Slow Cooker Amish Honey Glazed Carrots – Easy, Sweet & Savory Side Dish
Looking for a delicious, hands-off vegetable side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners? These Slow Cooker Amish Honey Glazed Carrots are tender, buttery, and sweet with just the right hint of spice and herb. This effortless slow cooker recipe lets you enjoy perfectly glazed carrots without hovering over the stove.
Ingredients:
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2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
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1/4 cup honey (use pure honey for best flavor)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Wash, peel, and cut your carrots into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking. Place them directly into the slow cooker insert.
Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon. The combination of sweet, tangy, and warm spices creates a rich glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
Step 3: Coat the Carrots
Pour the honey glaze mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the carrots until they’re fully coated in the glaze.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the carrots:
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On low for 4 to 5 hours,
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Or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours,
until the carrots are fork-tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Stir Midway
Halfway through cooking, give the carrots a gentle stir. This helps redistribute the glaze for even coating and flavor development.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness, transfer them to a serving dish. Spoon any extra glaze from the bottom over the top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet and savory glazed carrots pair beautifully with:
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Roast chicken, turkey, or ham
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Mashed potatoes or stuffing
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Holiday feasts, including Thanksgiving or Easter dinners
Variations & Tips
Add a Touch of Heat
Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add a subtle spicy contrast to the sweetness.
Swap the Sweetener
Prefer a different flavor? Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Change the Herbs
Replace thyme with rosemary, sage, or oregano for a different herbal note. Fresh herbs can also be added right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Add Ginger for Warmth
Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger to give the glaze a warm, slightly spicy depth.
Make It Vegan
Swap the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil to keep the dish plant-based.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze.
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These carrots do not freeze well due to changes in texture, so enjoy them fresh when possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hands-off cooking – perfect for busy cooks or when oven space is limited.
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Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – sweet, buttery carrots are always a hit.
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Versatile – easily adapted for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
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Budget-friendly – uses simple, affordable ingredients with big flavor payoff.