Slow Cooker Honey Orange Glazed Carrots Recipe
Delightfully sweet and tender, these Slow Cooker Honey Orange Glazed Carrots are an effortless side dish that combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the bright, citrusy flavors of honey and orange. Perfect for holiday meals or a simple weeknight dinner, the slow cooking method ensures the carrots become perfectly glazed and infused with a luscious orange-honey sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds baby carrots
Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (from 1 orange)
Instructions
- Prepare the orange: Zest one orange and then juice it to get fresh orange zest and juice needed for the glaze.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the baby carrots, honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, pieces of salted butter, and salt into a 2.5 to 4-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the carrots: Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours. The carrots will become tender and infused with the honey orange glaze during this time.
- Add orange zest and finish: Stir in the grated orange zest to brighten the flavor. Taste the glazed carrots and adjust seasoning as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use baby carrots for the best texture and sweetness.
- If you don't have salted butter, use unsalted butter and add an extra pinch of salt.
- The glaze can be adjusted to taste—add more honey for sweetness or more orange juice for a tangier sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled if you have a larger slow cooker.
- Serve these glazed carrots warm as a perfect side to roasted meats or vegetarian mains.