When it comes to delightful side dishes, Maple Roasted Carrots stand out as a perfect blend of sweetness and earthiness. The natural sugars in carrots caramelize beautifully when roasted, making them irresistibly tender and flavorful. Drizzled with maple syrup, they turn into a deliciously glossy treat that appeals to both the eyes and the palate.
Moreover, these sweet carrot sticks can elevate any meal, from simple weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With their vibrant color and satisfying crunch, caramelized carrots bathed in maple syrup bring warmth and comfort to the table. Discover how easy it is to create this enchanting dish that will undoubtedly become a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Maple Roasted Carrots?
Maple roasted carrots are a delicious and visually appealing side dish that elevates any meal with their natural sweetness and vibrant color. The combination of caramelized edges and tender centers creates a delightful texture, making them a crowd-pleaser during both everyday dinners and special occasions. By drizzling these root vegetables with pure maple syrup, you introduce a rich, earthy flavor that complements their inherent qualities wonderfully.
Additionally, these delightful carrots can be paired beautifully with other roasted vegetables, such as in a recipe for delicious roasted autumn vegetables. This allows you to create a harmonious and savory dish that appeals not only to your taste buds but also to your nutritional needs. Packed with vitamins and minerals, maple roasted carrots offer both health benefits and culinary satisfaction while being easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Maple Roasted Carrots:
For a delightful serving of Maple Roasted Carrots, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds (1.4 kg) skinny carrots (about 5 bunches)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons organic brown sugar
- ¼ cup (72g) maple syrup
- 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard (regular or coarse ground)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 garlic cloves, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- ½ teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 1 large handful Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for finishing touches
This savory dish is perfect for gatherings and can be paired beautifully with other roasted vegetables, such as in delicious roasted autumn vegetable recipes. It brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savory, elevating any meal.
How to Prepare:
To create delicious Maple Roasted Carrots, start by preheating your oven to 425ºF (218ºC). Prepare two sheet pans lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scrub 3 pounds of skinny carrots thoroughly, leaving the skin intact for added texture and flavor. If the carrots are thicker at the top, halve them lengthwise into quarters, keeping the smaller ends whole.
Next, divide them onto the sheet pans and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper; toss to coat evenly. Roast the carrots for about 30 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. While they roast, combine melted vegan butter, 1 ½ tablespoons organic brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, and other glaze ingredients in a bowl. After the initial roasting, pour the glaze over the carrots and continue roasting for another 10 minutes.
For a different take, check out this maple-glazed carrot and parsnip bake. For complete details on this Maple Roasted Carrots recipe, visit Stillwood Kitchen.
Serving Suggestions for Maple Roasted Carrots:
Maple roasted carrots pair wonderfully with various dishes, elevating any meal with their sweet and savory flavors. To enjoy these delightful carrots as part of a balanced meal, consider serving them alongside protein options like grilled chicken or roasted pork. The sweetness of the carrots complements the savory notes of meat dishes beautifully.
For a vegetarian option, serve the roasted carrots with a hearty grain bowl or as part of a delicious roasted veggie power bowl, featuring quinoa or brown rice topped with seasonal vegetables. Their vibrant orange hue adds a pop of color and flavor to any plate.
Moreover, these sweet carrots also shine when combined with other roasted vegetables. Think of the harmony they create when served with garlic butter roasted green beans or even creamy ziti with roasted garlic cream sauce. For a complete meal, this combination will impress family and friends alike! Don’t forget to check out some related recipes such as Honey Roasted Carrots for more inspiration.
Nutritional Benefits of Maple Roasted Carrots:
Maple roasted carrots offer an array of nutritional advantages that can enhance your diet. Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin supports eye health, boosts immune function, and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, the natural sweetness of maple syrup not only enhances flavor but also provides antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Incorporating maple roasted carrots into your meals can be a delicious way to increase vegetable intake. They pair beautifully with other roasted dishes, such as honey-roasted carrots, making for a colorful and nutritious side. Furthermore, this dish has a low calorie count while delivering essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamin K, which support heart health and digestion. Overall, maple roasted carrots not only taste fantastic but also offer numerous health benefits for a vibrant lifestyle.
Storage Tips for Maple Roasted Carrots:
To properly store your delicious maple roasted carrots, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them—this keeps their vibrant flavor intact. If you’re interested in other carrot-based dishes, try honey roasted carrots, perfect for side dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the health benefits of Maple Roasted Carrots?
Maple roasted carrots are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Carrots are rich in vitamins such as vitamin A and antioxidants, promoting eye health and boosting the immune system. The addition of maple syrup adds a natural sweetness while providing minerals like manganese and zinc.
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, baby carrots are a great option for maple roasted carrots. They cook faster and retain their sweetness, making them convenient for quick meals. Just remember to adjust the roasting time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
How do I store leftovers of Maple Roasted Carrots?
To store leftovers, allow the maple roasted carrots to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to enhance your maple roasted carrots by adding vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. For an ideal combination, you might consider trying something like a Maple Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Bake for variety.
What can I serve with Maple Roasted Carrots?
Maple roasted carrots pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside roasted meats or as a side for pasta recipes. They complement flavors beautifully, making them a versatile choice for any meal.
Is there a vegan alternative to maple syrup?
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to maple syrup, agave nectar works surprisingly well. It offers a similar sweetness and consistency, allowing you to enjoy the great taste of these roasted carrots without compromising your dietary choices.
Print
Maple Roasted Carrots: A Deliciously Simple Side Dish
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Maple Roasted Carrots are a delicious and simple side dish that combine the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich maple butter glaze, perfect for elevating your meals.
Ingredients
3 pounds (1.4 kg) of skinny carrots
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
3 tablespoons vegan butter
melted
1 ½ tablespoons organic brown sugar
¼ cup (72g) maple syrup
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
6 garlic cloves grated
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon arrowroot powder
1 large handful Italian flat-leaf parsley
chopped
Flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF/218ºC and arrange two racks in the oven, one on the bottom and one in the upper third. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub the carrots well, pat dry them, and prepare them by leaving skinny ones whole and slicing fatter tops lengthwise into quarters.
- Divide the carrots across the two pans, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Rub the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer and roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
- While the carrots are roasting, make the maple butter glaze by melting the butter, adding brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, and whisk until combined.
- Remove the carrots from the oven, pour the glaze over them, and toss to coat. Roast for another 10 minutes, until caramelized.
- Remove from the oven, toss in the glaze if necessary, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
For best results, use fresh and skinny carrots. Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
