These maple glazed carrots are a sweet and tasty side dish that will brighten up any meal! With just a hint of maple syrup, they bring a delightful flavor boost.
Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! I love how easy they are to whip up; just peel, cook, and drizzle with that yummy glaze. Simple, sweet, and oh so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for glazing as their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with maple syrup. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can cut regular carrots into sticks. They’ll need a bit longer to cook, so adjust time accordingly.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control the saltiness in the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar effect.
Pure Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use honey or agave syrup, but know that the taste will differ slightly since they are sweeter.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives add a fresh pop of color and taste at the end. If you don’t have these, thyme or dill can also work well as substitutes.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze?
The glaze is what makes these carrots shine! Here’s how to ensure it sticks perfectly. First, cook the carrots in butter to get them tender. This step brings out their natural sweetness.
- Cook them covered for the first few minutes, allowing steam to help soften the carrots.
- Once cooked, add the maple syrup and stir well. Keep the heat moderate so it doesn’t burn.
- Let it simmer until the sauce thickens a bit; keep stirring to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat while they still look shiny and coated; they’ll continue cooking slightly after.
Following these simple steps will help you serve up beautifully glazed carrots every time!
Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (washed and peeled if needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the carrots until tender, and then a few extra minutes to glaze them perfectly. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Let the butter become bubbly, but make sure it doesn’t burn. You want it just melted and ready for the carrots.
2. Add the Carrots:
Add the baby carrots to the skillet. Stir them well to coat them in the melted butter. This will help them cook evenly and pick up that yummy flavor.
3. Cook the Carrots:
Cook the carrots for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them to become tender but still crisp, so keep an eye on them!
4. Drizzle in the Maple Syrup:
Once the carrots are tender, drizzle the pure maple syrup over them. Stir to combine everything nicely. Keep cooking for another 4-5 minutes to let the glaze thicken and coat the carrots evenly. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen!
5. Season and Serve:
Once the glaze is perfect, sprinkle the carrots with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Carefully remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving plate.
6. Garnish:
Just before serving, garnish the carrots with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a lovely touch. If you like, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy your warm, tasty maple glazed carrots as a delightful side dish that pairs well with any meal! They are sweet, savory, and a real crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you can’t find baby carrots, you can use regular carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized sticks to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they might take a bit longer to become tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Maple Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good to go!
What Can I Serve with Maple Glazed Carrots?
These glazed carrots make a wonderful side dish for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even over a bed of quinoa or rice. They pair beautifully with any meal that needs a touch of sweetness!
Maple Glazed Carrots
Sweet and buttery roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup, lightly seasoned, and caramelized to perfection—a simple, elegant side dish for any dinner or holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds carrots, trimmed (whole or halved if large)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.
- Place the trimmed carrots on the baking sheet. If using large carrots, cut them in half lengthwise so they roast evenly.
- Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and toss until coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the carrots and toss again so each piece gets a light coat of syrup.
- Spread the carrots into a single layer on the baking sheet, spacing them so they roast rather than steam.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 20–30 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender and the edges are lightly caramelized. Flip or stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.