Print

Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme Recipe

Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme Recipe

4.7 from 27 reviews

Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring tender carrots sautéed in butter and sweetened with natural maple syrup. Enhanced with fragrant fresh thyme, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and herbaceous flavor, ideal for any meal. Optional additions like garlic, lemon juice, and pecans add depth and texture, making it a versatile dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or left whole if small
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: If using large carrots, peel and cut them into even sticks or rounds to ensure uniform cooking. Baby carrots can be left whole. Rinse the carrots well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  2. Sauté the Carrots: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a slight golden color.
  3. Add Maple Syrup and Thyme: Lower the heat to medium-low. Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the carrots. Sprinkle in fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the carrots completely with the glaze.
  4. Cook Until Glazed: Continue cooking the carrots for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the maple syrup has thickened into a shiny, sticky glaze. If using garlic, stir it in during the last minute of cooking to infuse a savory note.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, add lemon juice over the carrots to brighten flavors. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with extra thyme leaves or chopped pecans for crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use fresh thyme for the best herbal flavor; dried thyme works as a substitute but use half the amount.
  • Adjust the maple syrup quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.
  • Add pecans just before serving to retain their crunch.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian side.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple glazed carrots, thyme carrots, sautéed carrots, maple syrup side dish, vegetarian side, easy carrot recipe