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- 1 pound baby carrots or regular carrots (peeled and cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Zest of 1 orange - Additional fresh thyme sprigs - Extra maple syrup drizzle Gather these key ingredients for your maple glazed roasted carrots. The star is the maple syrup, which brings a lovely sweetness. The carrots, whether baby or regular, add color and crunch. The olive oil helps the glaze stick and ensures crisp edges. Cinnamon and thyme add warmth and earthiness. Don’t forget the orange zest! It brightens the dish and adds a fresh note. For garnishes, consider more thyme for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of extra maple syrup can make it even sweeter for those who love that taste. These ingredients work together to create a dish that is simple yet packed with flavor. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps caramelize the carrots. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Zest of 1 orange Whisk until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and warm flavor to the carrots. Now, it’s time to add the carrots. Use 1 pound of baby carrots, or regular carrots cut into sticks. Toss them in the glaze until each carrot is well coated. This step is key to getting that sweet flavor all over. Spread the glazed carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly. Place them in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Turn the carrots halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and turn golden. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle fresh thyme over the carrots. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. When the carrots are golden and tender, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Choose firm, vibrant baby carrots for a sweet taste. If you use regular carrots, pick ones that feel hard and look bright. Fresh carrots should not be limp or dull. The color matters because it shows freshness. You can peel and cut regular carrots into sticks for a similar look. To get even caramelization, spread the carrots in a single layer. This allows the heat to cook them all at once. Turn the carrots halfway through roasting. This step helps them brown nicely. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until they are tender. Keep an eye on the time to avoid burning. For a tasty twist, try adding spices like paprika or cumin. You can also mix in honey for extra sweetness. Adding garlic will give a nice depth of flavor. If you want more zing, consider a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. These options can elevate the dish and make it even better. {{image_4}} You can use many veggies for this dish. Consider these options: - Sweet potatoes - Parsnips - Beets - Brussels sprouts - Butternut squash These veggies roast nicely and absorb the sweet maple glaze. Each offers unique flavors and colors. If you don’t have maple syrup, try these substitutes: - Honey - Agave nectar - Brown sugar mixed with water - Coconut sugar These options will change the taste a bit but still keep it sweet. Adjust the amount based on your preference. Want to add some heat? Here are ideas to spice up your carrots: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper - Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor - Mix in some chili flakes You can also try adding unexpected flavors: - Ginger for warmth - Garlic for a savory kick - Lemon juice for brightness Experiment with these suggestions to make your dish exciting! After you enjoy your maple glazed roasted carrots, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and prevents odors from mixing with other foods. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, I suggest using the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a splash of olive oil and heat over medium. This keeps the carrots tender and tasty. Yes, you can freeze these carrots! To freeze, let them cool completely first. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge and reheat. Enjoy the flavors anytime! Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. This way, they will roast evenly like baby carrots. The taste and texture will be just as good. To get caramelized carrots, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Turn them halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Roasting at high heat, like 425°F (220°C), also promotes caramelization. These carrots pair well with many dishes. They go nicely with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also serve them with quinoa or a fresh salad. Their sweet flavor adds balance to savory meals. Yes, maple glazed roasted carrots are healthy. They are low in calories and high in vitamins. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is good for your eyes. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without unhealthy sugars. This blog post shared a simple recipe for maple glazed roasted carrots. You learned how to select carrots, prepare the glaze, and roast them to perfection. Remember, you can use different vegetables or spices to mix things up. Storing leftovers properly keeps them fresh. With this recipe, you can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Give it a try! Your meals will shine with these tasty carrots.

Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

Elevate your side dish game with these delicious Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots! This simple recipe features baby carrots coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze that's easy to prepare and sure to impress. With hints of cinnamon and fresh thyme, each bite bursts with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (substitute with regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Zest of 1 orange (to add brightness)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup post-roasting.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and orange zest. Ensure that the mixture is well combined to create a smooth glaze.

      Add the baby carrots to the bowl and gently toss them in the maple glaze until every carrot is evenly coated with the mixture.

        Transfer the glazed carrots onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer to ensure even roasting.

          Roast the carrots in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to turn the carrots halfway through the roasting process to promote even caramelization and tenderness.

            In the final 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the carrots, allowing their aroma to infuse into the dish.

              Once they are golden and tender, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the carrots cool slightly for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the roasted carrots on an elegant serving platter, and drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking sheet over the top. For an added pop of color and aroma, garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh thyme. Enjoy!