The magic of slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness of corn, perfectly complemented by rich cream cheese and butter in this Southern favorite. It’s an effortless side dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd during the holidays or looking for a warm, comforting side on a cool evening, this crock pot creamed corn is a timeless classic. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, BBQ, or even a casual weeknight dinner.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
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1 cup heavy cream
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4 oz cream cheese, cubed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
Directions:
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Add corn to a 4-6 quart crock pot.
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Pour in the heavy cream, then evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and butter on top.
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Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
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Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
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Stir the mixture well until the cream cheese and butter are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Serve warm directly from the slow cooker, or transfer to a serving dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high) | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Background of Sweet Glazed Crockpot Carrots
Sweet Glazed Crockpot Carrots are a timeless and comforting side dish that blends classic flavor with modern convenience. Rooted in home-cooking traditions, glazed carrots have long been a staple at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and especially on holiday tables like Thanksgiving and Easter. This slow cooker variation transforms a classic stovetop or oven-baked recipe into an easy, hands-off version that anyone can manage—even on the busiest of days.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. It uses basic pantry ingredients—carrots, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg—but the result is something extraordinary. Slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness of carrots, enhancing their flavor and allowing the brown sugar and spices to gently seep in over hours. The outcome is carrots that are incredibly tender and caramelized in a buttery glaze with just a hint of warm spice.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Have for Your Meal Planning
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served alongside hearty proteins like roasted chicken, pork loin, or even a holiday ham. It’s equally suited to a casual weeknight meal or a formal holiday spread. Because the ingredients are affordable and accessible, this dish makes for a budget-friendly side that doesn’t skimp on flavor or presentation.
For busy cooks or beginners in the kitchen, this is the perfect starter slow cooker recipe. Simply toss the ingredients into the pot, set the timer, and forget it until dinner is ready. There’s no babysitting a pot or oven—freeing up your time to focus on other dishes or activities.
Health Benefits of Carrots and Spices
Carrots are one of the most nutritious vegetables out there. They are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, immune function, and skin. Carrots also contain fiber, antioxidants, and several key vitamins and minerals including vitamin K1, potassium, and B6.
Though the brown sugar glaze adds sweetness, this recipe is still healthier than many other side dishes loaded with cream or cheese. The small amount of butter and sugar enhances the flavor while keeping it relatively light. Plus, adding cinnamon and nutmeg not only contributes depth of flavor, but these spices also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings
This dish has “holiday favorite” written all over it. It pairs well with turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and all the classic fixings of a festive meal. Guests of all ages—especially kids—will love the naturally sweet taste and soft texture.
It also scales well for large groups. You can easily double or triple the recipe in a large crockpot to serve at potlucks or family gatherings. Because it’s cooked and served straight from the slow cooker, you don’t have to worry about oven space or last-minute preparation—two things that are often in short supply during big events.
Why This Recipe is Better Than Roasted or Boiled Carrots
While roasted and boiled carrots are delicious in their own right, slow-cooked glazed carrots offer a unique advantage: time. The longer cooking time at a low temperature allows the carrots to slowly absorb the butter and sugar, creating a more intense flavor than quicker cooking methods can achieve. You end up with tender, melt-in-your-mouth carrots that are saturated in a warm, buttery glaze. Boiled carrots can often end up watery or bland, while roasted carrots may dry out. With the crockpot, you avoid both of these pitfalls.
Additionally, slow cooking allows for the most hands-off approach. There’s no need to preheat ovens or stir pots—simply prep, dump, and go.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the biggest challenges in feeding kids (or picky adults) is finding a vegetable side that they’ll actually enjoy. This is one recipe you can count on to win over even the most hesitant eaters. The sweetness of the glaze makes the carrots taste like a treat, without actually being a dessert. It’s a sneaky, wholesome way to get everyone eating their veggies.
Even better, the soft texture of the carrots makes them safe and easy to eat for toddlers or elderly family members who may have trouble chewing tougher vegetables. This makes the dish suitable for all ages, all dietary needs, and all taste preferences.
Budget-Friendly and Easy to Store
This recipe calls for only six main ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Baby carrots are often inexpensive and sold in large bags, making this an economical side dish that won’t break the bank.
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day. You can store them in the fridge for 3-4 days, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with just a splash of water. You can even freeze the glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to two months—perfect for planning ahead or saving extra for a future meal.
Tips for Best Results
To make this recipe even better, here are a few insider tips:
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Use fresh baby carrots: They’re uniform in size and cook evenly.
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Don’t skip the stirring: Stirring halfway through ensures that all carrots are evenly coated in glaze.
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Add a citrus twist: A touch of orange zest or a squeeze of fresh orange juice can brighten the glaze and add a bit of complexity.
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Make it vegan: Substitute plant-based butter to make this dish entirely vegan without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Sweet Glazed Crockpot Carrots are best served warm, sprinkled with a little fresh parsley or thyme for color. They pair beautifully with:
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Roast chicken, turkey, or ham
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Mashed potatoes or stuffing
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Macaroni and cheese
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Green beans or Brussels sprouts
For a vegetarian or vegan meal, serve them alongside quinoa or lentil loaf and a hearty grain salad.
Conclusion
Sweet Glazed Crockpot Carrots are the ultimate side dish—simple, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. They bring together the natural flavor of tender carrots with a buttery brown sugar glaze that’s subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The slow cooker makes this recipe effortlessly convenient, freeing up your hands and your oven for other dishes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, feeding a crowd, or just looking to add something special to your weekday meal plan, this dish delivers every time. Its universal appeal, minimal ingredients, and low-maintenance preparation make it a true go-to recipe for home cooks of any level. From picky eaters to health-conscious guests, everyone will find something to love in this sweet and savory side. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, double the batch for gatherings, and still have a comforting, wholesome dish that feels like home.