Maple glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that brings together the natural sweetness of carrots and the rich depth of maple syrup. Glistening and golden, these carrots are tender, slightly caramelized, and infused with a buttery maple glaze that enhances their flavor without overpowering their earthy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a weekday dinner, this dish adds vibrant color and irresistible flavor to your table.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making maple glazed carrots—from ingredients and preparation methods to serving tips, variations, and storage.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Simple Yet Elegant – With minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms humble carrots into a gourmet side dish.
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Naturally Sweet and Savory – The balance of maple syrup, butter, and seasonings creates a harmonious taste.
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Versatile – Suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
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Customizable – Can be made vegan, spiced, or with added herbs and nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Ingredients List
Basic Maple Glazed Carrots
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1 ½ pounds carrots (peeled and cut into sticks or rounds)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
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½ teaspoon thyme or rosemary (for herbaceous notes)
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (for tang)
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Toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 30–35 minutes
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Servings: 4–6
Step-by-Step Instructions for Maple Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into uniform-sized sticks, rounds, or diagonals to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Steam or Boil (Optional)
You can lightly steam or parboil the carrots for 5–7 minutes to reduce final cooking time, especially if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Sauté in Butter
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Seasoning
Pour in the maple syrup, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Stir well to coat the carrots evenly.
Step 5: Cook Until Glazed
Continue to cook for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce and coat the carrots in a glossy glaze.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped nuts, and serve hot.
Roasted Maple Glazed Carrots
Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness and creates slightly crispy edges with a caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
Use the same ingredients as the stovetop version.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss carrots with melted butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
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Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Garnish and serve.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Maple Carrots
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy combo.
Herb-Infused Glaze
Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for a savory herbal twist.
Maple Mustard Glaze
Stir in a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard to give the glaze a bit of tang and complexity.
Orange Maple Glaze
Add a tablespoon of orange juice and some zest to complement the maple sweetness.
Tips for Best Results
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Use Fresh Carrots: Young carrots or heirloom varieties add natural sweetness and color.
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Uniform Cutting: Even pieces cook more consistently and look better on the plate.
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Don’t Overcook: Carrots should be tender but not mushy. Retain some bite for the best texture.
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Use Real Maple Syrup: Avoid pancake syrup or corn syrup blends. Pure maple syrup ensures the best flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare in Advance
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Peel and cut carrots up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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You can also make the glaze ahead and refrigerate it separately.
Reheat Before Serving
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Warm the carrots in a skillet with a splash of water or extra glaze.
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Alternatively, cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
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Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
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Not recommended, as carrots tend to become mushy when thawed and reheated with glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Maple glazed carrots are a fantastic addition to a variety of meals:
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Holiday Dinners: Pair with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
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Weeknight Meals: Serve alongside baked chicken, pork chops, or salmon.
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Vegetarian Plates: Add to a grain bowl or serve with quinoa and roasted vegetables.
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Buffet Tables: A vibrant and flavorful option for potlucks or parties.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)
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Calories: 130
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Carbohydrates: 19g
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Sugars: 10g
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Fat: 5g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 1g
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Vitamin A: Over 300% DV
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on exact quantities and additions.
Carrots and Maple: A Perfect Pairing
Carrots and maple syrup both boast inherent sweetness that enhances their natural flavors when combined. Carrots become softer and sweeter as they cook, while the maple syrup caramelizes and deepens in flavor, forming a rich glaze. This harmony makes them a classic match in both savory and sweet kitchens.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work well, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before sautéing or roasting for better caramelization.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter instead of dairy butter.
What’s the best maple syrup for this recipe?
Grade A Amber or Dark syrup provides a rich, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the carrots.
Can I use frozen carrots?
You can, but fresh carrots yield a better texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Cook over medium heat and stir often. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen the glaze during cooking.
Conclusion
Maple glazed carrots are the kind of side dish that effortlessly bridges rustic charm and culinary elegance. Their deep color, glossy finish, and incredible taste make them an appealing component to any plate, from casual dinners to festive holiday spreads. With simple ingredients and just one pan (or a baking sheet), you can transform everyday carrots into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side.