These are the best roasted carrots you will ever eat! These easy maple glazed carrots require minimal prep time and tending to, making them the perfect easy side dish for any holiday table or Sunday dinner- from Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter- these glazed carrots compliment every feast.
Slender carrots are the perfect choice, preferably with their green tops still attached, but large carrots will also work. Just skip the baby carrots on this one. Maple syrup brings out the root vegetable's natural sweetness and a pinch of sea salt and squeeze of lemon balance the flavors.
These roasted carrots pair amazingly well with this roasted leg of lamb, or this one pot roast chicken. And if you need some more side dishes to pair with this, then the roasted broccoli and cauliflower is perfect along with these gratin potatoes.
Jump to:
- ⭐️ Why these maple glazed carrots NEED to be one of your holiday side dishes!
- 🧾 Ingredient notes and substitutions
- 👩🏻🍳 Maple glazed carrots in 4 easy steps
- 🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- 💡 Chef's Guide: Pro tips for perfect maple glazed carrots
- ❓Recipe FAQ's
- Main dish recipes to serve with roasted carrots
- More vegetable side dishes
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Meet the Chef!
⭐️ Why these maple glazed carrots NEED to be one of your holiday side dishes!
- Effortless elegance: Simple to prepare, yet they add a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread.
- Perfect for everyone: Vegan-friendly with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Complements any main: Perfectly pairs with a variety of holiday entrees, from turkey at Christmas and Thanksgiving to lamb at Easter and vegetarian options, too.
- Quick cooking: Ideal for busy holiday preparations.
🧾 Ingredient notes and substitutions
A highlight of essential ingredients and suggested substitutes for dietary needs or personal preferences. For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card below.
- Carrots: Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Organic carrots can have a sweeter, more pronounced flavor. *Skip baby carrots- they won't give the result we're looking for.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides a richer, more authentic flavor than artificial maple-flavored syrups. *Dark maple syrup has more flavor and light maple has more sweetness. Most maple syrup comes from Quebec and has 4 classifications ranging from golden to very dark. I always opt for dark or amber, but this recipe works great with all of them.
- Butter or Vegan Butter: Adds a rich, creamy dimension to the glaze. Vegan butter ensures the dish is plant-based.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the flavors and cut through the sweetness.
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (Optional for Garnish): Adds an aromatic touch and elevates the dish's presentation.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the flavors in the dish.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and depth, complementing the sweetness of the syrup and carrots.
See recipe card for quantities.
👩🏻🍳 Maple glazed carrots in 4 easy steps
- Prep your baking tray and preheat your oven
- Line your tray with foil for easy cleanup: Roasting maple syrup can be messy, so using foil instead of parchment ensures a hassle-free clean-up.
- Roast in a single layer and monitor closely: Arrange carrots in a single layer for even cooking and crispy edges, and keep an eye on them to prevent over-caramelization; a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt at the end perfectly balance the sweetness.
- Preparing the glaze and carrots for roasting
- Create the perfect maple glaze: Mix pure maple syrup and melted butter or a vegan alternative to achieve a rich, creamy, sweet glaze. Tailor the sweetness by adjusting the maple syrup to your liking. Toss the carrots in the glaze, being sure to coat the carrots evenly.
- Roasting to golden brown perfection: Lay the glazed carrots flat on your baking tray for uniform cooking. Roast until they're tender and golden brown, typically 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally for even caramelization.
- Finishing touches for serving: Remove them from the oven once the carrots are roasted to perfection. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. For added flavor and visual impact, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain texture and flavor.
- Not recommended for freezing.
💡 Chef's Guide: Pro tips for perfect maple glazed carrots
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I'm sharing simple yet impactful tips for recipe success.
- Selecting the best ingredients:
- Opt for fresh, firm carrots, preferably organic, for a sweeter flavor. Always use pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Carrot prep:
- Trim carrots and ensure their sizes are uniform for even cooking. Peeling is optional but recommended for a smoother texture.
- Balancing seasoning and flavors:
- Combine maple syrup with butter or a vegan alternative and salt. Add lemon juice after cooking for acidity.
- Herbs and spices: Enhance flavors with a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary and a pinch of spice like black pepper or nutmeg for depth.
- Cooking time and temperature nuances:
- Avoid overcooking; the ideal range is 375°F to 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serving like a pro:
- Temperature tips: Serve the carrots warm to maximize their flavor and texture.
- Garnishing for gourmet appeal: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a professional touch.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or golden syrup in this recipe. Each will impart a different flavor to the carrots, with honey offering a distinct taste and golden syrup providing a richer, deeper sweetness. However, for the authentic flavor of this recipe, pure maple syrup is recommended.
Parboiling isn't necessary for this recipe. Roasting the carrots directly enhances their natural sweetness and texture.
Absolutely. You can peel and trim the carrots in advance, storing them in water in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
This could be due to the oven temperature being too low or not roasting long enough. Make sure to slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
Sogginess can occur if they're overcrowded on the tray or if there’s too much glaze. Make sure they're in a single layer with space between them.
Main dish recipes to serve with roasted carrots
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
More vegetable side dishes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you have tried these maple-glazed carrots or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Also, please leave a star rating while you're there!
You can also follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
You can also find weekly meal plans and budget recipes over on our sister site Savvy Bites.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh carrots, peeled and green tops trimmed
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter or vegan butter, melted *See notes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with foil.
Prepare the Carrots
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced carrots with maple syrup, melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Roast the Carrots
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are tender and start to caramelize.
Finish and Serve
- Drizzle lemon juice over the roasted carrots, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and toss gently.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Notes
- Choosing Carrots: Select carrots that are uniform in size for even cooking. Organic carrots tend to have a sweeter flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Using pure maple syrup is crucial for the best flavor. Avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups.
- Cooking Time Adjustment: Depending on your oven and the size of the carrots, cooking time may vary. Start checking for doneness at around 20 minutes.
- Salted or unsalted butter: if using salted butter, adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative to keep the recipe plant-based.
- Storage: Leftover carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
Keith Gooderham says
Fabulous - have just made this and the salsa was spectacular. Thank you! Thank you!
Debs says
So glad you loved these carrots, Keith! That winter salsa is my new favourite condiment!
Natasha @ Salt & Lavender says
These look awesome! Love carrots, and I'm all for healthier sides amidst all the crazy calories!