Maple roasted carrots have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re simple to prepare yet deliver a satisfying balance of sweetness and earthiness. I often make them as a side for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, where their caramelized edges and tender texture complement a variety of mains. The aroma of roasting carrots mingled with maple syrup fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that’s hard to resist. I appreciate how easy it is to customize this recipe with spices or herbs depending on the season or my mood.

Quick Facts

Why You’ll Love It

This maple roasted carrots recipe is a reliable way to bring out the natural sweetness of carrots with a touch of maple syrup. It’s straightforward, requires minimal ingredients, and yields tender, caramelized veggies every time.

• Reliable weeknight option
• Minimal ingredients
• Rich, crowd-pleasing flavor
• Scales well for guests

Ingredients

Gather these basic ingredients to make perfectly roasted carrots with a maple glaze. The combination of olive oil and maple syrup helps the carrots caramelize while staying tender.

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to roast the carrots evenly and develop a rich maple glaze. Roasting at a high temperature ensures caramelization without drying out the carrots.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then stir or flip the carrots to ensure even cooking.
5. Return to the oven and roast for another 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelized at the edges.
6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice if desired. Toss gently and serve warm.

Chef Tips

These tips will help you get the best texture and flavor from your maple roasted carrots every time.

• Cut carrots into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; give carrots space to roast rather than steam.
• Stir halfway through roasting to promote even caramelization.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley after roasting for a fresh finish.

Substitutions

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, here are some simple substitutions that won’t compromise flavor.

• Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
• Swap olive oil for melted butter or avocado oil.
• Fresh thyme can replace dried thyme or be omitted.
• Lemon juice can be replaced with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
• Carrots can be cut into coins or sticks depending on preference.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture, and reheat gently to avoid drying out the carrots.

• Keep roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving for best texture; oven reheating preserves caramelization.
• You can also serve cold or at room temperature in salads.

Perfect Pairings

Maple roasted carrots pair well with a variety of dishes and beverages, making them a versatile side.

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Grilled pork chops
• Quinoa or wild rice salad
• Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about making and serving maple roasted carrots.

Nutritional Note

This recipe provides a moderate amount of natural sugars from maple syrup and is low in fat, making it a flavorful vegetable side without excess calories.