This sweet tender glazed carrots recipe gets a boost from my favorite ingredient of all time: brown butter. An additional secret ingredient that you might not guess puts the flavor of these slow cooker carrots over the top! A perfect (and EASY) side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Glazed Carrots

Originally posted November 3, 2015

Eric told me last night that he was well into adulthood (we’re talking like a few years ago) when he realized that “savory” didn’t mean “really tasty.”

I comforted him with the fact that Charlotte currently thinks “tasty” means “spicy.” I did not remind him that Charlotte is 4.

Crock Pot Carrots

So how was Halloween for you guys?? Ours was great, Charlotte was a witch and Truman was a ghost. Well, he was supposed to be. That costume lasted about 3 seconds.

Halloween Costumes 2015 - Glazed Carrots Recipe

I was tempted to be frustrated, but then I thought about going through an entire evening with a sheet all up in my face. Uh yeah, that would last about 3 seconds. Way to stick it to the man, Truman.

Slow Cooker Carrots

The best carrot side dish

But Halloween is so last season. It’s time for THANKSGIVING you guys!!! A holiday all about food. And being thankful I guess. But also food.

And speaking of tasty savory food, I’ve got the best Thanksgiving side dish for you today. Who doesn’t love brown butter and glazed carrots, and these babies are made in the slow cooker. Win!

Carrot Side Dish

How to chop carrots for glazed carrot recipe

How to make brown butter glazed carrots

Brown Butter for Glazed Carrots Recipe

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

I promised a secret ingredient and here it is: Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract. WHOA, calm down, I know this is a savory recipe, and vanilla is usually in cookies and stuff, but I swear guys, it’s tasty (not spicy). I grew up putting Mexican Vanilla in everything, but it is especially delicious with carrots. It makes them extra sweet. You’ve got to try it! This is the perfect recipe for holidays when you have a ton of other stuff in the oven.

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One year ago: Cheesecake Pecan Pie (Make Ahead!)
Two years ago: Sea Foam Salad (Creamy Pear Jello)
Four years ago: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

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Slow Cooker Brown Butter Carrots

4.72 from 21 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
This sweet tender glazed carrots recipe gets a boost from my favorite ingredient of all time: brown butter. An additional secret ingredient that you might not guess puts the flavor of these slow cooker carrots over the top! A perfect (and EASY) side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar , or raw sugar
  • 1 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract
  • parsley , fresh, chopped (to garnish) or sage

Instructions

  • Peel and slice the carrots. I tend to like the thicker chunks of carrot, so don't go too crazy, just roughly chopped is fine. Set side.
  • In a small saucepan add the butter. Turn the heat to medium or just above medium. Stir occasionally until the butter starts to foam and ultimately turns brown. There will be silty brown "bits" that have separated from the yellow liquid. Immediately transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
  • Add the salt, sugar, bay leaves, and vanilla and stir. Add the carrots and stir to coat.
  • Cook on high for about 3 hours or until tender.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or sage.
  • The glaze is really great drizzled over mashed potatoes too...just sayin.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 15298IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Keyword: Browned Butter, carrots, Crockpot, slow cooker
Did you make this? I'd love to see it!Mention @thefoodcharlatan or tag #thefoodcharlatan!

(I was compensated by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for my time developing this recipe and post. All opinions are my own, of course!) Be sure to follow Nielsen-Massey on Facebook for tons of amazing ways to use vanilla!

Try out these other great sides for your Thanksgiving menu!

Roasted Carrots with Dill:

Roasted Carrots with Dill from The Food Charlatan

Broccoli with Feta and Fried Almonds: (this is a huge favorite of mine)

Broccoli with Feta and Fried Almonds from The Food Charlatan

 

Lemon Asparagus with Pistachios:

Lemon Asparagus with Pistachios from The Food Charlatan

 

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Comments

  1. I’m in central Ontario Canada and can’t get this mexican vanilla here. I have made this before without the vanilla and we all loved it. Can I substitute regular pure vanilla extract?

    1. Hi Michelle, yes you can totally sub regular vanilla! Mexican vanilla tastes kind of cinnamon-y, so to replicate that you could try adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon. Not too much! Enjoy!

  2. I absolutely love this recipe and have been making it for years. It’s my go to when entertaining and I need a side everyone will enjoy. I make it every holiday as well. Company always compliments how much they love these carrots and ask for the recipe.

    1. Kristina, that is awesome! I’m so glad you’re loving the recipe. Thanks so much for commenting!

      1. 5 stars
        This has become a holiday favorite with my extended family. I have to triple the recipe! If I don’t bring them, lots of disappointment. If you double or triple, be prepared to cook a little longer if you want them soft. I just peeled 6 lbs of carrots for Easter….goes great with ham!

  3. Tried this, not so good, I wanted glazed carrots that are sweet. These actually had a bitter taste.  Possibly the vanilla and bay leaf? 

  4. I normally don’t leave comments or reviews for recipes that I’ve tried but these carrots are so easy to make and so delicious, I had to write in! I’ve taken them to pot lucks and will be making them for Thanksgiving this year (kids love the sweetness!) Friends have asked for the recipe and that’s always a good sign!!

    1. I’m so happy to hear that Abbye! I’m glad it’s a hit with the kids and everyone! That is awesome. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

  5. I have made these carrots for Easter for the past few years and they are always a hit! Delicious every single time. The family is bigger this year and I would like to double the recipe but I’m not sure if or how I should adjust the cooking time? Any suggestions would be helpful, thank you! And thank you for the delicious recipe!

    1. Hey Sara! I actually don’t think you would need to change the cooking time. But I’m not sure because I haven’t tried it. Here’s what I would do: make them several hours in advance and check on them. then just keep them on the keep warm setting until you are ready to serve! I’m so glad you like the recipe, thank you so much for leaving a review!

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