Slow Cooker Buttered Carrots: A Delicious and Easy Side Dish

Carrots are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, from roasted meats to vegetarian feasts. When cooked in a slow cooker with butter and simple seasonings, they transform into a tender, flavorful dish with a rich, slightly sweet glaze. This slow cooker buttered carrots recipe is effortless to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or meal prep.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delightful side dish, along with some variations to suit different tastes.

Why Make Buttered Carrots in a Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker (crockpot) to make buttered carrots has several advantages:
✔ Hands-free cooking: Simply add the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
✔ Enhanced flavor: Slow cooking allows the carrots to absorb the buttery goodness and seasoning fully.
✔ Tender yet firm texture: Carrots come out soft but not mushy, making them the perfect consistency.
✔ Great for gatherings: Ideal for serving a crowd without taking up stove or oven space.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make slow cooker buttered carrots, you need just a few basic ingredients:

Base Ingredients:

2 pounds carrots (peeled and cut into rounds or baby carrots)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pats)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory touch)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm, slightly sweet flavor)
¼ cup water or vegetable broth (to help steam the carrots)

For Garnish (Optional):

1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a fresh, tangy balance)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Wash and peel fresh carrots if using whole ones.
Cut them into uniform rounds (about ½-inch thick) or leave them whole if using baby carrots.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

Pour ¼ cup water or vegetable broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps the carrots steam and prevents sticking.
Add the carrots into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and cinnamon (if using) over the carrots.
Evenly scatter the butter pats over the top of the carrots.
Sprinkle brown sugar or honey over the butter and carrots.