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- 2 pounds of baby carrots, thoroughly washed and trimmed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/3 cup honey - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The magic of these glazed carrots starts with baby carrots. They are sweet and tender. Next, we use unsalted butter to create a rich flavor. When we brown the butter, it adds a nutty taste. Honey makes the glaze sweet and sticky. The ground cinnamon brings warmth, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. Fresh thyme adds a touch of earthiness. Don't forget the lemon juice! It brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also use fresh parsley as a garnish. This gives a pop of color and extra flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dish that is both sweet and savory. Enjoy the process of gathering these simple yet delightful ingredients! Start by washing your baby carrots. Rinse them under cool water. Trim off any rough ends. Arrange the carrots in your slow cooker. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Next, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Stir the butter as it melts. Watch closely as it foams and turns golden brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. When it smells nutty, you're done. Now it's time to make the glaze. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in honey, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Mix until smooth. This glaze is key for flavor and shine. Carefully pour the brown butter glaze over the carrots. Stir gently to coat each carrot with the mixture. Cover your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. You're aiming for tender, glazed carrots. Once cooking is done, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the carrots. Stir gently to blend the lemon into the glaze. This adds a nice brightness to the dish. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. For a vibrant look, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, nutty taste! Fixing overly sweet or salty flavors If your carrots taste too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice. This will balance the flavor. If they are too salty, mix in a bit of unsalted butter. This can help mellow the saltiness. Adjusting cooking times for different slow cookers Slow cookers vary in heat levels. If your carrots are not tender after the suggested time, give them an extra 30 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking. A fork should easily pierce the carrots when they’re done. Suggestions for additional spices or herbs Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You can also use rosemary instead of thyme for a different taste. Cinnamon adds a sweet note that pairs well with the honey. Tips for pairing with various dishes These glazed carrots shine alongside roasted meats. They also work well with grains like quinoa or rice. For a whole meal, serve with grilled chicken or pork chops. Preparing ingredients in advance You can wash and trim the carrots a day before. Store them in water in the fridge to keep them fresh. Pre-make the brown butter and honey glaze and store it in the fridge. Best practices for reheating Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal. Use low power to avoid drying them out. Stir gently to keep the glaze even. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of water to steam the carrots. {{image_4}} You can change the carrots for other veggies. Try using rainbow carrots for color. They add a fun twist and look great on the plate. You can also use regular carrots if you have them on hand. Other root vegetables work well too. Consider parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips. These veggies soak up the glaze nicely. They will bring new tastes to your meal. If you want to mix things up, try adding maple syrup instead of honey. This will give your dish a rich, warm flavor. Brown sugar is another great choice. It adds a sweet depth that pairs well with the butter. Citrus zests can brighten the dish. Add some lemon or orange zest for a fresh touch. This little change makes the flavors pop and adds a nice aroma. You can make this recipe vegan or dairy-free. Substitute olive oil or coconut oil for the butter. Use agave nectar instead of honey for sweetness. Your dish will still be tasty and satisfying. For those watching calories, cut back on the honey. Use less butter or a butter substitute. These swaps can help you enjoy the dish without worry. To store your leftover carrots, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are cool before sealing. Place them in the fridge right away. They stay fresh for up to five days. You can freeze the glazed carrots too. First, let them cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. The carrots last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For best texture, reheat them gently. You can reheat the carrots in a microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place them in a bowl and cover with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a little water to a pan. Heat on low, stirring often. This keeps the carrots moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious brown butter honey glazed carrots! You can store slow cooker glazed carrots in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Yes, you can make these carrots a day ahead. Just cook and cool them, then store them in the fridge. Reheat them gently before serving. This makes your party prep much easier! These carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roast chicken, grilled pork, or even a hearty beef stew. They add a sweet and savory touch to any meal. You can make this recipe on the stove! Just sauté the carrots in a pan with the brown butter glaze. Cook them until they are tender. This method is quicker but still delicious. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. Just be aware they may need a little extra cooking time. Thaw them before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking. They will still taste great! In this post, we explored how to make slow cooker glazed carrots with baby carrots, butter, and honey. We highlighted key steps, from preparing the carrots to creating a rich glaze. We also shared tips on enhancing flavor and offered substitutions for dietary needs. Remember, these glazed carrots pair well with many dishes and can be made ahead of time. Enjoy this simple recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a tasty side dish. With practice, you'll master this dish and impress at any meal.

Slow Cooker Brown Butter Honey Glazed Carrots

Discover the irresistible taste of Brown Butter Honey-Glazed Carrots in your kitchen! This recipe combines tender baby carrots with a rich brown butter and honey glaze, enhanced by cinnamon and fresh thyme for a delicious side dish. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, these glazed carrots are easy to make in a slow cooker. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your meals with this sweet and savory dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds of baby carrots, thoroughly washed and trimmed

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Carrots: Begin by placing the washed and trimmed baby carrots at the base of your slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in an even, single layer for consistent cooking.

    Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it, stirring regularly, as it simmers and foams. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the butter turns a rich golden brown color and emits a delightful nutty aroma. Take care to watch closely to prevent burning.

      Mix in the Glaze: Once the butter has browned perfectly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the honey, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and thyme until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

        Combine and Cook: Carefully pour the luscious brown butter and honey mixture over the carrots in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all the carrots evenly, ensuring they are well covered in the glaze.

          Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let the carrots cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours. You’re looking for the carrots to be tender and beautifully glazed.

            Finish with Lemon: After the cooking time is complete, drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the carrots. Give them a gentle stir to incorporate the refreshing acidity of the lemon with the sweet glaze.

              Serve: Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a vibrant touch and enhance the dish’s visual appeal.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: For a touch of elegance, serve the glazed carrots in a shallow bowl. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top and garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or additional parsley for a colorful finish.