Name: Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots: A Sweet & Tender Side Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (rounds or bias-cut); 1/4 cup honey (raw or clover); 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (freshly cracked preferred); 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Getting the whole family to agree on a vegetable side dish can sometimes feel like a negotiation at the United Nations. We have all been there—staring at a plate of untouched greens. But what if I told you there is a way to transform the humble root vegetable into a “vegetable candy” that disappears faster than dessert? Enter the Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Step 2: Whisk the Glaze
Step 3: Coat and Toss
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Q2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Q3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Q4. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots: A Sweet & Tender Side Dish

Description
Ingredients

Carrots
Glaze
Garnish

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Amish cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create deep, comforting flavors. By slow-cooking the carrots in a rich glaze of honey, butter, and aromatic thyme, you achieve a tender texture that stovetop boiling simply cannot replicate. Whether you are prepping for a holiday feast or a busy weeknight dinner, these Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots are the ultimate “set it and forget it” solution. The natural sweetness of the carrots is amplified by the honey, while a splash of apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tang that balances the dish perfectly.

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic, homestyle flavor, we use pantry staples that pack a punch. Here is exactly what you need to get started:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Carrots	2 pounds	Peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (or bias cut)
Honey	1/4 cup	Raw or clover honey works best
Unsalted Butter	2 tablespoons	Melted (adds richness)
Apple Cider Vinegar	1 tablespoon	Cuts the sweetness with acidity
Salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances natural flavors
Ground Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly cracked is preferred
Dried Thyme	1/2 teaspoon	Adds an earthy, aromatic note
Ground Cinnamon	1/4 teaspoon	A subtle warmth
Fresh Parsley	To garnish	Chopped (optional but recommended)

Timing

One of the best features of this recipe is its hands-off nature. While it takes time to cook, your active involvement is minimal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (Low)
Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes
Active Effort: Minimal (about 95% passive cooking time—perfect for multitasking!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping your star ingredient. Peel your 2 pounds of carrots and chop them into uniform 1-inch pieces. You can cut them into rounds (coins) or on a bias (diagonal) for a more elegant presentation. Place the prepared carrots into the basin of your slow cooker.

Tip: Try to keep the pieces synonymous in size. Uniform cuts ensure that every carrot cooks at the same rate, avoiding a mix of mushy and crunchy bites.

Step 2: Whisk the Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, it is time to build the flavor profile. Whisk together the honey, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cinnamon. Continue whisking until the honey dissolves into the warm butter and the spices are evenly distributed. This emulsion is the secret to coating the vegetables perfectly.

Step 3: Coat and Toss

Pour the honey-butter mixture directly over the carrots in the slow cooker. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the carrots thoroughly. You want to ensure every single orange piece is glistening and coated with the glaze. This helps the seasoning adhere during the long cooking process.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the temperature to Low and cook for 4 to 5 hours.

Actionable Tip: About halfway through the cooking time (around the 2.5-hour mark), give the pot a quick stir. This redistributes the glaze that may have settled at the bottom, ensuring the top layer of carrots gets just as much flavor as the bottom layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Check the carrots for doneness; they should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Once cooked, transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Nutritional Information

Carrots are a nutritional powerhouse, known for their high Vitamin A content. Here is a breakdown of what you are getting in each serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: ~110 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g (Natural sugars and honey)
Dietary Fiber: 4 g (Great for digestion)
Fat: 4 g (From the butter)
Protein: 1 g
Vitamin A: >200% of Daily Value (Excellent for eye health)
Sodium: ~400 mg

Healthier Alternatives

While this Amish recipe is wholesome, you might have specific dietary needs. Here are a few ways to tweak the Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots:

Vegan Option: Simply swap the unsalted butter for a high-quality vegan butter or even coconut oil. The coconut oil adds a nice tropical undertone that pairs surprisingly well with the cinnamon.
Lower Glycemic Index: If you are watching your blood sugar, substitute the honey with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative or agave nectar (use slightly less agave as it is sweeter).
Spicy Kick: As mentioned in the variations, if you want to boost your metabolism, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey.
Ginger Infusion: For added anti-inflammatory benefits, grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger into the glaze. This adds a “zing” that brightens up the earthy root vegetable.

Serving Suggestions

These glazed carrots are incredibly versatile. Here is how to create a balanced plate:

The Sunday Roast: Serve these alongside a classic roast chicken or pot roast. The sweetness cuts through the savory richness of brown gravy perfectly.
Holiday Feast: This is an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It frees up valuable oven space for the turkey and stuffing.
Vegetarian Main: Pair these with a hearty quinoa salad or lentils for a filling, meat-free dinner.
Texture Contrast: Top the finished dish with toasted pecans or walnuts for an added crunch that complements the soft carrots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a slow cooker, things can go wrong. Watch out for these pitfalls:

Cutting uneven sizes: If you have large chunks mixed with thin slices, the small ones will turn to mush before the large ones are cooked. Solution: Take an extra minute to cut them uniformly.
Cooking on High: It might be tempting to speed things up, but cooking carrots on high can sometimes scorch the honey glaze at the bottom before the carrots are tender. Solution: Stick to “Low” for the best texture retention.
Opening the lid too often: Every time you peek, you lose heat and moisture, extending the cook time. Solution: Only open the lid once at the halfway mark to stir.

Storing Tips

These carrots reheat beautifully, making them a great candidate for meal prep.

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. If the glaze has thickened too much in the fridge, add a teaspoon of water when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing: While you can freeze cooked carrots for up to 3 months, be aware that the texture will become much softer upon thawing. They are best eaten fresh or from the fridge.

Conclusion

There is something deeply satisfying about a recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. These Slow Cooker Amish Glazed Carrots transform a basic pantry staple into a standout side dish that rivals any main course. The combination of sweet honey, earthy thyme, and the slow-roasted tenderness creates a flavor profile that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the bowl was scraped clean before the mashed potatoes were even touched! Try it out and let us know in the comments how they turned out for you. Did you try the ginger variation? We’d love to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, stress-free recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?

Absolutely. Using baby carrots saves you the step of peeling and chopping. However, keep in mind that baby carrots are often softer and retain more water. You might want to check them around the 3.5-hour mark to ensure they don’t become too mushy.

Q2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, you can. If you are short on time, place all ingredients in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots are tender. Remove the lid for the last 5 minutes to let the glaze thicken.

Q3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your spices (like the thyme and cinnamon) are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy, to avoid any cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Q4. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

If you are out of apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. You need that acidity to balance the sugar in the honey, or the dish might taste cloyingly sweet.