Elevate everyday carrots with slow cooker carrots, an incredibly easy recipe that’s packed with flavor! This makes an elegantly simple side for every day dinners, your next brunch, and special holiday spreads. With just a handful of ingredients you’ll have an impressive vegetable side dish that everyone will enjoy and that goes with almost anything!
Add the carrots and stir to coat. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender, stirring once halfway through. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Now, I know you’re going to ask: can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
The answer is…it depends.
I tested this recipe with baby carrots and the flavor was definitely not the same, and I found the results a bit bland and not nearly as flavorful.
That being said, I completely understand the convenience of bagged baby carrots, so if that’s all you have time for, try to find the freshest, sweetest option you can!
If they don’t taste good raw going in, they are definitely not going to taste good coming out.
The Best Carrots to Use as a SideDish
I found the best results for this recipe came with fresh carrots that had the tops on (which I’m happy to say I’ve been able to find in more and more grocery stores these days!).
In this case, I didn’t even bother with peeling, I just gave them a good scrub, chop, and drop and we were good to go!
Tip: If you happen to find very thin carrots with tops on, you can remove the tops, give the carrots a scrub, and use them whole – this makes for a more elegant presentation like what you might find in a fancy farm-to-table style restaurant.
Carrots: If possible, look for fresh carrots that still have the green tops on. I find these yield the best flavor for this recipe. But if you can only find baby carrots be sure to see my tips above for how to get the best results with those!
Butter: There’s no extra liquid or water required for this recipe, the butter and maple syrup help keep the carrots moist & tender during the slow cook time. You can use either traditional or vegan butter, either one will give your carrots some velvety flavor & richness. Be sure to use a dairy free plant-based version to keep this recipe vegan and paleo-friendly.
Maple syrup: I love the flavor of maple syrup paired with these carrots, but you can also use honey if you prefer. Be sure to use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
Lemon zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest really helps to elevate this simple side dish into something that feels extra special. Using the zest without the juice brings some subtle citrus flavor without being too overpowering to the other flavors in the dish.
Kosher salt: Look for kosher salt with the regular iodized salt at the grocery store. It has a subtler flavor. Use less iodized salt if that’s what you have on hand.
CROCKPOT CARROTS | Cracker Barrel Copy Cat Recipe | Southern cooking
FAQ
How long does it take for carrots to soften on low heat?
When should I add carrots to slow cooker?
How do you soften vegetables in a slow cooker?
How long does it take for carrot to soften in stew?
How long do you cook carrots in a slow cooker?
It may take a few attempts to find the ideal cooking time that suits your preferences and particular slow cooker. But with practice and experimentation, you’ll master the art of cooking carrots in a slow cooker. For tender carrots, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker. Add a little liquid to prevent drying out.
Can one drink carrot juice?
Carrot juice is incredibly nutritious, providing potassium, several carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and K. Drinking this veggie juice may help improve eye health, boost your immune system, and strengthen your skin.
How do you cook carrots in a crock pot?
Fill a pot with about 2-inches of water, and put a steamer basket in it. Bring the water to a boil, and then put the carrots into the steamer basket. Cover the pot, and turn down the heat to a medium-high. Keep steaming until they are soft, or between 5 and 11 minutes. You could also use a rice cooker to steam the carrots.
How long does it take a carrot to soften?
When you add acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar to a hard carrot and let it sit, the carrot will soften. Quick pickling works best with carrots that are cut into smaller pieces. A carrot that has been prepared and cut into small pieces will take about a half hour to get soft through quick or easy pickling.