Maple Glazed Carrots – The Cozy Side Dish for Every Occasion
Hey friends! As the holiday season kicks off, I’m all about those simple, flavorful dishes that bring warmth and joy to the table. These Maple Glazed Carrots are exactly that—sweet, buttery, and perfectly roasted to bring out their natural flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make, and the combination of maple syrup and brown sugar gives them a caramelized coating that’s both festive and comforting. Trust me, these carrots are going to be the side dish that everyone can’t stop reaching for!
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish has become my go-to for holiday gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. I love how the maple glaze adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the carrots’ natural flavor. And the best part? Carrots are packed with nutrients, especially beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and gives skin a radiant glow—perfect for women over 50 who want to support healthy aging. This recipe is all about celebrating simple, natural ingredients, and I’m here for it!
Maple Glazed Carrots
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Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- small sauté pan
- heatproof spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots washed well
- 6 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉
- Place carrots on a large baking sheet in a single layer.2 lbs carrots
- In a large sauté pan melt butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar stirring until sugar dissolves then pour over carrots evenly.6 tbsp butter, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.1 tsp sea salt, cracked pepper
- Bake carrots for 30-40 minutes, in 10 minute increments. Toss carrots every ten minutes to evenly distribute the maple glaze.
- Serve warm.
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More About This Recipe
Tips for Making Perfect Maple Glazed Carrots
This recipe is super simple, but here are a few tips to make sure you get that perfect glaze and tender texture:- Use Fresh, Whole Carrots
Whole carrots retain more flavor than baby carrots, and they roast up beautifully with a little extra texture. Just give them a good wash, trim the ends, and they’re ready to go! - Toss Every 10 Minutes for Even Glazing
As the carrots roast, toss them every 10 minutes to make sure they’re evenly coated in that maple glaze. This step gives them that caramelized texture and flavor that’s just so satisfying. - Serve Warm for Maximum Flavor
These carrots taste best warm, fresh from the oven. They’ll hold up well for a while, so don’t worry if they sit out for a bit before serving—they’re still amazing!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make these Maple Glazed Carrots, here’s what I love using:- Large Baking Sheet
A big baking sheet is essential to spread the carrots out in a single layer, so they roast evenly and caramelize beautifully. I prefer a rimmed baking sheet to contain all that yummy glaze. - Heatproof Spatula
A sturdy spatula helps toss the carrots every 10 minutes without breaking them apart, ensuring they cook evenly and absorb all the flavor. - Small Sauté Pan
For melting the butter with maple syrup and brown sugar, a small saucepan is perfect. It helps the ingredients blend smoothly and makes pouring over the carrots easy.
Health Benefits of Maple Glazed Carrots
These carrots are as nourishing as they are delicious! Here’s why they’re worth adding to your plate:
- Carrots for Beta-Carotene and Eye Health
Carrots are famous for their high beta-carotene content, an antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A. This is crucial for eye health, skin, and immune function. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, beta-carotene can help protect against age-related eye issues by supporting retinal health. - Maple Syrup for Natural Sweetness and Antioxidants
Using maple syrup instead of refined sugar gives these carrots a more complex, natural sweetness. Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Studies from The Journal of Medicinal Food have shown that maple syrup contains phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants to support immune health and fight inflammation. - Butter for a Healthy Fat Boost
A little butter adds a luxurious richness to these carrots, and when used in moderation, it provides healthy fats that help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in carrots. These fats also give a creamy texture and enhance the flavor, making the dish feel extra indulgent. According to Harvard Medical School, moderate amounts of butter can be part of a balanced diet when combined with nutrient-rich foods.
These Maple Glazed Carrots are so simple but make such a beautiful, festive side dish for the holidays—or any time you want a little extra comfort on your plate! I hope you love them as much as I do, and if you try them out, don’t forget to let me know how they turn out. Happy roasting!