These slow cooker orange glazed carrots from the Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook are a delicious side that you can enjoy using baby carrots, turbinado sugar, fresh orange juice, coconut oil, and cinnamon.

To make Orange Glazed Carrots in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply combine the ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours. This ensures the carrots are perfectly tender yet retain a slight crispness, ideal for soaking up the sweet and citrusy glaze.

They are the perfect vegetable side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just for a simple dinner with the family.

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Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots cut into thick slices or batons. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking. Regular carrots may require a slightly longer cooking time to soften properly.

Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Carrots Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of baby carrots
• 1/3 cup of turbinado sugar
• 2-3 oranges, juiced to yield approximately 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp of coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
• 2 tbsp of cornstarch
• 1/4 cup of water

How To Make Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Carrots

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Combine the baby carrots, turbinado sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure all carrots are coated evenly with the mixture.
2. Cook the carrots: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 3-4 hours, or until the carrots are tender yet still crisp to the bite.
3. Prepare the glaze: Transfer the cooked carrots to a serving dish, keeping them warm. Pour the cooking juices left in the slow cooker into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the boiling juices, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about one minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish and serve: Pour the thickened orange glaze over the warm carrots in the serving dish. Stir gently to coat all the carrots evenly. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to any meal.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right carrots: Opt for firm, fresh baby carrots for this recipe, as they cook evenly and absorb the orange glaze beautifully.
• Juicing oranges: For the freshest flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice from ripe oranges; it adds a natural sweetness and robust citrus profile to the carrots.
• Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on your slow cooker as cooking times can vary; carrots should be tender but still have a slight bite to maintain texture.
• Stirring occasionally: Gently stir the carrots a couple of times during cooking if possible; this helps the glaze distribute evenly, ensuring all carrots are beautifully coated.
• Adjust sweetness and spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or spices according to your taste preference. Adding a pinch of ground ginger can also introduce a warm, spicy note.

Recipe Variations

• Add other root vegetables: Try adding parsnips or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker with the carrots for a hearty, flavorful side dish that pairs well with many main courses.
• Make it spicy: Introduce a little heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy twist.
• Herb it up: Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary at the end of cooking for an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the orange glaze.
• Citrus variety: Experiment with different types of citrus like lemon or grapefruit juice for varying the glaze flavor; each type of citrus brings its unique tang and zest.
• Maple syrup alternative: Substitute turbinado sugar with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness that offers a rich, autumnal vibe to the dish.

What To Serve With Orange Glazed Carrots

I love to pair Orange Glazed Carrots with hearty sides like roasted pork loin, grilled chicken, seared steak, quinoa pilaf, creamy polenta, or a fresh green salad with a citrus dressing.

You can also pair these carrots with baked cod, a wild rice blend, or a savory spinach tart for a well-rounded meal.

How To Store Leftover Orange Glazed Carrots

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Orange Glazed Carrots in the fridge, first allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the carrots to an airtight container and refrigerate.

I highly suggest consuming them within 3 to 5 days for the best quality. Remember, keeping them in a glass container helps maintain freshness.

In The Freezer:

Unfortunately, freezing Orange Glazed Carrots is not recommended. The process significantly affects their texture, causing them to become mushy once thawed.

How To Reheat Leftover Orange Glazed Carrots

To reheat your leftover Orange Glazed Carrots, place them in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and cover them to steam lightly. Stir occasionally, and heat until they are thoroughly warmed through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Tomato Relish
• Slow Cooker 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Scones
• Slow Cooker Rosemary Bread