Sweet & Sticky Maple Glazed Carrots

$- 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 To make this dish, I use one pound of baby carrots. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can use regular carrots. Just slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces. For the sweet glaze, pure maple syrup is key. You can try honey or agave syrup, but maple gives the best flavor. Use unsalted butter for a rich taste, but you can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. The thyme adds a nice earthy note, and fresh is best, but dried works too. When I pick carrots, I always look for bright, smooth skin. They should feel firm and not soft. Avoid carrots with dark spots or wrinkles. Fresh carrots have a sweet flavor and great crunch. If you can, buy organic carrots. They taste better and are often grown without chemicals. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preparing your carrots. If you have whole carrots, slice them into diagonal pieces. Aim for about 1/2-inch thick slices. This helps them cook evenly. If you use baby carrots, simply peel them and leave them whole. The peeling step makes them nice and tender. Next, it’s time to mix the glaze. Grab a small microwave-safe bowl. Add the pure maple syrup, unsalted butter, and olive oil to the bowl. Then, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Heat this mixture in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until the butter melts. Remove the bowl and stir until everything is well mixed. The glaze should look smooth and shiny. Now, let's bake those glazed carrots. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, place the prepared carrots into a large mixing bowl. Pour the maple glaze over the carrots. Toss them gently until every piece is covered in the sweet glaze. Transfer the carrots to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. This helps them roast nicely. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, stir the carrots to ensure even cooking. They are done when they are tender and caramelized. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the carrots and toss gently to mix. Now they are ready to serve! To get the best glazed carrots, start with fresh baby carrots. They cook evenly and taste sweet. If you use whole carrots, cut them into 1/2-inch diagonal slices. This helps them cook faster. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so they roast well. Toss the carrots in the maple glaze until they are fully coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures they caramelize nicely and do not steam. If you want a sweeter flavor, add more maple syrup. Start with an extra half tablespoon. For a less sweet taste, reduce the syrup by one tablespoon. You can also play with spices. Try adding more cinnamon for warmth or a pinch of nutmeg for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme add great flavor, but feel free to swap them for rosemary or parsley. Taste as you go to find the right balance. One mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the carrots are too close, they steam instead of roast. Another error is not stirring the carrots halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. Make sure to check the carrots at 25 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized. If they are still firm, bake them for a few more minutes. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh herbs at the end. They add a burst of flavor that brightens the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor of the carrots. If using dried thyme, add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the carrots are in a single layer on the baking sheet. This promotes even roasting and caramelization. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness. A little extra can enhance the glaze! Garnish for Texture: Chopped pecans not only add crunch but also complement the sweetness of the carrots. Toast them lightly for even more flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your maple glazed carrots by adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley add a nice touch. You may also try spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor. Each herb or spice can change the dish's taste, making it unique every time. Experiment with what you have at home to find your favorite mix. If you're looking for a different sweetener, there are many options. Honey is a popular choice and adds a floral note. Brown sugar can also work well, giving a deeper flavor. Agave nectar is another sweetener that keeps the dish vegan. Each sweetener has its own taste, so feel free to swap it out based on what you enjoy. This recipe is easy to adjust for vegan or vegetarian diets. Simply replace the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both options will keep the rich taste of the dish. Ensure that all your other ingredients, like the maple syrup, are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy the sweet and sticky goodness without missing out on dietary preferences. To store your maple glazed carrots, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label the container with the date so you remember when you made them. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water to the pan to help steam the carrots. Heat on medium until warm, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. If you want to freeze your glazed carrots, ensure they are fully cooled first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They cook faster than fresh ones. Just remember to thaw them first. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. This helps the glaze stick better. Frozen carrots may not be as crispy but will still taste great. To thicken your maple glaze, heat it longer. Simmer it on low heat until it reduces. This way, it will become richer and stick better to the carrots. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. Whisk it in and heat until it thickens. Maple glazed carrots go well with many dishes. They are great with roasted chicken or pork. You can also serve them alongside a hearty grain dish, like quinoa or rice. The sweetness of the carrots balances savory flavors. For a full meal, add a fresh salad for crunch. This guide covered the key steps to make maple glazed carrots. You learned about important ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for the best results. Think about adding your favorite herbs or sweeteners for a twist. Use these tips to avoid common mistakes and store leftovers properly. Enjoy great meals with your perfect glazed carrots. Now, you're ready to impress everyone at your next meal!$

Sweet & Sticky Maple Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring baby carrots coated in a sweet maple glaze, perfect for any meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

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 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: If you are using whole carrots, slice them into diagonal pieces about 1/2-inch thick to ensure even cooking. For baby carrots, simply peel them and leave them whole.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully before adding the carrots.
Mix the Glaze: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, unsalted butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until the butter is melted. Remove from the microwave and stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well blended.
Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots into a large mixing bowl. Pour the maple glaze over the carrots and use a spatula or your hands to toss them until every carrot is evenly coated in the syrup mixture.
Bake the Carrots: Transfer the glazed carrots to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for optimal roasting. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring the carrots halfway through the cooking time, until they are tender and beautifully caramelized.
Add Fresh Herbs: Once baked, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the glazed carrots and give them a gentle toss to mix the flavors.
Serve: Carefully transfer the sweet and sticky carrots to a serving dish. If you like, garnish with chopped pecans on top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the glazed carrots in a rustic bowl and sprinkle additional thyme leaves on top. A few whole pecans scattered around will add both color and texture.

Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup