Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots are a deliciously caramelized vegetable side dish featuring tender roasted carrots coated in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze. Enhanced with fragrant thyme, a hint of garlic, and optional heat from red pepper flakes, these carrots are finished with fresh parsley, creamy feta or goat cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts for a balanced and vibrant flavor profile. Easy to prepare and perfect to complement any meal.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking, preparing for even roasting.
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel large carrots and cut them into even-sized sticks for uniform cooking. If using baby or thin carrots, leave them whole for roasting.
- Make the Maple Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. This glaze adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the carrots.
- Coat the Carrots: Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl, pour the maple Dijon glaze over them, and toss well to ensure each carrot is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to crowd them to allow for even roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the Carrots: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through the cooking time, until tender and lightly caramelized. For a deeper golden-brown, roast an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven, transfer to a serving dish, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and toasted nuts for added flavor and texture. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Using fresh thyme intensifies the herbal flavor, but dried thyme works well for convenience.
- Make sure carrots are cut evenly to ensure uniform roasting.
- Leftover roasted carrots can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: roasted carrots, maple Dijon carrots, side dish, healthy vegetables, roasted vegetable recipe, easy carrot recipe