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To make delicious maple glazed carrots, you need the following ingredients: - 1 pound baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Optional: chopped pecans for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. Baby carrots bring sweetness and a lovely texture. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness, while butter gives a silky finish. Olive oil helps the glaze stick and adds depth. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, and cinnamon adds warmth. Fresh thyme brightens each bite. If you want a crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top. These ingredients work together to create a dish that is sweet, savory, and utterly delightful. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of baby carrots. If you use whole carrots, cut them into 1/2-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly. If you prefer baby carrots, just peel them and leave them whole. I love baby carrots for their sweetness and ease. In a small bowl, mix these items: - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Microwave this mix for 20 to 30 seconds. The butter should melt. Stir everything until well combined. This glaze adds a sweet and rich flavor that makes the carrots shine. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared carrots in a large bowl. Pour the maple glaze over them and toss until they are all coated. Next, spread the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. The carrots should be tender and caramelized when done. After baking, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Toss gently to mix. This adds a fresh touch to your sweet dish. Enjoy serving these beautiful maple glazed carrots! Pick fresh baby carrots for a sweet taste. Look for bright orange color and smooth skin. If you use whole carrots, cut them into 1/2-inch slices. This helps them cook evenly. Fresh carrots will give you the best flavor in your dish. Use pure maple syrup for great taste. Mix it with butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Heating the mix helps the butter melt well. Make sure to stir until it’s smooth. This glaze brings out the sweetness of the carrots. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice caramel color. Stir them halfway through baking for even browning. Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. The carrots should be tender and a little sticky when done. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Look for bright orange, firm baby carrots with no blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your personal preference for sweetness. Perfect Caramelization: Make sure to spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve even caramelization. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your maple glazed carrots by adding different herbs. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley work well. Basil also adds a nice twist. Try using dried herbs if you don't have fresh ones. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are stronger. These herbs give your dish a new taste without much effort. Adding nuts can make your dish even better. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Just sprinkle them on top after baking. You can also mix them in before baking. Toasting the nuts first can add more flavor. The sweet maple and the nutty taste blend well together. This variation is great for special occasions or family meals. While pure maple syrup is tasty, you can try other sweeteners too. Honey or agave nectar can work well. They will change the flavor but still taste good. If you want a sugar-free option, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Each sweetener gives the carrots a unique touch. Experiment to find your favorite! To store your maple glazed carrots, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool to room temperature first. Once cool, you can cover them tightly. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop. To use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 to 15 minutes. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water to a pan. Heat over medium until hot, stirring occasionally. You can freeze maple glazed carrots if you want to keep them longer. Place the cooled carrots in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay good for about three months in the freezer. To thaw, put them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as noted above. This way, you can enjoy the sweet taste of maple carrots anytime! Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Baby carrots are great for quick prep, but larger carrots work well too. They will absorb the maple glaze just as nicely. To make this dish vegan, swap out the butter with a plant-based option. Coconut oil or vegan butter works great. The maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good there! This keeps the dish sweet and sticky without any animal products. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. They complement roasted chicken or pork perfectly. You can also serve them alongside a grain dish, like quinoa or rice. For a vegetarian option, try them with a hearty salad. They add a sweet touch to any meal! This blog post showed you how to make tasty maple glazed carrots. We covered the ingredients you need, how to prepare the carrots, and mix the glaze. You learned tips for the best results and fun variations. I shared storage info and answered common questions. By using fresh herbs and adjusting sweeteners, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy this simple, healthy recipe that brings flavor to any meal!

Sweet & Sticky Maple Glazed Carrots

Deliciously sweet and sticky glazed carrots, perfect as a side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound baby carrots, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • optional chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Carrots: If using whole carrots, slice them diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces for even cooking. If using baby carrots, simply peel and leave them whole.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until the butter melts, then stir to combine.
  • Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple glaze over them. Toss until all the carrots are evenly coated.
  • Bake: Spread the glazed carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the glazed carrots. Toss gently to combine.
  • Serve: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans for added crunch.

Notes

Optional: sprinkle with chopped pecans for added crunch.
Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup