Why Make This Recipe
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots are not only delicious but also easy to make. This dish combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, giving you a flavor that is both unique and inviting. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and quick enough for busy weeknights!
How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
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)
Directions:
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.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.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 give the carrots a beautiful caramelization and deep flavor.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.Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to ensure even roasting and caramelization.Roast the Carrots
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. If you prefer a deeper golden-brown color, roast them for an additional 5 minutes.Garnish and Serve
Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
These roasted carrots are great as a side dish for any meal. They pair well with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a veggie platter. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any setting.
How to Store Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
If you have leftovers, let the carrots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor. Look for bright orange carrots that feel firm.
- For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in addition to the dried thyme.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking by adding more maple syrup or Dijon mustard.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables. Try adding parsnips or Brussels sprouts for a mixed veggie dish. You can also switch out the nuts for different varieties based on what you have on hand.
FAQs
Can I use frozen carrots?
It’s best to use fresh carrots for this recipe. Frozen carrots may become mushy when roasted.Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan if you skip the cheese garnish.What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover roasted carrots can be added to salads, grain bowls, or used in sandwiches for added flavor.
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet, tangy, and savory roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup and Dijon mustard—easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for holidays.
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 (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- If using large carrots, peel and cut them into sticks. Leave baby or thin carrots whole.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Place carrots in a large bowl and toss with the maple Dijon glaze until evenly coated.
- Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Roast 5 more minutes for deeper browning if desired.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, or toasted nuts. Serve warm.
Notes
Use firm, fresh carrots for best texture. Add rosemary or extra thyme for herbaceous flavor. Balance sweetness and tang to your taste. Add parsnips or Brussels sprouts for variation. Skip cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: roasted carrots, maple dijon glaze, easy side dish, vegan carrots, holiday vegetables