Caramelized at high heat, Maple-Roasted Carrots turn this everyday veggie into an irresistible side!
While maple syrup gets plenty of props at breakfast, it’s actually a fantastic ingredient for recipes that have nothing to do with pancakes or waffles. Besides using it in baked goods like muffins or biscuits, it marries well with savory foods like ham, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and even carrots. While carrots have a natural sweetness, the maple syrup amplifies it.
But the maple syrup does more than just add sweetness. When roasted at a high heat, the syrup caramelizes the carrots, giving them a gorgeous glaze. Even better, it’s an effortless way to cook a side dish, allowing you to focus on your main course. The finished product is sweet, salty, and incredibly tasty!
Maple-roasted carrots may just become a regular rotation in your weeknight dinners. You will love the simple ingredient list, easy prep, and hands-off cooking time. And if you have little ones, roasting veggies is a great way to get them to eat the rainbow: the texture is soft but not mushy, and the flavors really pop. And while this recipe gives off fall vibes, I enjoy making these carrots any time of year—try it tonight!
Pure maple syrup—it’s worth it!
When you’re at the supermarket looking at the options for maple syrup, it might be tempting to grab one of the cheaper varieties like Mrs. Butterworth’s. These large plastic containers are actually maple-flavored corn syrup, however! Especially in savory recipes like this one, it’s worth it to spend a little more and buy 100% pure maple syrup. Real maple syrup is more expensive because it’s labor-intensive to make. But the taste and texture are worth it! The rich, caramel flavor and thin texture make a big difference in recipes like maple-roasted carrots.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, either microwave until warm or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
You can also freeze the maple-roasted carrots. Place them in a single layer inside a resealable freezer bag, then lay it flat in your freezer. They will keep up to 5 months this way. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating using the above instructions.
Serving suggestions
Serve maple-roasted carrots as a side dish to any number of tasty mains. For instance, they go well with Slow-Cooker Pork Loin or Air-Fryer Salmon—both bring a deliciously savory contrast to the sweet carrots. Not a meat eater? No problem. Pair the carrots with vegetarian mains like this Parmesan-sprinkled Parisian Gnocchi or a creamy Crock-Pot Mac And Cheese.
Additionally, there are a few variations to consider with maple-roasted carrots. Swap out the olive oil with an equal amount of melted butter for a richer flavor, or add some heat with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper!
Maple-Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots washed, peeled, and cut into even pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the cut carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Remove the carrots from the oven, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
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