Maple Glazed Carrots: A Sweet Side to Cherish
There’s something beautifully comforting about the simple act of roasting or glazing vegetables, especially when they come bathed in a rich, golden syrup that hugs every inch of their tender surface. Ah, the allure of maple glazed carrots! These sweet, fragrant beauties fill the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that whispers home-cooked goodness.
I recall a chilly evening spent with my family, gathering around the table as the soft light of the candles flickered in the dimness. My mother would prepare her signature dish of maple glazed carrots, a recipe that has been passed down through generations. It paired perfectly with hearty beef on those wintry nights. The way she sweetened the carrots with maple syrup made them irresistible — even the most reluctant veggie eaters couldn’t resist!
If you’re looking for an easy weeknight side that sings with flavor and nostalgia, these Maple Glazed Carrots are the answer. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory, thanks to the rich maple syrup and the warmth of cinnamon.
- A family-friendly dish that will encourage even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their veggies.
- Slow-cooked for ultimate tenderness, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Perfectly sweetened without being overpowering, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
What You’ll Need
To create these delicious Maple Glazed Carrots, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
Cooking these Maple Glazed Carrots is as easy as a cozy evening spent with a good book. Here’s how to make this delightful side dish:
- Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the carrots and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the carrots are tender.
- Stir before serving and enjoy your delicious maple glazed carrots!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to make this recipe your own with these fun twists:
- Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of an orange or a splash of fresh juice for a bright, refreshing kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving for a delightful crunch.
- Herbs Galore: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile to another level.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Maple Glazed Carrots turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-ahead: Prepare the carrots and the glaze the night before and store them separately in the fridge to save you time on busy evenings. Just combine and cook the next day!
- Ideal Cutting: Aim for uniform carrot sticks to ensure even cooking. Thicker pieces take longer to soften, while thinner sticks may cook too quickly.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your personal taste for an indulgent sweet treat or a hint of natural savoriness.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste just as lovely reheated!
Calories & Nutrition Details
Here’s a look at what’s inside, per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about these Maple Glazed Carrots? Here are some answers to common questions:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance for ease.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist.
- How do I store leftovers? Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3–4 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Final Thoughts
These Maple Glazed Carrots offer a sweet hug of flavors that just warms the heart. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as an enchanting addition to your Holiday table, they are simple to make and delightful to share. Try this recipe and let the fragrant aromas envelop you — you won’t regret it! Save this Maple Glazed Carrots to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Maple Glazed Carrots
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and tender carrots glazed with maple syrup, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Place the carrots in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the carrots and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the carrots are tender.
- Stir before serving and enjoy your delicious maple glazed carrots!
Notes
Make-ahead by preparing carrots and glaze the night before for easy cooking on busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: maple glazed carrots, vegetarian side dish, easy recipes, comfort food