Maple Glazed Carrots

There’s nothing quite like a side dish that’s both simple to make and absolutely bursting with flavor, and these Maple Glazed Carrots deliver just that. The first time I made these for my family, they couldn’t believe how something so basic could taste so delicious! The natural sweetness of the carrots paired with a buttery maple glaze and a touch of brown sugar creates a caramelized, fork-tender dish that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s the kind of side that works perfectly for a holiday spread or just an everyday dinner when you want something special but don’t have the time for anything complicated. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your home too!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs carrots, peeled and cut into evenly sized pieces (or use baby carrots)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the carrots: If using whole carrots, peel them and cut them into uniform pieces (about 2-3 inches long) so they cook evenly. Baby carrots can be used as-is.
3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Toss the carrots: Place the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pour the maple glaze over the carrots and toss to coat them evenly.
5. Roast the carrots: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are caramelized and fork-tender.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the carrots are out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme if using, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: Approximately 150 calories
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Sugar: 18g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a side dish alongside roast chicken, turkey, or ham for a perfect holiday or Sunday dinner.
• Pair with grilled steak or pork chops for a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
• Add them to a bowl of grain salad, like quinoa or farro, for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Serve as part of a veggie platter for a healthy, sweet-savory side.
• Pair with a creamy mashed potato or cauliflower dish for a comforting meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use baby carrots for convenience: Baby carrots save time on peeling and cutting, but regular carrots give a more rustic look and tend to caramelize better.
2. Line the pan: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent the maple syrup from burning on the pan.
3. Toss halfway through: For even caramelization, be sure to toss the carrots halfway through roasting so all sides get glazed and roasted.
4. Make it ahead: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
5. Customize the sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use only maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Maple Carrots: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple glaze for a hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Swap out the maple syrup for honey if that’s what you have on hand. It will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze before roasting for an earthy, herbaceous twist.
• Citrus Carrots: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the glaze and a bit of zest to brighten up the flavor.
• Crispy Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the carrots during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted chicken or turkey for a perfect holiday side dish.
• Serve alongside grilled salmon or roasted pork loin for a well-balanced dinner.
• Add to a grain bowl or quinoa salad for a pop of sweetness and color.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
• Pair with a hearty stew or pot roast for a comforting, slow-cooked meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these carrots, though they are best fresh. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to bring back their caramelized goodness.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Mixing bowl for preparing the glaze.
• Whisk to combine the butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar smoothly.
• Tongs or a spatula for tossing the carrots halfway through roasting.

FAQ

1. Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots? Absolutely! Just peel and slice regular carrots into evenly sized pieces, about 2-3 inches long, to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze and toss the carrots in it ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. The carrots are best served fresh out of the oven, though.
3. Can I substitute maple syrup with honey or agave? Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave for a different kind of sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different. Both options work wonderfully!
4. Can I make this recipe vegan? Definitely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter or a neutral oil like olive oil, and you’ve got yourself a vegan-friendly side dish.
5. What if my carrots are too soft or overcooked? If the carrots are overcooked, reduce the cooking time slightly next time. To save soft carrots, toss them in the oven on high heat for a few extra minutes to crisp them up again.

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