Introduction

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots are a delightful side dish that combines sweetness, tang, and a hint of spice. Roasted to tender perfection and glazed with a flavorful maple Dijon sauce, these carrots make an impressive and easy addition to any meal.

A close-up of a white rectangular dish filled with about eight long roasted carrots. The carrots have a shiny, glazed orange surface with dark brown caramelized spots, showing a soft and juicy texture. They are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and small bits of toasted nuts, creating a fresh and crunchy contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled texture, and the warm, rich tones of the carrots make them look tender and flavorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Chopped fresh parsley
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: If using large carrots, peel them and cut into even-sized sticks for faster cooking. Leave small or baby carrots whole.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Place the carrots in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 5: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 6: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. For a deeper color, roast 5 minutes longer.
Step 7: Transfer carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh thyme for a brighter herbal flavor or substitute rosemary for a different twist.
Add a splash of lemon juice after roasting for a fresh, zesty finish.
For extra sweetness, drizzle a little more maple syrup before serving.
Try substituting honey for maple syrup if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To retain some crispness, reheating in a hot oven is best.

How to Serve

A round wooden plate holds a pile of roasted carrots, about ten in total, each carrot bright orange with a shiny glaze and tiny black seeds sprinkled on top. The carrots are arranged in a loose stack, showing their green tops and slightly charred edges. The plate sits on a thick wooden slice, adding rustic texture. Around the plate are green pine branches, pine cones, and red berries, creating a festive, natural setting with a dark background blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots roast best for this dish because they hold texture and caramelize nicely. Frozen carrots tend to release more moisture, which can prevent proper roasting and caramelization.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the cheese garnish or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are all plant-based.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe

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4.4 from 117 reviews

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tangy twist on classic roasted carrots. The carrots are coated in a flavorful glaze made from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar, then roasted to tender perfection with a caramelized finish. Garnished with fresh parsley, crumbled goat or feta cheese, and toasted nuts, this side dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy that complements any meal.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small

Maple Dijon Glaze

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent the carrots from sticking during roasting.
Prepare the Carrots: Peel large carrots and cut them into evenly sized sticks for consistent cooking. For small or baby carrots, leave them whole to roast evenly.
Make the Maple Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. This mixture will serve as a flavorful glaze to coat the carrots and promote caramelization.
Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple Dijon glaze over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not crowded so that they roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized surface.
Roast the Carrots: Bake the carrots in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the roasting time to ensure even caramelization. For a deeper golden-brown color and more intense flavor, roast an additional 5 minutes if desired.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this vibrant, sweet-savory side dish.

Notes

For best caramelization, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so carrots roast evenly.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
Use fresh thyme for a brighter herb flavor or dried thyme when fresh is unavailable.
To toast nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Keywords: maple roasted carrots, Dijon mustard carrots, roasted carrots side dish, sweet and savory roasted carrots, easy vegetable side, healthy roasted carrots