Welcome to Delicious & Easy Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots!
Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for a side dish that’s both sweet and savory, then you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m excited to share my Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots recipe. I can’t tell you how much I love these carrots—they’re not just tasty but also super easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping for a holiday meal, these carrots bring a splash of color and incredible flavor to the table.
Nutritional Benefits of Carrots
Carrots are not just delicious; they are packed with health benefits too! They are rich in beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A, important for good eyesight and skin health. Plus, carrots are a fantastic source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. The addition of maple syrup and Dijon mustard adds flavor without too much added sugar, making this dish a guilt-free delight!
Fun Variations to Try
- Herb Swap: Don’t have thyme on hand? Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley—they’ll give your carrots a whole new personality!
- Heat Factor: If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple-Dijon mixture for a spicy twist!
- Maple Mustard Glaze: For a more intense flavor, you can let the carrots marinate in the glaze for an hour before roasting.
Delicious Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole carrots (preferably baby carrots or medium-sized)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and peel the carrots if needed. If you’re using larger carrots, cut them in half lengthwise for even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended.
- Add the carrots to the bowl, tossing to coat them well in the maple-Dijon mixture.
- Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze, but keeps the carrots from sticking!
- Roast the carrots in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until they are tender and beautifully caramelized. I recommend turning them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle them with lemon zest for that extra zing!
- Serve these warm, and you’ll enjoy every bite of this sweet and savory side dish. Trust me; your guests (and you!) will love them!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: To reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave. The oven is best if you want to keep that crispy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: These roasted carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty grain dish.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of tools that will help you whip up this delightful dish:
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the carrots
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A whisk for mixing the glaze
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- An oven mitt (don’t want to burn those fingers!)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen carrots? While fresh carrots work best for roasting, you can use thawed frozen carrots for a quicker option; just adjust the cooking time.
- Do I have to peel the carrots? Not necessarily! Baby carrots can be roasted as-is, while medium-sized ones can be washed well.
- Can I substitute honey for maple syrup? Absolutely! Honey will give you a different flavor but will work just as well.
- How do I make this recipe vegan? Just swap out the maple syrup with agave nectar, if you prefer!
- What can I serve with these carrots? They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty quinoa salad!
So, are you ready to make these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots? I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Snap a picture and share it on Pinterest or tag me on social media—you know I love connecting with fellow cooking enthusiasts! Happy cooking!
