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- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Zest of 1 orange (for zestiness) The main ingredients for maple glazed roasted carrots are simple yet impactful. I love using baby carrots for their sweetness and tenderness. If you use regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks for even cooking. The magic happens with three tablespoons of pure maple syrup, which gives the dish its signature glaze. Two tablespoons of olive oil add richness, while one teaspoon of ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth. For seasoning, we have salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. I often add fresh thyme leaves for a hint of earthiness. If thyme isn’t available, dried thyme works just fine. Finally, the zest of one orange adds a fresh, zesty kick, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a delicious side dish that pairs well with many meals. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat helps caramelize the carrots. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 3. In a large bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and the zest of 1 orange. This creates the sweet maple glaze. 1. Add 1 lb of baby carrots to the bowl. Toss them until they are coated in the glaze. 2. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures they roast evenly. 3. Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Turn them halfway through for even cooking. They should be tender and caramelized. 1. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves over the carrots. This adds a nice aroma. 2. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool a bit. This helps hold their shape. - Choosing the right carrots: I love using baby carrots for this dish. They are sweet, tender, and cook evenly. If you choose regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks. This helps them roast the same way as baby carrots. - Importance of even coating in the glaze: Coating the carrots evenly in the maple glaze is key. It helps each piece get that sweet, sticky flavor. Toss the carrots well in the glaze to ensure every bite is delicious. - How to adjust based on carrot size: For baby carrots, 20-25 minutes at 425°F works well. If you use larger pieces, increase the time. Check for tenderness after 25 minutes. You can roast them longer if needed. - Tips for achieving optimal caramelization: Caramelization makes the carrots sweet and golden. To get this right, spread the carrots out on the baking sheet. Give them space so they roast instead of steam. Turn them halfway through cooking to ensure all sides caramelize. {{image_2}} To make your maple glazed roasted carrots even better, you can add spices. Nutmeg and ginger bring warmth and depth. Just a pinch of nutmeg can make a big difference. Ginger adds a nice kick of spice. Try these spices to find your perfect flavor. You can also mix in balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. This adds a sweet and sour taste that balances the maple syrup. Just a tablespoon or two can enhance the dish. It creates a lovely contrast, making each bite exciting. Pairing your roasted carrots with protein makes it a full meal. Chicken works great because it complements the sweet glaze. Grilled or baked chicken keeps the meal light and fresh. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu. Marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce for extra flavor. You can also serve these carrots with sides and salads. A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. Quinoa or rice can round out the meal too. They soak up the flavors from the carrots, creating a satisfying dish. Enjoy these ideas to elevate your meal! To keep your roasted carrots fresh, place them in the fridge. Use a sealed container. This will help lock in moisture and flavor. Try to eat them within three days for the best taste. If you want to save space, you can also use a Ziplock bag. Just make sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep them tender and flavorful. If you're short on time, you can use a microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, but be careful. Microwaving can make them soft instead of keeping their nice texture. Roast carrots for 20 to 25 minutes. This time allows them to become tender and caramelized. Check them halfway through and turn them for even cooking. If they need more time, you can roast them a bit longer. The goal is soft carrots with a sweet glaze. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. Make sure the sticks are about the same size as baby carrots. This will help them cook evenly. Both types taste great with the maple glaze. You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. Both provide sweetness but may change the flavor a bit. If you want to use sugar, mix it with a little water to create a syrup. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences. Roasting carrots is simple and fun. We covered the main ingredients, like baby carrots and maple syrup, and seasoning tips. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you roast to perfection. With variations and storage tips, you can customize this dish. Now you can enjoy delicious roasted carrots anytime. Try new flavors and share with friends. Your meals will be tastier and more colorful. Happy cooking!

Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

Delight your taste buds with this easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots recipe! Perfectly tender and caramelized, these carrots are coated in a luscious maple glaze infused with cinnamon and orange zest. Whether as a side dish or a healthy snack, they’re sure to impress. Click to discover this mouthwatering recipe and bring a touch of sweetness to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

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

Zest of 1 orange (for zestiness)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and orange zest. Mix well to create the glaze.

      Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the maple glaze until evenly coated.

        Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

          Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.

            In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the carrots for fragrant flavor.

              Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the roasted carrots on a beautiful platter, drizzling any remaining glaze from the baking sheet over the top. Garnish with a few extra thyme sprigs for color and aroma.