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**Put Butter Pats Over Carrots in Slow Cooker & Get a Tasty Side Dish in No Time!**
Looking for an easy, hassle-free way to prepare a delicious and nutritious side dish? Say hello to your new favorite method of cooking carrots in the slow cooker! This simple, no-fuss recipe delivers tender, flavorful carrots in just a few hours—without needing much hands-on time. The trick? Just put **butter pats over the carrots** and let the slow cooker work its magic. It’s an effortless side dish that pairs well with nearly any main course.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, holiday meal, or even a weeknight treat, these slow-cooked carrots are a total game-changer. The butter infuses the carrots with a rich, velvety flavor, and the slow cooker ensures they come out perfectly tender every time.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Minimal Prep**: Just chop and place the carrots in the slow cooker, then add butter. That’s it!
– **Hands-off Cooking**: The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
– **Flavorful and Tender**: The slow cooker allows the butter to melt evenly over the carrots, creating a rich and satisfying flavor that penetrates every bite.
– **Versatile**: This recipe pairs with virtually any main course, from roasted chicken to steak to a vegetarian meal.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
– **2 lbs baby carrots** (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
– **1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter**, cut into pats
– **1/4 cup brown sugar** (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/4 teaspoon garlic powder** (optional, for a savory kick)
– **Fresh herbs** (optional, such as thyme or rosemary for garnish)
### Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Buttered Carrots
1. **Prepare the Carrots**
Start by rinsing the carrots and peeling them (if using regular carrots). Baby carrots are a great choice for this recipe as they cook faster and require little prep work. If using regular carrots, cut them into **2-inch pieces** to ensure even cooking.
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#### 2. **Layer the Carrots in the Slow Cooker**
Place the prepared carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out evenly for an even cook. If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you might want to layer them slightly, but try to avoid overcrowding them to ensure proper cooking.
#### 3. **Add the Butter**
Cut the **unsalted butter** into pats (small pieces) and evenly distribute them over the carrots. This will allow the butter to melt uniformly and coat the carrots in delicious richness. The slow cooker will help the butter infuse every bite, so you won’t need to stir it.
#### 4. **Season the Carrots**
Sprinkle the carrots with **salt**, **pepper**, and **garlic powder** (if using). If you like a touch of sweetness, you can also add the **brown sugar** at this point. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize, adding a delightful sweetness to the carrots.
#### 5. **Cook the Carrots**
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on **low** for about **4 to 5 hours**. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can cook them on **high** for **2 to 3 hours**. The carrots will be perfectly tender when done, absorbing all the buttery goodness along the way.
#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the carrots are done, give them a quick taste to see if they need additional seasoning. If desired, sprinkle some **fresh herbs** such as **thyme** or **rosemary** over the top for added flavor and a touch of elegance. The warm, tender carrots are ready to serve as a side dish to any meal!
### Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Carrots
– **Size Matters**: Try to cut your carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you’re using baby carrots, they usually cook well as is, but slicing them in half lengthwise can speed up the cooking time a bit.
– **Make Ahead**: This dish is great for making ahead! You can prep it in the morning, set your slow cooker on low, and have perfectly cooked carrots by dinnertime. If you have leftovers, they can easily be reheated.
– **Add a Twist**: For a different flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of **cinnamon** or a drizzle of **honey** in place of the brown sugar. You could also swap the butter for **olive oil** for a lighter version.
– **Vegan Version**: To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like **vegan butter** or **olive oil**. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
### Why This Recipe Works So Well
Cooking carrots in the slow cooker allows them to soak up all the butter and seasonings over time, making them incredibly flavorful. The slow cooking process also helps break down the fibers in the carrots, resulting in a **tender** and **melt-in-your-mouth texture**. Plus, it’s almost impossible to overcook them in the slow cooker, which means yo
