The beauty of these Sweet Glazed Crockpot Carrots lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. The slow cooking process allows the carrots to soak in the sweet buttery glaze, turning a humble vegetable into a standout side dish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning a holiday spread, this recipe fits the bill. The warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with brown sugar create a sweet-savory harmony that complements meats, grains, and other vegetables beautifully. It’s a comforting classic that never fails to impress, making it a must-have addition to your crockpot recipe collection.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs baby carrots
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Add the baby carrots to the bottom of your slow cooker.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
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Pour the brown sugar butter mixture over the carrots and stir gently to coat evenly.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the carrots are tender but not mushy.
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Stir once halfway through cooking, if possible.
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Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Southern Classic Made Simple
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is a staple in Southern homes and a beloved dish across generations. Its creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor bring nostalgia and warmth to any meal. Traditionally served at Sunday dinners, holiday feasts, and community gatherings, this recipe has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature. The slow cooker version enhances convenience without sacrificing any of the comforting qualities that make it a standout side dish.
While some versions are made on the stovetop, using a crock pot allows the ingredients to slowly meld together over several hours. This not only frees up stovetop space—especially useful during holidays—but also deepens the flavor as the corn absorbs the rich cream and buttery goodness. It’s the perfect example of a dish where minimal effort yields maximum flavor.
Why This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is the Best
What sets this recipe apart is the careful balance of creamy richness and natural sweetness. Using both heavy cream and cream cheese creates a velvety texture that coats each corn kernel without feeling overly heavy. The butter adds depth, and a touch of sugar can be included to boost the sweetness for a truly Southern flair.
Moreover, this version is extremely forgiving and versatile. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or even canned corn, the results are consistently delicious. It’s also practically foolproof—just dump the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work.
This recipe is also scalable. Feeding a crowd? Double it. Hosting a small family dinner? Halve it. It reheats beautifully and can even be frozen for later, making it a go-to make-ahead side.
Ingredients that Make a Difference
Each ingredient in this dish is chosen to contribute to its signature texture and flavor:
- Corn: The heart of the dish. Fresh corn off the cob adds unbeatable sweetness, but frozen corn is a convenient and tasty alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the dish its signature creaminess and a slightly tangy bite that enhances the overall flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and binds everything together in a luxurious sauce.
- Butter: Infuses the corn with a decadent, silky finish.
- Salt & Pepper: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Sugar: Optional, but a small amount can highlight the corn’s natural sweetness, especially if you’re using a less sweet variety.
Health and Comfort in One Bowl
While rich, this dish can actually be a healthier alternative to more processed sides. It’s free from preservatives, artificial thickeners, and excess sodium often found in canned creamed corn. You can also easily tweak the recipe to meet your dietary needs. Want to make it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or a light cream cheese. Need it dairy-free? Sub in coconut milk and vegan butter and cream cheese—surprisingly, the flavor holds up beautifully.
Corn is also a good source of fiber, antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (great for eye health), and essential vitamins such as B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C. So while this dish feels indulgent, it’s not without nutritional value.
Perfect Pairings
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn shines as a side dish to a variety of main courses. It’s traditionally served alongside Southern-style meats like smoked brisket, roasted chicken, fried catfish, or pulled pork. But it’s also right at home with more contemporary dishes like grilled tofu, veggie burgers, or roasted portobello mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Add it to a holiday spread and it holds its own against classics like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. It’s also a favorite for potlucks and barbecues—easy to transport and a guaranteed hit.
Make It Your Own
Though perfect as-is, this recipe is incredibly adaptable:
- Add a Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Make It Cheesy: Mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb It Up: Fresh thyme, parsley, or chives add a nice brightness and balance out the richness.
- Sweet Meets Savory: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweet and savory contrast.
Effortless Cooking for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its ease. It’s truly a dump-and-go meal—ideal for busy parents, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants a no-fuss dish with great payoff. Hosting Thanksgiving or a Sunday roast? Toss it in the crock pot in the morning and focus on your other dishes while this beauty cooks itself to perfection.
Slow cookers are also known for their energy efficiency, which makes this method not only delicious but eco-friendly and cost-effective. It’s a win-win.
Tips for Creamy Perfection
Here are a few expert tips to make sure your creamed corn turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Over-Stir: While it may be tempting to stir often, it’s best to let the ingredients melt and combine on their own for at least the first two hours.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest result, opt for full-fat cream and cream cheese. Lower-fat alternatives will work but may not give the same rich finish.
- Let It Rest: Once cooked, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving allows it to thicken naturally and develop deeper flavor.
A Must-Have for the Holidays and Beyond
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn isn’t just a seasonal side—it’s a year-round favorite. While it’s practically mandatory on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table, it’s just as fitting for a summer BBQ or a cozy winter dinner. Its versatility and comforting nature make it one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Its aroma alone is enough to bring people into the kitchen. And once they take a bite, the creamy texture and savory-sweet flavor will win them over for good.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this slow cooker creamed corn is a recipe that delivers every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can serve a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. There’s a reason this dish has been passed down in Southern kitchens for generations—it’s comfort food at its finest. So go ahead, add this timeless classic to your collection. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you.