Crockpot Carrots: BBQ Lil Smokies
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!
These barbecue baby carrots make the perfect appetizer for parties and game days because they’re easy to prepare, packed with tangy flavor, and offer a healthier, crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional snacks. Their slow-cooked tenderness and smoky barbecue taste will have everyone coming back for more!
Sometimes, I even like to pair them with some creamy vegan mashed potatoes and dairy-free broccoli salad and call it dinner!
We have some other great vegan party snacks and appetizers on this website my vegan cashew cheese ball, this homemade butter-free party mix, and my ultimate vegan charcuterie board.
Reasons you will love this appetizer
- Deliciously Tender: Slow-cooked to perfection, these carrots soak up all the rich barbecue flavors, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy and Flavorful: These BBQ carrots offer a nutritious alternative to heavier sides, packed with vitamins and fiber, all while delivering a smoky, tangy taste that satisfies your cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or just looking for an easy weeknight side, these slow-cooked barbecue carrots are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Baby carrot recipe inspiration
Coming up with this baby carrot recipe was a no-brainer, and I knew I wanted to do it back in the summer when I first published my Grilled Carrot Dogs recipe.
I shared in the carrot dog recipe 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 PCRM’s Carrot Dog Recipe. 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!
Tips & Suggestions
- Crockpot Size: 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.
- Save the Marinade: 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.
- Cooking Process: 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.
- Cooking Time: 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.
How to make slow cooker BBQ carrots
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
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.
STEP #1: 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.
Step #2: 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.
STEP #3: Drain off the marinade and save for other recipes such as carrot dogs. This marinade also freezes well.
STEP #4: 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.
STEP #5: 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!
Instant Pot cooking method
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!”
You will still need to marinate them first. Then, set your Instant Pot to the slow cooker setting and the time should be 4-5 hours.
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.
Stovetop cooking method
Though I haven’t tried it myself, I would suggest doing the first step above for marinating cook time on the stovetop on low and covered in a pot for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on it though.
Next, drain off the marinade and transfer the carrots to a baking dish. Add BBQ sauce and bake covered at 300°F for about 2 hours. Check to see if they are tender. \They may need more time, so let them continue cooking until they reach the desired consistency. My guess is that it will take between 2-3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes, regular carrots will work too. If they are thicker, I suggest allowing them to cook longer until they are tender.
Yes, previously frozen carrots should be just fine to use in this recipe.
These can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Freezing should be no problem either.
If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!
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Crockpot Carrots: BBQ Lil Smokies
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 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon 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!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
Do you think this recipe would work well with regular carrots cut the same length as baby carrots? I know they would be a little thicker, depending on the size of the carrot…
Amelia- Yes, regular carrots will work too. If they are thicker, I suggest allowing them to cook longer until they are tender.
Looks like there is honey in the Bone Suckin bbq sauce. Just an fyi for people who don’t use it.
Appreciate the honey heads up on Bone Suckin BBQ Sauce.
Are you sure the nutrition information is correct–it says serving size one and calories 152?
Hi April- A serving size is approximately 5-6 baby carrots.
Hi, first I love your recipes. Thank you! For this recipe what do you think about using frozen carrots. I bought too many and had to freeze some. I hope to use them up and this recipe sounds great! Thanks
Hi Robyn- I think frozen carrots should work just fine with this recipe. I’d love to hear if you give it a try.
Can’t wait to try these! Will you translate the liquid smoke amount? Is it 1-1/2 teaspoons? TIA!
Oops! Thanks for bringing that typo to my attention. You guessed right, the liquid smoke measurement is 1-1/2 tsp. Hope you enjoy these like we do!
I have a 6qt crock pot. Is that OK for this recipe or would I have quadruple? Thanks they soubd delicious.
I think the 6-quart crockpot will work. It will feel like there isn’t much in it, but it should be just fine.
Looks delish! Can these be stored in fridge or freezer and reheated?
They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. I have some in the freezer right now. Though I haven’t defrosted them to try, I’m confident they will do great after thawed. Hope you enjoy them!
No crockpot, stovetop perhaps?
Hmmm. That’s a good question, and I haven’t tried it myself. I think I would suggest doing the marinating cook time on the stovetop on low and covered in a pot for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on it though. Next, drain off the marinade and transfer the carrots to a baking dish. Add bbq sauce and bake covered on 300 for about 2 hours. Check to see if they are tender. They may need more time, so let them continue cooking until desired consistency. My guess is that it will take between 2-3 hours. If you give this a try, I would love to know the exact cooking time to add as another cooking option.
Have you tried to do this in an instant pot?
This recipe looks super delish!
I am sure they can be made in an Instantpot. The only thing I think might be an issue with an InstantPot is the marinating stage. Allowing them to cook slowly in the marinade is what really soaks in that smokey flavor in the beginning, so I’m not sure how well they would do if it’s sped up. If you decide to give it a try, I would love to be able to add that information to the post.