These Crockpot Carrots are simmered in tangy bbq sauce and are mouthwateringly delicious. They are perfect for holidays, game days, birthday parties, and even family dinners. Be forewarned, they’re super addictive!
Savory and full of flavor, these bbq little smokie carrots are easy to make and a big crowd-pleaser. I would even say, pair them with some mashed potatoes and a salad and call it dinner!
You’re going to love these vegan lil smokies because they’re…
- Tangy
- Smokey
- Crockpot-compatible
- Perfect for holidays and other gatherings
- Crowd-pleasing
- Super easy to make
- Simply delicious!
Baby carrot recipe inspiration
Coming up with this baby carrot recipe was a no-brainer, and I knew I wanted to do it since back in the summer when I first published my Grilled Carrot Dogs recipe.
I shared in the carrot dog post that, though I LOVE raw carrots, I’ve never been a big fan of cooked carrots. I like them fine in some recipes like stir-fries where they are still a bit crispy but to eat just cooked carrots regularly, no thank you.
However, that was before I discovered carrot dogs. While trying those out and coming up with an amazing marinade for the carrots, my opinion about cooked carrots changed. It’s seriously all in the marinade, and this will be one of the best baby carrot recipes you’ve ever tried.
Immediately, when I was working on the carrot dog recipe, I realized the marinade (inspired by Kid-Tested Firefighter Approved and Pass the Plants) had the potential to turn little carrots into baby bbq carrots, and I got really excited. I made myself a note to come up with something for bbq crockpot carrots that would be perfect as an appetizer for the holidays and game days, and it really worked.
These little bbq carrots are going to rock your world…and your party!
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How to make slow cooker carrots
There are two cooking steps to this recipe. The first one is for marinating the carrots to get that warm smokey flavor locked in, and the second cooking step is to allow the tangy-sweet bbq sauce flavor to penetrate and surround the carrots.
The first step is to make the amazing marinade, which is super simple. Just add all the marinade ingredients to a crockpot and whisk together well. Do NOT add bbq sauce at this point.
Next, place 1 lb of baby carrots in the crockpot or slow cooker with the marinade and set to high. Allow them to cook for 1-1/2 hours stirring once in a while to coat well.
Drain off marinade and save for other recipes such as carrot dogs. This marinade also freezes well.
Lastly, add your favorite bbq sauce and allow carrots to cook on high for another 4-5 hours. A terrific store-bought, no-oil bbq sauce is Bone Suckin’ Sauce. If you would like to make your own, I have a great recipe for you to try called Healthy BBQ Sauce.
You want the finished carrots to be tender but not mushy. Some crockpots may require a little longer, especially if you’re making a double batch.
Once the desired tenderness is achieved, serve and enjoy!
RECIPE CARD BELOW
Tips for making slow cooker carrots
- I used a 2-quart crockpot and it was a perfect size. If you’re making a double batch, this size would also work. Even a 3-quart crockpot or slow cooker will work just fine.
- I highly recommend that, after draining off the marinade, you freeze it for later use with other batches or with my grilled carrot dogs. It freezes well.
- I was very surprised that little baby carrots took so long to get tender during the cooking process. It really does take time, and not all crockpots are the same.
- Make sure to cook them until they are tender but not mushy. I made 3 different batches before writing this article, and it took 1-1/2 hours in the marinade, plus 4-5 hours (depending on if you’re making a single or double batch) in the bbq cooking stage.
- These can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Freezing should be no problem either.
- A LOT of people have asked about InstantPot instructions, and this is what one follower said, ” Here’s the verdict: they were fabulous! I just used the slow cooker option on my IP and the times you mentioned were perfect! Thanks so much for the recipe!” If they are still a little too firm, bring them to high pressure for one minute at the end of the slow cooking time for the perfect tenderness.
Other healthy appetizers
- Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Loaded Potato Skins
- Baked Blooming Onion
- 6 Oil-Free Hummus Recipes
If you make this recipe, please consider RATING it and leaving a COMMENT below. I love hearing from you. And remember, SHARING IS CARING!
Crockpot Carrots: BBQ Lil Smokies
These Crockpot Carrots are simmered in tangy bbq sauce and mouthwateringly delicious. They are perfect for holidays, game days, birthday parties, and even family dinners. Be forewarned, they are super addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- ¼ cup veggie broth
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce (other options tamari or amino acids)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- ¼ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup bbq sauce, suggestions listed below
Instructions
- Begin by making the marinade. Add marinade ingredients to a crockpot and whisk together well. Do NOT add bbq sauce at this point.
- Place carrots in the crockpot or slow cooker with the marinade and set to high. Allow to cook for 1-1/2 hours stirring once in a while to coat well.
- Drain off marinade and save for other recipes such as carrot dogs. This marinade also freezes well.
- Add bbq sauce and allow carrots to cook on high for another 4-5 hours. A terrific store-bought, no-oil bbq sauce is Bone Suckin’ Sauce. If you would like to make your own, I have a great recipe for you to try called Healthy BBQ Sauce.
- You will want the finished carrots to be tender but not mushy. Some crockpots may require a little longer, especially if you’re making a double batch.
- Once desired tenderness is achieved serve and enjoy!
Notes
A LOT of people have asked about InstantPot instructions, and this is what one follower said, " Here’s the verdict: they were fabulous! I just used the slow cooker option on my IP and the times you mentioned were perfect! Thanks so much for the recipe!" If they are still a little too firm, bring them to high pressure for one minute at the end of the slow cooking time for the perfect tenderness.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 servings Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 1gCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 3gProtein: 3g
