Lazy Slow Cooker Maple Vanilla Carrots

This carrot recipe is good. I mean really, really good! So good, that number 2 (the vegetable averse picky eater) gobbles them up.

This easy side dish is simple enough to include with weeknight dinners. However, it also makes a wonderful addition to any holiday feast.

📝Shopping list

To make these sweet carrots, you will need:

Carrots - I am always happy to skip prep work so I use baby carrots that are pre-cut. However, you can also clean and cut whole carrots into 2 to 3-inch pieces.

Maple Syrup - I am a huge fan of using pure maple syrup, when possible

Butter - or dairy-free alternative.

Vanilla - use pure vanilla extract for the best results

Salt

🥣Preparation

Making these delicious glazed carrots could not be easier! It is a true dump-and-go recipe. If you are using larger carrots, the hardest part is peeling and cutting. After that, just add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to mix. Then cover and cook.

You will know your maple vanilla carrots are ready to serve when they are soft all the way through. This generally takes me about 5 hours, but each slow cooker is different and your cook time may vary slightly.

🍽Serving suggestions

If I make this great side dish on a typical busy weeknight, I serve it right from the slow cooker. If I am serving it at a larger family gathering such as Thanksgiving dinner, I leave it in the slow cooker. This keeps it warm throughout the meal and is perfect for serving buffet style.

If the dish is to be served for more formal gatherings or special occasions, it can be moved to a serving platter. Sprinkle chives or sliced green onion on top for a nice finished presentation.

This perfect side dish will compliment almost any main dish you can think of. Some of my favorites to serve it with are:

• turkey
• steak
• rotisserie chicken
• fish
• sausage

The sweet flavor of the carrots also pairs really well with other side dishes such as:

• rice
• pasta
• barley
• mashed potatoes

Storing leftovers

This delicious crock pot side dish does not usually lead to leftovers. But, on the rare occasion when it does, store them in an airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Freezing these carrots is also a great way to save some for later. They will last in the freezer for several months.

😉Hints & Hacks

1. Crockpot carrots are a perfect addition to your holiday menu. They will allow you to save oven space for more savory recipes. Plus, if you are having a larger crowd, this recipe can be easily doubled.
2. Using colorful carrots, as I have here, makes this great recipe even better. These slow cooker carrots are not just yummy, they are a pretty addition to your dinner table or holiday meal.
3. This is one of those great vegetarian recipes your guests will all appreciate.
4. Looking to make this dish vegan? Just substitute a vegan butter alternative.
5. If I am not serving these directly from my slow cooker, I love to use slow cooker liners for easy clean up.
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!