Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, a simple yet flavorful side dish that balances natural sweetness and tangy mustard.
Packed with fiber-rich carrots and vitamin-loaded apples, this recipe is low in saturated fat and plant-based, making it a wholesome choice.
Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for everyday meals or meal prep.
Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots & Apples
Equipment
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples cored and thickly sliced
- 1 pound carrots halved if thicker than 1-inch
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain or Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even roasting. While the oven warms, lightly coat a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. This will help the carrots and apples caramelize evenly without burning.
- Prep the Carrots: Wash and peel 1 pound of carrots. If the carrots are thicker than 1 inch in diameter, slice them in half lengthwise to create even-sized pieces. Uniform size is key for consistent roasting so that all pieces cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Prep the Apples: Core and cut 2 medium apples into thick slices, roughly the same size as the carrot pieces. Choose firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady to hold their shape during roasting. Apples provide a natural sweetness that balances the tangy mustard glaze.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon whole-grain or Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/8 teaspoon allspice. Whisk until smooth. The combination of sweet, savory, and warming spices will coat the vegetables and fruit perfectly.
- Toss Carrots and Apples: Place the prepared carrots and apples onto the baking sheet. Pour the maple mustard glaze evenly over them. Using a spatula or your hands, gently toss the mixture until all pieces are fully coated. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure nothing overlaps, to allow for even roasting and caramelization.
- First Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then check the pan. At this stage, the edges touching the baking sheet should start to brown lightly, which is an indication that caramelization is happening. This step helps develop a rich, complex flavor.
- Toss and Flip: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Using a spatula, toss the carrots and apples gently and flip them to ensure even browning on all sides. This step is crucial for uniform texture and flavor.
- Final Roast: Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and the apples are soft but still hold their shape. The glaze should have thickened slightly and lightly caramelized, coating each piece with a glossy finish.
- Check for Doneness: Test a carrot piece with a fork—it should be tender yet slightly firm, not mushy. Taste an apple slice; it should be soft with a balanced sweet-tangy flavor. If needed, roast an additional 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the roasted carrots and apples to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the top. Serve warm as a side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or casual gatherings. The combination of tender carrots, caramelized apples, and sweet-tangy glaze makes it a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Braeburn, or Pink Lady to ensure the slices hold their shape during roasting. Softer apples may become mushy.
- Carrots can vary in size, so cut thicker carrots in half to ensure even cooking.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the spices (coriander and allspice) in a dry pan before mixing into the glaze.
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity depending on your preferred sweetness. A little extra adds caramelization but be careful not to burn it.
- For easier cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper instead of just nonstick spray.
Chef’s Secrets to Perfect Glaze
The secret to this dish lies in achieving the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Whisking the maple syrup, mustard, and spices until fully emulsified ensures that each carrot and apple slice is coated evenly.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—giving the pieces space allows them to roast rather than steam, resulting in a caramelized exterior and tender interior.
Choosing apples that retain their shape and cutting carrots uniformly are small details that elevate both presentation and taste.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This dish is versatile and works well in many contexts.
Serve it alongside roasted chicken or pork for a cozy weeknight meal, or pair it with grilled tofu or tempeh for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for color and aroma.
It also makes an appealing side for holiday spreads because of its vibrant colors and the natural sweetness from caramelized apples.
Storage Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
Allow the roasted carrots and apples to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to preserve texture; avoid microwaving excessively, as apples may become too soft.
You can also freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different apple types?
Absolutely. Choose firm apples to maintain shape, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold.
Softer apples may break down too much during roasting, resulting in a mushy texture.
2. How do I make the dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra black pepper to the glaze. You can also experiment with ginger or smoked paprika for a warm, aromatic kick.
3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the carrots and apples and mix the glaze up to 4 hours in advance.
Keep the mixture refrigerated and roast just before serving for maximum freshness.
4. What if my carrots or apples cook unevenly?
Cut carrots and apples into uniform sizes and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Tossing halfway through roasting ensures that each piece caramelizes evenly.
5. Can this recipe be made vegan or paleo-friendly?
The recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses plant-based ingredients only.
For paleo compliance, ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure and unprocessed and avoid refined oils—olive oil is perfectly paleo-friendly.
