Maple-Glazed Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
Elevate your vegetable side dishes with these scrumptious Maple-Glazed Honey Roasted Baby Carrots. Perfectly tender and irresistibly sweet, these vibrant carrots are coated in a delightful mix of maple syrup and browned butter, creating a stunning caramelized finish that pairs beautifully with any main course. Simple to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to enjoy your veggies. Ideal for weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike, these glazed carrots will surely become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby carrots
1 (Pre-cut)
Olive oil
1/2 (None)
Salt
1/4 (None)
Butter
1/2 (Melted and browned)
Maple syrup
1/2 (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a hot and even roast.
2
In a shallow baking dish, combine the precut baby carrots with olive oil and salt. Toss them well to ensure each carrot is evenly coated.
3
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start the caramelization process.
4
While the carrots are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
5
Once the butter is browned, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the maple syrup until combined.
6
After the initial roasting time, carefully drizzle the maple-butter mixture over the carrots. Shake the pan gently to coat each carrot thoroughly.
7
Return the baking dish to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 8 minutes, or until the carrots are caramelized and fork-tender.
8
Serve these delicious maple-glazed carrots immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maple-Glazed Honey Roasted Baby Carrots?
They are a sweet and savory vegetable side dish made by roasting baby carrots at a high temperature and finishing them with a glaze of browned butter and maple syrup.
What is the main ingredient of this dish?
The main ingredient is one pound of pre-cut baby carrots.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a hot and even roast.
How long does it take to cook these carrots?
The total roasting time is approximately 18 minutes, divided into a 10-minute initial roast and an 8-minute roast with the glaze.
What is the first step in preparing the carrots?
The first step is to combine the baby carrots with olive oil and salt in a shallow baking dish, tossing them to ensure an even coat.
How do I make the maple glaze?
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown, then remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup.
What does browning the butter do for the recipe?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup and the earthiness of the carrots.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can use regular carrots, but you should peel them and cut them into uniform sizes similar to baby carrots to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
As written, it contains butter. To make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or more olive oil.
Are these carrots gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed (carrots, olive oil, salt, butter, and maple syrup) are naturally gluten-free.
What is the best way to serve maple-glazed carrots?
They are best served immediately after roasting to enjoy their caramelized finish and tender texture.
Can I prepare this dish in under 30 minutes?
Yes, this dish is designed to be quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from preparation to serving.
What happens if the butter burns while browning?
If the butter burns and turns black or smells acrid, it should be discarded and restarted to avoid a bitter taste in the glaze.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is a great substitute for maple syrup and will provide a similar sweet, caramelized effect.
How do I know when the carrots are fully cooked?
The carrots are done when they are fork-tender and have a caramelized, vibrant appearance.
Can I add extra spices to the carrots?
Certainly! Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the glaze for extra flavor.
What kind of baking dish is best for this recipe?
A shallow baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet works best to allow the carrots to roast evenly without steaming.
Is it necessary to use olive oil if I am using butter later?
The olive oil is used for the initial roasting phase to prevent sticking and help the carrots start the caramelization process at a high heat.
How should I store leftover roasted carrots?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is the best way to reheat these carrots?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to maintain the glaze texture.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure you use a larger pan so the carrots remain in a single layer for proper roasting.
Is this dish healthy?
Carrots are a great source of vitamins and fiber; while this recipe includes sugar and fats, it is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
What main dishes pair well with glazed carrots?
They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, holiday ham, grilled steak, or even vegetarian mains like roasted tofu.
Do I need to peel the baby carrots?
No, pre-cut baby carrots are usually already peeled and ready to use, which saves preparation time.
Can I use frozen baby carrots?
Frozen carrots can be used but may release more moisture, potentially resulting in a less caramelized texture compared to fresh carrots.
How much salt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which helps balance the sweetness of the maple glaze.
Should the pan be covered during roasting?
No, the carrots should be roasted uncovered to allow the moisture to evaporate and the sugars to caramelize.
What makes the carrots 'fork-tender'?
Fork-tender means that a fork can easily slide into the carrot with very little resistance, indicating they are cooked through but not mushy.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, the vibrant color and sweet glaze make it an ideal side dish for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What is the purpose of shaking the pan during the second roasting phase?
Shaking the pan ensures that the maple-butter glaze is redistributed and coats every carrot evenly for maximum flavor.