I always come back to this maple glazed carrot recipe when I want something simple and full of flavor. They’re roasted to perfection to create a sweet, salty and caramel-like taste!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Maple glazed carrots are my favorite way to make this humble veggie shine. Roasted with butter and real maple syrup, they come out sweet, salty, and perfectly caramelized.
The original recipe came from the Maple Syrup Cookbook put out by the Michigan Maple Syrup Association. I’ve adapted it a little and I think you’ll love the end result.
- I love how the maple syrup caramelizes in the oven. It gives the carrots a deep sweetness that pairs perfectly with their natural flavor.
- Boiling them first makes sure they’re tender on the inside while still getting those golden edges from roasting.
- It’s such an affordable side dish but feels special enough for any holiday table. Just carrots, butter, and real maple syrup. It reminds me of my candied yam recipe.
- This recipe is on repeat in our house because it’s quick, kid-friendly, and always gets devoured – no convincing needed.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Carrots: Fresh carrots are the star of this dish. Cut them into sticks for even cooking. Organic carrots are recommended for the best flavor, but regular carrots will work just fine.
- Water: Used to steam the carrots slightly before baking, which helps them soften and absorb the glaze.
- Salt: Divided between the boiling water and the glaze to balance the sweetness and bring out the natural flavor of the carrots.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweet maple syrup and gives a deeper, slightly tangy finish. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also be used if needed.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze coat the carrots. For a vegan version, substitute with coconut oil.
- Pure maple syrup: Provides the signature sweetness and caramelized finish.
How to Make Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Rinse, peel, and cut the carrots into sticks. Set out a large baking pan.
Step 1 – Boil the Carrots
Place the carrot sticks in a saucepan with water and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and let cook for 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Drain and Glaze
Drain any remaining water from the pan. Add the balsamic vinegar, melted butter, maple syrup, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toss to coat the carrots evenly.
Step 3 – Roast the Carrots
Transfer the glazed carrots to a large baking pan in a single layer. Roast at 350˚F for 30 minutes, flipping the carrots every 10 minutes for even browning.
Step 4 – Serve
Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy the sweet, salty, and caramelized flavor!
Lynette’s Tip
I recommend using whole carrots (not the little ones) and real maple syrup if you can – they bring out the best flavor in this dish.
What to Serve With
- These maple glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side that pairs well with turkey dinner, baked chicken, or pork chops. Serve them warm with mashed potatoes or stuffing for a hearty, comforting meal.
- We like them with venison meatloaf or turkey dinner, but don’t wait until Thanksgiving. Now is the perfect time to prepare simple and healthy meals for your family.
- Add them to a holiday spread or a weeknight dinner for a flavorful and easy side dish everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
Balsamic vinegar adds a bit of tang that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. It gives the glaze more depth and prevents the carrots from being overly sweet.
If possible, use organic whole carrots. They tend to be sweeter and have better flavor than non-organic. Plus, they’re inexpensive – usually under two dollars for a two-pound bag.
The carrots will be tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned on the edges. Flip them every 10 minutes while baking to make sure they caramelize evenly.
More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Maple Glazed Carrot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tablespoon butter melted
- 3 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Rinse, peel, and cut your carrots into sticks. Place them in a saucepan with the water and 3/4 tsp. salt. Once boiling, top with a lid and wait 5 minutes.
- Drain the excess liquid from the carrots and add the remaining ingredients to the pan (including the remaining salt). Toss to coat and transfer to a large baking pan in a single layer.
- Bake the carrots at 350˚F for 30 minutes, flipping them over every 10 minutes.
Notes
My Favorite Variations:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Warm Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the glaze mixture for a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the carrots beautifully.
I’m glad your brother enjoyed it! 😊
I’m not a carrot person but I made it for my brother and he loves it. Will make it again for Thanksgiving and his birthday.
My husband said it was the best.
The recipe turned out like you said
Sautéing the vegetables before hand makes a difference. I even sautéd the potatoes.
For the broth I used my own venison bone broth. Wow! What a win! I will definitely do this again.
Thank you for your great ideas!
Thanks for the review, Lisa!
Venison bone broth sounds amazing! 🙂