These maple thyme roasted carrots are a wholesome side dish that balances natural sweetness with earthy herbs and a citrusy touch.
Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, they’re a nutrient-dense choice that supports heart health while staying low in saturated fat.
Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.
Maple Thyme Roasted Carrots
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking Dish (2-quart or larger)
- 1 Parchment Paper Sheet (optional)
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole baby carrots scrubbed and washed (or peeled)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 orange zested
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 Tbsp sliced almonds
- 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
- Fresh thyme sprigs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it has enough time to heat evenly. A properly preheated oven ensures your carrots caramelize beautifully and cook through without becoming soggy. If you prefer an easy cleanup, line a 2-quart or larger baking dish with parchment paper. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes transferring and serving the carrots much smoother.
- Create the Maple Herb Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, dried thyme, minced garlic, freshly grated orange zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a glaze that balances sweetness from the maple syrup, herbal depth from thyme, zesty brightness from orange, and a gentle savory punch from garlic. Be sure to whisk thoroughly so the oil and syrup emulsify into a smooth coating.
- Coat the Carrots Thoroughly: Place the cleaned baby carrots into the bowl with the marinade. Using a spatula or your hands, toss the carrots until each piece is evenly coated with the glaze. This step is crucial because it ensures that all sides of the carrots absorb the flavors and caramelize evenly in the oven. If your carrots are thicker, you can slice them lengthwise to help them cook faster and absorb more glaze.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Transfer the glazed carrots into your prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. Avoid overcrowding—carrots should have space between them for hot air to circulate. This helps them roast rather than steam, resulting in a tender inside with slightly crisp and golden edges.
- Roast to Caramelized Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully remove the dish and stir the carrots to ensure they caramelize on all sides. Exact timing will depend on the size and thickness of your carrots—start checking for doneness at around the 15-minute mark. They should be fork-tender, slightly golden, and glossy with a sticky glaze.
- Add Crunch and Colorful Garnish: Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and immediately sprinkle them with sliced almonds and dried cranberries. The almonds add a toasted crunch while the cranberries provide a chewy, tart contrast to the sweetness of the glaze. If you’d like a restaurant-style finish, scatter a few fresh thyme sprigs on top for fragrance and a pop of green color.
- Serve While Warm: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter and present them while still warm so the glaze remains glossy and the almonds retain their crunch. These carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or vegetarian mains, and they also stand out as a colorful holiday side dish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use baby carrots for convenience, but larger carrots can be peeled and cut into even sticks or slices.
- The orange zest is optional but highly recommended for brightness and balance.
- Check doneness early since carrot size and oven strength can vary.
- Toasting the almonds before sprinkling adds extra flavor and crunch.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for most guests.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Roasting
The key to perfectly roasted carrots lies in balance—heat, spacing, and timing.
A preheated oven ensures the maple glaze caramelizes instead of steaming.
Always spread carrots in a single layer with room around them; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and limp results.
To boost flavor, use fresh thyme instead of dried when available, and consider roasting the carrots on a sheet pan for even better browning.
Finally, stirring halfway through roasting guarantees that every side is kissed with golden color.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
These maple thyme carrots are incredibly versatile and can be served in both casual meals and festive spreads.
They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef for a hearty dinner.
For vegetarian meals, serve them over quinoa or wild rice, or alongside lentil patties for a balanced plate.
On holidays, the almonds and cranberries bring festive color and texture that make the dish stand out on the table.
You can even enjoy them cold in a salad the next day for a refreshing twist.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot—this helps restore the caramelized edges.
Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the almonds, so add fresh nuts if possible.
If preparing ahead for meal prep, roast the carrots without toppings and add the almonds and cranberries just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes! Simply peel and slice regular carrots into evenly sized sticks or wedges.
Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to become tender.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. The recipe is already vegan-friendly since it uses maple syrup and olive oil instead of butter or honey, making it suitable for a plant-based diet.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can roast the carrots up to a day ahead and reheat them before serving.
However, add the almonds and cranberries right before serving to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.
4. What can I substitute for almonds if I have nut allergies?
For a nut-free version, try using toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. They provide the same crunch without triggering nut allergies.
5. How do I keep the carrots from burning?
Make sure to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze and stir them halfway through roasting.
If they start browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
