Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a tangy, savory glaze. Roasted to perfection, these carrots are caramelized with a hint of spice and topped with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts for an irresistible finish.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Peel large carrots and cut them into even-sized sticks. If using baby or thin carrots, leave them whole.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Place the carrots in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss well to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t crowded.
6. Step 6: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Roast an extra 5 minutes if a deeper color is desired.
7. Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze.
• Use fresh thyme for a brighter herb flavor or dried thyme for convenience.
• Try substituting maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold in salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots are best for roasting as they hold their texture better. Frozen carrots may become mushy when roasted, but if using them, thaw and dry them thoroughly before coating and roasting.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The roasted carrots are flavorful on their own and pair well with vegan cheeses or nuts for added texture.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

These Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots are a delightful side dish featuring tender, caramelized carrots coated in a flavorful glaze of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Roasted to perfection in the oven, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and a subtle hint of heat. Garnished with fresh parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts, this recipe elevates simple carrots into a gourmet accompaniment for any meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

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

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)

Garnish (optional)

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

Instructions

1. 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 sticking.
2. Prepare the Carrots: If using large carrots, peel them and cut them into even-sized sticks for faster cooking. If using baby carrots or thin carrots, you can leave them whole.
3. Make the Maple Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. This glaze will provide a rich caramelization and deep flavor to the carrots.
4. Coat the Carrots: Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple Dijon glaze over them. Toss well to ensure each carrot is evenly coated.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
6. Roast the Carrots: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. For a deeper golden-brown color, roast for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Use baby carrots or thin carrots to skip peeling and chopping.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity or omit for milder flavor.
• For a vegan version, omit the cheese garnish or use a plant-based alternative.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple roasted carrots, Dijon mustard carrots, baked carrot recipe, healthy roasted vegetables, fall side dish