These maple glazed carrots are a delightful blend of sweetness and earthiness! The tender carrots get a lovely shine from the maple syrup, making them a hit with everyone.
Honestly, they’re so good that even the pickiest eaters might ask for seconds! I love serving them alongside roasted chicken for a colorful and tasty meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are great for this dish, as they cook quickly and look cute! You can also use peeled small carrots or even larger carrots cut into sticks. The key is keeping them a similar size for even cooking.
Butter: While unsalted butter is my go-to for a controlled flavor, you can use salted butter if you prefer. Just be careful with added salt later. Also, for a dairy-free version, substitute with olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is ideal for its rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use honey or agave syrup, but the taste will change slightly. Keep in mind that maple syrup has a unique depth that’s hard to replace.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice color and brightness. If you don’t have any on hand, you could use other herbs like thyme or even chives for a different flavor twist!
How Can I Get My Carrots Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting vegetables can be an art! Here’s how to ensure your carrots turn out tender and caramelized:
- Start with evenly sized carrots. If they’re too large, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give them space so they roast properly instead of steaming.
- Remember to toss them halfway through roasting. This helps achieve even browning and prevents sticking.
- Finally, keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking time for that perfect caramelization without burning.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully caramelized, sweet, and savory carrots that everyone will love!
Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound whole baby carrots (or peeled small carrots)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time in the oven. In total, you should expect to spend around 40 minutes to have delicious maple glazed carrots on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the carrots will roast perfectly once you pop them in!
2. Prepare the Carrots:
Place your baby carrots in a roasting pan or a baking dish, making sure to spread them out evenly. This helps them cook nicely without steaming.
3. Make the Maple Butter Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. If you prefer, you can also use a microwave-safe bowl for this step. Once the butter is melted, stir in the maple syrup and salt until well combined.
4. Coat the Carrots:
Pour the maple butter mixture evenly over the carrots. Gently toss the carrots with your hands or a spatula to make sure they’re nicely coated with the sweet mixture.
5. Roast the Carrots:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes. Toss them halfway through to ensure they caramelize evenly. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized when done!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the carrots are roasted to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and add flaky sea salt, if you like, for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy:
Serve the maple glazed carrots warm alongside your favorite main dishes. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy the tender carrots glazed with sweet maple syrup and buttery richness, accented by a touch of salt and fresh herbs!
Can I Use Other Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots work great, you can use whole peeled medium carrots or even larger carrots cut into sticks or rounds. Just make sure to keep them about the same size for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the carrots and the maple butter mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just toss them together and roast just before serving for the best flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or briefly in a hot skillet until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Maple Glazed Carrots?
These carrots make a delightful side dish to roasted meats, such as chicken or pork. They also pair well with grains like quinoa or rice, and are a tasty addition to holiday meals!