Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon thyme - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Mixing bowl - Small bowl for whisking Gathering the right ingredients and tools is key to making Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots. You need fresh, baby carrots for this dish. They add a sweet crunch that pairs well with the glaze. The glaze consists of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The syrup provides sweetness, while the mustard adds a nice kick. Olive oil helps the glaze stick to the carrots, while garlic powder and thyme add depth. Make sure to have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the carrots from sticking and makes cleanup easy. A mixing bowl is essential for tossing the carrots in the glaze. Lastly, a small bowl is needed to whisk the glaze together. Having these items ready will make your cooking process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the carrots by peeling and trimming. Start by washing your baby carrots under cool water. You want them clean to get the best flavor. Peel off any rough spots and trim the ends for a neat look. This step makes a big difference in how the carrots cook and taste. - Whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and Dijon mustard. This combo gives a sweet and tangy flavor. Add olive oil to help everything stick to the carrots. Then, sprinkle in garlic powder and thyme for a warm taste. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and well mixed. - Toss baby carrots in the glaze. - Spread carrots on the baking sheet and roast. - Stir halfway through cooking time. In a large mixing bowl, add the carrots and pour the glaze over them. Toss until every carrot is well coated. This is where the magic begins! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the carrots out so they cook evenly. Roast them in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a good stir. This helps them caramelize and get a lovely color. To get the right tenderness, adjust your roasting time. If you like softer carrots, roast them longer. If you prefer a bit of crunch, check them at 20 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking for even roasting. This helps them cook well and brown nicely. For the best caramelization, use a baking sheet with space between the carrots. Too many carrots crowded together will steam instead of roast. This means less caramelization. You can also drizzle a little more maple syrup on top during the last few minutes for extra sweetness. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for a twist. These herbs can change the dish's flavor in a fun way. You can also use spices like cumin for a warm touch. To balance the sweetness of the maple syrup, add a splash of lemon juice. This brings a nice tang that works well with the Dijon mustard. You can adjust to your taste, making sure it’s neither too sweet nor too tangy. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Look for bright orange baby carrots that are firm and have a smooth surface for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or dill, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Perfect Roasting: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking and caramelization on all sides. Serve Warm: For the best taste and texture, serve the roasted carrots warm, right after they come out of the oven. {{image_2}} You can switch out baby carrots for regular carrots. Just cut them into sticks. Parsnips are another great choice. They add a sweet and earthy flavor. You might also try different mustards. Whole grain mustard gives a nice crunch. Spicy brown mustard can add some heat. Each choice brings a new taste. Want to spice things up? Try adding cumin or paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. For a fresh twist, add citrus juice. Lemon or orange juice brightens the dish. Zest from these fruits gives extra flavor too. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! To keep your roasted carrots fresh, store them in a tight container. Always let the carrots cool first. This helps keep them crisp. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb extra moisture. The paper towel helps prevent sogginess. These roasted carrots taste best within four days in the fridge. You can easily reheat your carrots in two ways. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Place the carrots in a safe dish and cover them. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be sure to stir them after each heating. For a crispier texture, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the carrots nice and tasty. Enjoy your Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots just as they were when fresh! Maple Dijon roasted carrots will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before you seal them up. This helps retain their flavor and texture. Yes, you can prepare the carrots ahead of time. Peel and trim the baby carrots a day before. Mix the glaze and store it in the fridge. On the day you want to serve, just toss the carrots in the glaze and roast them. This saves time and makes cooking easier. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken for a tasty protein. - Baked salmon for a healthy option. - Quinoa or rice for a hearty base. - A fresh green salad to lighten the meal. These combinations will enhance your dining experience and look great on the plate! This blog post covered how to make delicious Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots. You learned about the key ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfect texture and ways to enhance flavors. We also explored different variations and storage methods for leftovers. For tasty and healthy meals, this recipe shines. Simple steps lead to great results. You can impress your family with a fresh twist on veggies. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delightful flavors of these roasted carrots!$

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

A sweet and tangy side dish featuring roasted baby carrots coated in a maple Dijon glaze.

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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 and trimmed
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the baby carrots with the maple Dijon mixture until they are evenly coated.
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before transferring them to a serving platter.
Drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the carrots and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Arrange the roasted carrots in a circular pattern on a serving platter, drizzling extra maple syrup on top for a glossy finish and adding sprigs of parsley for color.

Keyword carrots, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, roasted