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Home » Recipes » How To

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2024 by Angela Latimer · 2 Comments

How To Cook Canned Carrots

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Pin image showing canned cooked carrots in a bowl.

Here's how to cook canned carrots using a variety of different methods for a tasty, simple, and easy side dish. Not only will I show you how to cook them, but I give you the best tips to make these carrots taste great. Go ahead and stock up on canned carrots because this dish is super convenient and delicious.

Square image showing canned cooked carrots in a bowl.
Jump to:
  • Guide To Cooking Canned Carrots
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Cook Canned Carrots On The Stovetop
  • 🔪 Oven Instructions
  • 🔪 Microwave Instructions
  • 🔪 Slow Cooker Instructions
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing
  • ❓ Recipe FAQs
  • 🥕 Recipes Using Carrots
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Guide To Cooking Canned Carrots

I always like to keep a few cans of carrots in my pantry for those days when I just really don't want to put forth a ton of effort into cooking (I know we've all been there). They make a tasty side dish that I can whip up in just a few minutes, using ingredients that I always have on hand.

Plus, I never have to worry about them going bad as the cans can stay fresh for years. No matter how you look at it, canned carrots are definitely something you want to add to your grocery list.

🥘 Ingredients

The key to tasty canned carrots is adding a few extra ingredients. I'm going to use this ingredient list for all of the different cooking methods listed below.

Tall image showing ingredients needed.
  • Canned Carrots - One 14.5-ounce can of carrots. Choose your favorite brand. Be sure to drain fully.
  • Butter - 2 tablespoons of butter to add a rich flavor.
  • Brown Sugar - 2 tablespoons of either dark or light brown sugar. You could also swap this out for an equal amount of honey if you like.
  • Cinnamon - ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
  • Salt - A pinch of salt, to taste.

Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!

🔪 How To Cook Canned Carrots On The Stovetop

Preparing canned carrots on the stovetop only takes a few minutes, and the result is absolutely delicious.

Process image 1 showing melting butter with brown sugar.
Process image 2 showing melted butter with brown sugar.
Process image 3 showing melted butter with brown sugar.
Process image 4 showing added carrots.
  1. Drain. Drain a can of carrots and set them aside.
  2. Mix. In a skillet, mix together 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, and place it over medium heat.
  3. Heat. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble. Add in the carrots and cook, continuing to stir, for 2-3 minutes or until the carrots are well-coated and heated through.
  4. Serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately.

🔪 Oven Instructions

If you are already preparing your main dish in the oven, it might be easiest to just pop your carrots in right alongside it.

  1. Preheat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a small baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix. Add a can of drained carrots, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, s pinch of salt, and ½ cup of water to the baking dish and stir to combine.
  3. Bake. Bake for 15 minutes and then remove the baking dish from the oven.
  4. Serve. Stir well and let the carrots rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔪 Microwave Instructions

Using the microwave is always a great option if you want your carrots ready as soon as possible. Don't worry, they are still super tasty.

  1. Mix. In a microwave-safe bowl, add a can of carrots (drained), 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix to combine.
  2. Microwave. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute and then stir.
  3. Serve. Continue heating and stirring in 30-second bursts, until the carrots are heated to your liking.

🔪 Slow Cooker Instructions

Using a crockpot or slow cooker for your carrots is ideal for times when you would like them to stay warm longer. Additionally, this is a great option if you just want to set it and forget it (until you are ready to eat!)

  1. Drain. Drain a can of carrots and add them to a small 1-2 quart slow cooker.
  2. Mix. Add in 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup of water. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook. Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours before stirring well and serving.
Wide image showing canned cooked carrots in a bowl.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • You can add in a small sprinkle of nutmeg for some extra flavor.
  • Make sure to drain your canned carrots before using, regardless of the cooking method.
  • Feel free to swap the brown sugar out for honey if you like.

🥡 Storing

When unopened, canned carrots have a fantastic shelf life and will stay fresh for anywhere from 3-5 years! Once you open your carrots, however, they will need to be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 5 days.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

❓ Recipe FAQs

Are Canned Carrots Already Cooked?

Yep! Canned carrots are already cooked and soft. Therefore, your goal is to just heat them up and add some extra flavor! If you cook them too long, they could become mushy.

Are Canned Carrots As Good As Fresh Carrots?

Canned carrots are still just as nutritious as fresh ones (in fact, they could even be more nutritious!) Plus, they have a long shelf life and are super cheap!

How Long Do Canned Carrots Stay Good?

In the can, canned carrots can last for years. Once you open your carrots, you'll want to transfer them to a new container (rather than store them in the can) and keep them sealed and refrigerated. When stored properly, they can last for 4-5 days.

Tall image showing canned cooked carrots in a bowl.

🥕 Recipes Using Carrots

  • Air Fryer Carrots - These tasty carrots are ready to go in the air fryer!
  • Honey Glazed Carrots - A sweet carrot side dish that is kid-approved.
  • Buttered Peas & Carrots - Peas and carrots are a match made in Heaven!
  • Carrot Cake - Carrot cake is a classic cake topped with cream cheese frosting that everyone loves!
  • Microwave Carrots - A quick and easy way to enjoy some carrots using the microwave!
  • Skillet Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots - These sweet and delicious carrots are perfect for any day of the week!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card

Wide image showing canned cooked carrots in a bowl.
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5 from 26 reviews

How To Cook Canned Carrots

Here's how to cook canned carrots using a variety of different methods for a tasty, simple, and easy side dish! Not only will I show you how to cook them, but I'm going to give you the best tips to make these carrots taste great! Go ahead and stock up on canned carrots because this dish is super convenient and delicious!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 225kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 14.5 oz canned carrots
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt (to taste)
  • ½ cup water

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

In The Microwave

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the canned carrots (drained), butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to combine.
  • Heat in the microwave for 1 minute and then stir.
  • Continue heating and stirring in 30-second bursts, until the carrots are heated to your liking.

On The Stovetop

  • Drain your canned carrots and set them aside.
  • In a skillet, mix together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and place it over medium heat.
  • Stir frequently until the mixture begins to bubble. Add in the carrots and cook, continuing to stir, for 2-3 minutes or until the carrots are well-coated and heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately.

In The Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a small baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add your drained carrots, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and ½ cup of water to the baking dish and stir to combine.
  • Bake for 15 minutes and then remove the baking dish from the oven.
  • Stir well and let the carrots rest for 5 minutes before serving.

In A Crockpot

  • Drain your carrots and add them to a small 1-2 quart slow cooker.
  • Add in the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours before stirring well and serving.

Notes

  • You can add in a small sprinkle of nutmeg for some extra flavor!
  • Make sure to drain your canned carrots before using, regardless of the cooking method.
  • Feel free to swap the brown sugar out for honey if you like!

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal (11%) | Carbohydrates: 30g (10%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 12g (18%) | Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg (10%) | Sodium: 650mg (28%) | Potassium: 227mg (6%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 12g (13%) | Vitamin A: 12211IU (244%) | Vitamin C: 14mg (17%) | Calcium: 67mg (7%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
« How To Cook Canned Corn
How To Cook Canned Corned Beef Hash »

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    5 from 26 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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  1. Amanda L. Boyd says

    March 20, 2024 at 2:11 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great way to make a quick side dish!!!!!

    Reply
  2. Rick says

    June 29, 2023 at 8:46 am

    5 stars
    Perfect, just what I was looking for to turn boring canned carrots into a great side dish!

    Reply

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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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