These sweet maple glazed carrots are a delight on any plate! With just a touch of maple syrup, they become tender and delicious, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Honestly, who knew veggies could taste so good? I love serving these with any meal—they add a splash of color and sweetness that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are the star of the dish! If you can’t find baby carrots, sliced regular carrots work well too. Just make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: This adds a rich flavor. You can substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free spread for a vegan option. Both will still provide great taste.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or honey (if not vegan) can work, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme brings a wonderful touch of freshness. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used; just remember to use less, as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Carrots Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and caramelizes the surface. To achieve perfect roasted carrots, follow these steps:
- Make sure your carrots are cut or sized uniformly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish! Give them space to roast and caramelize rather than steam.
- Turn the carrots halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly on all sides, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Check for tenderness with a fork. They should be soft but still hold their shape; about 25-30 minutes in the oven should do the trick!
How to Make Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or peeled regular carrots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to roast. In total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes to have a delicious side dish ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast the carrots!
2. Prepare the Carrots:
Next, take your baby carrots and place them in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. If you’re using regular carrots, make sure they’re peeled and cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Make the Maple Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the pure maple syrup until the two are well combined. This mixture will add a wonderful sweetness to the carrots!
4. Coat the Carrots:
Pour the maple-butter mixture evenly over the carrots. Use your hands or a spoon to toss them around gently, making sure every carrot gets a nice coating of that sweet goodness.
5. Season the Carrots:
Sprinkle the carrots with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This adds a bit of savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the maple.
6. Roast the Carrots:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking so they caramelize evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have a nice, golden color!
7. Serve Them Up:
Once done, take the carrots out of the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt and add some fresh thyme leaves for garnish. This makes your dish look fancy!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm, sweet and savory maple glazed carrots as a delightful side for any meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Carrots?
Absolutely! You can try using parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different vegetables may require more or less time to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or a light olive oil. The maple syrup is vegan-friendly, so you’re good to go!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Add Other Spices or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist or sprinkle some nuts for added crunch.