneness: To save time, check the carrots for doneness after 4 hours. Depending on the size and type of carrots, they may be tender and ready to glaze before the full 6 hours.
Keep it simple: Stick to the basic ingredients and steps. Simplifying the recipe can save time and still result in delicious glazed carrots.
Multi-task: While the carrots are cooking, use that time to prepare other parts of your meal or attend to other tasks. Utilizing this time efficiently can save overall cooking time.
Quick clean-up: Line the slow cooker with a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up. This will save time on washing the slow cooker after cooking.
Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning gradually as you prepare the glaze to save time on correcting the seasoning at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar sweet and earthy flavor to carrots and will work well in this recipe.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth will add more flavor to the dish compared to water.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar level of salinity and will work as a suitable replacement.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter and will still add richness to the dish.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup will provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard will add a slightly different texture but still provide a tangy flavor to the dish.
fresh sage - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme will add a different herbaceous flavor but will complement the dish well.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and will blend in seamlessly with the dish.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
Elevate the carrot placement: Arrange the cooked carrots in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and positioned with care.
Garnish with fresh sage leaves: Place a few fresh sage leaves delicately on top of the glazed carrots to add a pop of color and a hint of earthy aroma.
Drizzle honey-dijon glaze artistically: Use a small spoon to drizzle the remaining honey-dijon glaze over the carrots, creating an elegant and appetizing design on the plate.
Incorporate a touch of black pepper: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper around the plate's edges for a subtle but impactful visual and flavor contrast.
Add a buttery shine: Before serving, lightly brush the glazed carrots with a touch of melted butter to give them a glossy, professional finish.
Use a sophisticated serving dish: Present the glazed carrots on a sleek, minimalist plate or dish to enhance the visual appeal and highlight the vibrant colors of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop kitchen appliance used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period. It's perfect for slowly cooking the carrots to tender perfection.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, such as whisking together the honey, dijon mustard, and other glaze ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the honey, dijon mustard, sage, and black pepper to create the glaze for the carrots.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is used to melt the butter and warm the honey-dijon mustard glaze before pouring it over the carrots.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for trimming and cutting the carrots to the desired size before slow cooking them.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing the carrots before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the water, honey, dijon mustard, and other ingredients for the glaze.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots:
- Refrigerating: transfer the cooled glazed carrots to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat the carrots in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezing: let the carrots cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the carrots overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a little water or butter to restore the glaze consistency.
- Pro tip: if you plan on freezing the carrots, slightly undercook them during the initial slow cooking process. This will help maintain their texture when reheated after freezing.
- When reheating, you can add a splash of honey or dijon mustard to refresh the flavors of the glaze if needed.
How to Reheat Leftover Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
- To reheat leftover slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the carrots from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the covered carrots on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity and your microwave's wattage. Check the temperature and stir the carrots halfway through to ensure even reheating. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the carrots are heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the honey-dijon glazed carrots on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to help reconstitute the glaze and prevent the carrots from sticking or burning.
- Stir the carrots occasionally as they reheat on the stovetop, ensuring that the glaze is evenly distributed and the carrots are heated through. This method may take 5-7 minutes, depending on the quantity of carrots and the desired temperature.
- If you have a larger portion of leftover glazed carrots and want to reheat them all at once, consider using the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the carrots to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning and drying out.
- Place the covered dish of carrots in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly and restore its original texture.
- Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the honey-dijon glazed carrots before serving to ensure that the flavors are well-balanced. If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or a touch of honey to revive the glaze.
Random Fact About Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
The slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe is a great way to incorporate a healthy and delicious side dish into your meals. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, a healthy immune system, and cell growth. Additionally, the honey-dijon glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the carrots, making them a flavorful addition to any meal. This recipe is a simple and convenient way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of carrots while savoring a delightful taste.
Is Making Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots at Home Cost-Effective?
The slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Carrots are affordable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile and appealing side dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it a budget-friendly option. Considering the simplicity, taste, and affordability, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its cost-effectiveness and overall appeal.
Are Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as carrots are a nutritious vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of unsalted butter and a moderate amount of honey adds flavor without excessive calories or unhealthy fats. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of honey and dijon mustard, which can add extra calories and sugar. Reducing these ingredients slightly could help lower the overall calorie count without compromising taste.
- While the recipe uses unsalted butter, substituting it with a healthier fat like olive oil or coconut oil could provide additional health benefits.
- The dish could benefit from the addition of other vegetables or herbs to increase its nutritional value and flavor complexity.
To further enhance the health benefits of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey to 2-3 tablespoons and the dijon mustard to 2 tablespoons to lower the calorie and sugar content
- Replace the unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier fat source
- Add a variety of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, zucchini, or parsnips to increase the nutrient density and visual appeal of the dish
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to create a more complex flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or sugar
Editor's Thoughts on Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe
The slow cooker honey-dijon glazed carrots recipe is a delightful way to elevate a simple vegetable dish. The combination of honey, dijon mustard, and fresh sage creates a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the carrots. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, flavorful carrots that are perfect as a side dish for any meal. The recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots
Why trust this Slow Cooker Honey-Dijon Glazed Carrots Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their carrot game. The slow cooking process ensures that the carrots are tender and flavorful, while the honey-dijon mustard glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. With the addition of fresh sage and a touch of butter, these carrots are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Trust the combination of honey and dijon mustard to take your carrots to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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