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When making Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb (450g) baby carrots, thoroughly washed and trimmed - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnishing) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory blend. The baby carrots bring a tender crunch. Maple syrup adds sweetness, while Dijon mustard offers a tangy kick. Extra virgin olive oil helps everything roast nicely. Garlic powder gives depth, and thyme adds earthy notes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, parsley gives a bright touch. You can find these ingredients at your local store or farmers' market. Fresh ingredients always taste better. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid imitation syrups, as they lack the real taste. Keep these tips in mind when gathering your ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the carrots caramelize well. To make cleanup easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It will catch any sticky glaze. In a large bowl, mix together three tablespoons of pure maple syrup, two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until it is smooth and well-blended. Take one pound of baby carrots and wash them thoroughly. Trim the tops if needed. Add the carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the carrots gently to ensure they are fully coated in the maple Dijon glaze. Each carrot should be covered in that sweet and tangy goodness. Spread the coated carrots on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer for even roasting. Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the carrots to promote even cooking and caramelization. Once the carrots are tender and caramelized, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish. For a bright finish, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds color and flavor to the dish! Roasting time is key to great carrots. Aim for 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Flip them halfway. This step helps them cook evenly. You want them tender and a bit caramelized. If they are not tender enough after 30 minutes, roast them a bit longer. Mix it up with herbs! You can use rosemary or oregano for a new flavor. Fresh herbs add brightness. Dried herbs work too, just use less. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat. These carrots shine on any plate. Serve them warm as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats and grains. For a special touch, drizzle pan juices over them. This adds flavor and looks nice. Don't forget the fresh parsley! It boosts color and taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Thyme: For a more aromatic flavor, opt for fresh thyme instead of dried. It elevates the dish with its vibrant taste. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup to the mix. Taste as you go! Roasting Time Variations: Keep an eye on the carrots as roasting times can vary based on size. Smaller baby carrots may need less time, while larger ones may take longer. Serve Warm: For the best flavor, serve the roasted carrots warm. They taste divine when freshly out of the oven! {{image_4}} You can swap out maple syrup for honey. Honey adds a nice sweetness. It also brings a unique flavor. Just use the same amount as maple syrup. This change makes the carrots taste even sweeter. Want some heat? Add a few drops of hot sauce to the dressing. This will give the carrots a spicy twist. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like it hot. The blend of sweet and spicy will surprise your taste buds. To make this dish vegan, check your Dijon mustard. Some brands use egg. Choose a vegan-friendly mustard. For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk. This will keep the dish rich and tasty without any animal products. After enjoying your Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Place the carrots in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating your Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots is easy. If you want to use the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the carrots in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them soggy. Enjoy the sweet and savory taste again! Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just cut them into equal pieces. Aim for about 2 to 3 inches long. This helps them cook evenly. Baby carrots are sweet and tender, but regular carrots can work just as well. They may take a bit longer to roast, so check them often. Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots go well with many dishes. You can serve them with chicken, pork, or fish. They add a nice color to any plate. Try them next to rice or quinoa for a complete meal. A fresh salad also complements their sweet and savory taste. You will know the carrots are done when they are tender. A fork should easily pierce them. Look for a nice caramel color on the outside. This shows they are well-roasted. If they look golden and smell sweet, they are ready to enjoy! We covered many great ways to make maple Dijon roasted carrots. You learned about the fresh ingredients needed, like baby carrots, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. I shared simple steps to prep and roast the carrots. We discussed tips for perfecting the dish and fun variations to try. Finally, I provided storage advice and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish. It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring baby carrots roasted with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, thoroughly washed and trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnishing Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To make cleanup simple, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
  • Introduce the washed and trimmed baby carrots into the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the maple Dijon dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly so all the carrots are evenly coated with the glaze.
  • Transfer the carrots onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
  • Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, remember to flip the carrots to promote even caramelization and tenderness.
  • When they are perfectly tender and caramelized, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the carrots to cool slightly for a few minutes.
  • Carefully arrange the roasted carrots on a serving dish, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the carrots in a shallow dish and drizzle some of the pan juices over them before garnishing with parsley.
Keyword carrots, dijon, maple, roasted, vegetable