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Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Maple glazed roasted carrots are tender, caramelized and simple to cook, perfect for quick weeknight sides or elegant holiday meals.
Maple-glazed roasted carrots are a contemporary side dish that pairs fresh whole or sliced carrots with a light coating of pure maple syrup, a touch of fat such as olive oil or melted butter, and seasonings like sea salt, cracked black pepper, and optional herbs for aroma. Roasting at high heat concentrates the carrots’ natural sugars while the maple syrup caramelizes, creating a glossy, sweet-savory finish with subtle earthy notes. Frequently finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, parsley, or toasted nuts for texture, this colorful preparation serves as a versatile accompaniment to roasted poultry, grilled meats, or vegetarian mains. Its balance of flavor and ease of preparation make it popular for everyday weeknight dinners as well as festive holiday spreads, particularly during autumn and winter when root vegetables are at their peak.
Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
Ready in less than an hour with just a handful of pantry staples, these carrots slip effortlessly into busy weeknight routines. The gentle maple sweetness helps win over veggie-skeptical eaters, and leftovers stay vibrant for meal-prep bowls or next-day salads.
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
50 minutes
Ingredients
Carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise 2 lb
- Pure maple syrup 3 tbsp
- Extra-virgin olive oil 1½ tbsp
- Unsalted butter, melted 1 tbsp
- Kosher salt ¾ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp
- Fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp (optional)
- Ground cinnamon pinch (optional)
- Crushed red-pepper flakes pinch (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
- Wash the carrots under cold running water
- Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler
- Trim the tops and tips from the carrots
- Cut the carrots into uniform sticks or leave them whole if thin
- Place the prepared carrots on the lined baking sheet
- Drizzle the carrots with olive oil
- Sprinkle the carrots with kosher salt
- Sprinkle the carrots with freshly ground black pepper
- Toss the carrots until every piece is lightly coated
- Spread the carrots out into a single even layer
- Slide the baking sheet onto the center oven rack
- Roast the carrots for 20 minutes
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat
- Stir the maple syrup into the melted butter
- Stir ground cinnamon into the maple butter mixture if using
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven
- Pour the warm maple glaze over the partially roasted carrots
- Toss the carrots gently to coat them in the glaze
- Return the baking sheet to the oven
- Roast the carrots for another 10 to 15 minutes until tender and caramelized
- Turn the carrots once halfway through the final roasting time
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish
- Sprinkle the carrots with chopped fresh parsley if desired
- Serve the maple glazed roasted carrots while hot
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
810 kcal Protein
9 g Fat
34 g Carbs
128 g Fiber
26 g Sugar
79 g
810 kcal Protein
9 g Fat
34 g Carbs
128 g Fiber
26 g Sugar
79 g
Notes
Slide the empty sheet pan into the oven as it preheats; starting the carrots on a hot surface jump-starts caramelization and keeps them from steaming. For a sweet-smoky twist, whisk a pinch of smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper into the maple glaze before roasting.
why this recipe
Few side dishes marry simplicity and sophistication quite like maple glazed roasted carrots; as the high heat coaxes out the vegetable’s natural sugars, a drizzle of real maple syrup deepens the caramelization, creating a silky sheen and nuanced sweetness that feels both comforting and elevated. Hints of warm spice and a whisper of fresh herbs add layers of aroma, while the contrast between tender centers and lightly crisp edges keeps each bite engaging. Ready in under half an hour with minimal prep, this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy accompaniment that complements everything from roasted poultry to plant-based mains—and its gorgeous jewel-tone presentation never fails to brighten the table.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute honey for the maple syrup in this recipe?
Yes—honey can replace the maple syrup in an equal amount, but because honey is a bit thicker and browns faster, watch the carrots during the final 10–15 minutes so the glaze doesn’t scorch. If your honey is very thick, warm it briefly or thin with a teaspoon of water to help it coat the carrots evenly.
How should I store and reheat leftover maple-glazed roasted carrots to maintain their caramelized texture?
Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate them in a shallow, airtight container for up to 4 days. To revive the glaze’s slight crispness, spread the carrots on a parchment-lined sheet and reheat in a 375–400 °F oven for about 8–10 minutes (or sear briefly in a hot skillet); avoid microwaving, which makes the coating tacky and the carrots limp.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply swap the 1 tbsp of melted butter for an equal amount of olive oil, avocado oil, or a good-quality vegan butter, and be sure your maple syrup is certified vegan. All other ingredients are plant-based, so the rest of the method remains exactly the same.