Why the Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots Is Great Crockpot Recipe
While many side dishes can be a hassle to prepare, I find that Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots stand out as a simple and delicious option.
This recipe lets my slow cooker do all the work, freeing up my time for other tasks. The combination of bright orange marmalade and buttery goodness creates a delightful glaze that elevates the sweet carrots.
Plus, I love how the flavors develop over hours of cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I can serve it with almost any main dish.
Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation!
Ingredients of Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots
Making Crockpot Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots is a delightful experience that begins with gathering some tasty ingredients. You won’t need a ton of complicated stuff here, just some simple items that you might even have on hand. The star of the show is the sweet orange marmalade, which adds a unique twist to the humble carrot.
Let’s plunge into what you need for this easy-peasy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 (1 lb) bags of young fresh baby carrots
- 1 (10 ounce) jar of orange marmalade
- 8 tablespoons of butter (that’s 1 stick for those keeping track)
Now that we’ve got the ingredients lined up, let’s chat about them for a second. First off, when it comes to baby carrots, try to get fresh ones if you can. They tend to have a better texture and flavor than some of those pre-packaged ones that have been sitting around.
Plus, you’ll want to make sure your orange marmalade is of good quality since it really brings that sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. And butter? Well, it’s butter. I mean, what’s not to love? It adds that rich, creamy texture that makes everything better.
Just remember, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative if you’re looking to keep things dairy-free. But, let’s be honest, butter is the secret ingredient to happiness in any kitchen, right?
How to Make Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots
Alright, let’s plunge into the fun part—making those luscious Crockpot Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots.
First things first, grab your 3 (1 lb) bags of young fresh baby carrots. If you’re like me, you might just want to eat a handful of them raw right now. They’re so crunchy and sweet. But resist the urge, because we’ve a delicious plan in mind. Rinse them off to get rid of any dirt, and then toss them straight into your 3-1/2 or 4-quart crockpot. Just pile them in there; they’re going to cook down beautifully.
Next up, it’s time to add our star ingredient—the 10-ounce jar of orange marmalade. Just imagine that sweet, tangy goodness enveloping the carrots. It’s like a party in a jar. Scoop it out with a spoon and spread it evenly over the carrots.
And don’t forget the 8 tablespoons of butter—yes, that’s a whole stick, and yes, it’s going to make everything so deliciously rich. You’ll want to cut the butter into chunks and scatter them around the carrots and marmalade. It’s okay if it looks a bit messy; we’re all friends here, and messes can lead to magic in the kitchen.
Once everything is in the crockpot, cover it up and set it to low heat for about 5 to 6 hours. You can go about your day, maybe get some laundry done, or just kick back and relax. The smell wafting through your home will be enough to make you feel like a gourmet chef.
Halfway through, give it a gentle stir to mix everything around—this is where the magic really starts to happen. By the time the cooking time is up, you’ll have sweet, glazed carrots that are tender and bursting with flavor. Serve them up, and watch everyone come back for seconds, or even thirds. You might just find yourself feeling like a culinary rockstar.
Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
If you’re looking to enjoy Crockpot Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots while keeping it low carb, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations you can try.
Instead of orange marmalade, use sugar-free orange preserves or a homemade low-carb orange sauce made with fresh orange juice and a low-carb sweetener.
For a buttery flavor without the carbs, you can replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
You can also mix in other low-carb veggies like zucchini or cauliflower for a colorful twist.
Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Crockpot Orange Glazed Carrots
Wondering what to pair with your Crockpot Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots? I love serving these sweet and savory carrots alongside roasted chicken or glazed ham.
The vibrant flavors complement each other perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, grilled salmon works beautifully too.
For a vegetarian option, consider pairing them with a hearty quinoa salad or stuffed bell peppers.
Don’t forget a side of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious glaze!
Finally, a fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the meal.
Enjoy creating a colorful, flavorful plate that’ll impress everyone!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
While enjoying the delicious flavors of Crockpot Orange Marmalade Glazed Carrots, I often look for ways to lighten the dish without sacrificing taste.
One simple swap is to reduce the butter; I use just 4 tablespoons instead of 8. You can also substitute a low-sugar or sugar-free orange marmalade, which cuts calories considerably.
Another tip is to add more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to bulk up the dish without adding calories.
Finally, consider using a light sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost without extra calories. Enjoy these tasty tweaks!