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This slow-cooked carrot recipe perfectly captures the sweet, buttery side dish served at Cracker Barrel restaurants. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you need a comforting vegetable side that even picky eaters will devour.
I first made these carrots for Thanksgiving when I needed oven space for other dishes. The family raved about them so much that they've become our signature side dish for every holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Fresh baby carrots: Deliver the best texture and sweetness
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory notes without overpowering
- Unsalted butter: Creates richness and allows you to control salt levels
- White sugar: Provides immediate sweetness
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and depth of flavor
- Water: Creates steam for perfect tenderness
- Optional parsley: Brightens the dish with color and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot:
- Coat your slow cooker thoroughly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step is crucial because the sugars can caramelize and stick to the sides during cooking.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add carrots to the crockpot first then sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Dot with butter pieces evenly throughout and scatter both sugars over the top. Mixing directly in the crockpot eliminates extra dishes and allows the seasonings to distribute evenly.
- Add liquid and cook:
- Pour water around the edges rather than directly over your seasonings. Cover and set to low heat for 6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the carrots to gradually absorb the sweet buttery flavors while maintaining their shape.
- Finish before serving:
- Drain excess liquid from the carrots using a slotted spoon or by carefully pouring through a colander. Transfer to a serving dish and finish with chopped parsley for color contrast and freshly ground sea salt if desired.
Brown sugar is the secret ingredient that makes these carrots special. My grandmother always said that brown sugar adds warmth to any dish and she was right. The first time I served these at a family gathering my uncle who claims to hate vegetables took seconds and asked for the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet carrots pair beautifully with savory main dishes like roasted chicken, turkey, or pot roast. The sweetness balances rich meaty flavors while adding color to your plate. For a complete Cracker Barrel inspired meal, serve alongside meatloaf, hashbrown casserole, and cornbread.
Storage and Leftovers
Store cooled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. These carrots also freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations to Try
For a more savory version, reduce the sugars by half and add a tablespoon of maple syrup and a sprig of fresh thyme. Holiday version can include a pinch of cinnamon and a tablespoon of orange juice instead of some of the water. For slightly firmer carrots with more texture, reduce cooking time to 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I prepare the carrots before cooking?
Use fresh baby carrots straight from the bag, as they do not need peeling or additional trimming before adding them to the crockpot.
- → Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor while maintaining the sweetness.
- → Can this recipe be made without a crockpot?
If you don't have a crockpot, you can simmer the ingredients in a stovetop pot over low heat, covered, until the carrots are tender.
- → What can I add for more flavor?
Consider adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor, or a squeeze of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- → Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the quantities to serve more people, just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.