Get ready to transform a humble vegetable into the star of your dinner table. These maple glazed carrots are roasted to perfection, creating a dish that’s wonderfully tender, deeply caramelized, and coated in an irresistible sweet and savory glaze. It’s a side dish so delicious, you’ll want to make it for every occasion, from busy weeknights to festive holiday feasts.
This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the rich, earthy flavor of pure maple syrup, resulting in a truly memorable dish.
Why This is the Best Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
In a world of complicated recipes, this one stands out for its straightforward approach and foolproof results. We focus on the technique to ensure you get that perfect, sticky glaze every single time—no watery sauces or mushy carrots here!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of pure maple syrup, melted butter, and a hint of seasoning creates a balanced, multi-layered flavor profile.
- Perfectly Tender-Crisp: Roasting at a higher temperature ensures the carrots become tender on the inside while caramelizing beautifully on the outside.
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and simple steps, this is a recipe any home cook can master.
- Versatile Side Dish: It’s the perfect companion for a holiday roast, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Glaze
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Carrots
The star of the show! For the best flavor and texture, use medium-sized whole carrots, peeled and sliced into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking. You can also use baby carrots for a quicker prep time.
Pure Maple Syrup
This is essential. Always use 100% pure maple syrup, not breakfast or pancake syrup. The pure stuff has a complex, robust flavor that is crucial for the perfect glaze.
Butter & Olive Oil
We use a combination of unsalted butter and olive oil. Butter adds richness and flavor, while olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning at high heat and aids in caramelization.
Seasonings
Simple sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper are all you need to balance the sweetness. For a final touch, fresh thyme or parsley adds a wonderful, fresh aroma and flavor.
How to Make Maple Glazed Carrots (Step-by-Step)
Making these oven-roasted maple glazed carrots is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high heat is key for getting that beautiful caramelization. Peel your carrots and slice them on a diagonal, about 1-inch thick. Uniform pieces are important for even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, pure maple syrup, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture is the secret to the entire dish.
- Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a large bowl. Pour the maple glaze mixture over the top and toss thoroughly until every carrot is evenly coated.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the carrots to steam instead of roast. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Sticky Glaze
Want to ensure your maple glazed carrots are the best they can be? Follow these simple but effective tips.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your carrots plenty of space on the baking sheet. Roasting them in a single layer allows the heat to circulate, promoting caramelization and preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: The flavor of real maple syrup is unmatched. Artificially flavored pancake syrups are often thinner and won’t create the same rich, sticky glaze.
- Cut Uniformly: Cutting your carrots into similar-sized pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some mushy and some undercooked.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Some Spice: For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Go Herbal: Toss the roasted carrots with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary after they come out of the oven.
- Introduce Nuts: For a delightful crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- A Hint of Tang: Whisk a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar into the glaze for a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
What to Serve with Your Carrots
These maple glazed carrots are the ultimate versatile side dish. They are a must-have for holiday spreads alongside a Garlic Butter Roast Chicken or a Thanksgiving turkey. They also pair wonderfully with weeknight meals like pork chops, salmon, or a hearty Crockpot Whole Chicken. For a complete and comforting meal, serve them next to our Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are fantastic, and these carrots are no exception! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave, but for the best texture, we recommend reheating them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps revive some of the delicious caramelized texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can absolutely use baby carrots to save on prep time. Simply pat them very dry before tossing them with the glaze. Keep in mind they may cook slightly faster, so check on them around the 20-minute mark.
Yes, you can make them 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to help them crisp up again.
While you don’t technically have to peel carrots, we highly recommend it for this recipe. Carrot skin can sometimes be slightly bitter and have a tougher texture, and peeling them ensures the smoothest, sweetest result for your glaze to adhere to.
The two most important steps are to roast at a high temperature (425°F / 220°C) and to not overcrowd the pan. High heat helps the carrots caramelize on the outside while becoming tender inside, and giving them space ensures they roast, not steam.
For a similar flavor profile, you could use honey or a combination of brown sugar and a little water to create a syrup. However, for the classic ‘maple glazed’ taste, pure maple syrup is truly the best choice.
The Perfect Side Dish Awaits
This simple yet elegant maple glazed carrots recipe is a true keeper. It proves that with the right technique, even the most basic ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. We hope this becomes a new favorite in your home for years to come.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below! I’d love to see how it turned out. For more holiday and weeknight inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
Maple Glazed Carrots: The Perfect Sweet & Savory Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, pure maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the maple glaze mixture over the carrots and toss well to ensure they are all evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper roasting.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the glaze has caramelized. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving, if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
