Roasted Carrots Recipe
Introduction
These Maple Carrots are a wonderfully sweet and savory side dish perfect for any meal. Roasted to tender perfection and glazed with a flavorful maple Dijon sauce, they offer a delicious way to enjoy carrots beyond the usual.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Prepare the carrots by peeling large ones and cutting them into even sticks. Leave baby or thin carrots whole if preferred.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss well to coat all the carrots evenly.
- Step 5: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding crowding for even roasting.
- Step 6: Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Roast an additional 5 minutes if you like a deeper color.
- Step 7: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh thyme if possible for a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well too.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, cozy twist.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to vary the nutty crunch in the garnish.
- If you prefer sweeter carrots, increase the maple syrup by a half tablespoon.
Storage
Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain their texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?
Fresh carrots are best for roasting because they hold their texture better. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before glazing and roasting to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese garnish or use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
PrintRoasted Carrots Recipe
Maple Carrots are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender roasted carrots coated in a flavorful maple Dijon glaze. Roasted to perfection with hints of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme, they’re finished with a garnish of fresh parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts for extra texture and depth of flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a healthy and vibrant accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
Maple Dijon Glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the carrots from sticking during roasting.
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel large carrots and cut them into evenly sized sticks to ensure even cooking. For baby or thin carrots, you can leave them whole as they will cook evenly without peeling.
- Make the Maple Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. This glaze imparts a beautiful caramelized flavor to the carrots when roasted.
- Coat the Carrots: Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple Dijon glaze over them. Toss carefully to coat each carrot stick evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast evenly and caramelize well.
- Roast the Carrots: Bake the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve even roasting. For a deeper caramelization and golden-brown color, roast an additional 5 minutes if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and toasted nuts to add brightness, creaminess, and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful side dish!
Notes
- Use baby carrots or thin carrots whole to save prep time; larger carrots should be cut for even cooking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and add a subtle heat; omit if you prefer no spice.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Keywords: Maple Carrots, Roasted Carrots, Maple Dijon Carrots, Side Dish, Healthy Carrots, Roasted Vegetables
