The Best Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a simple yet elegant side dish? These maple glazed carrots are a perfect choice. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and add a touch of sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, this vibrant dish is sure to impress with its delightful flavor and beautiful glaze.

Why You’ll Love These Maple Glazed Carrots

• The sweet and savory flavor combination is irresistible.
• They are remarkably easy to make but look stunning on the table.
• Carrots are a healthy side dish option that even picky eaters enjoy.
• They are versatile enough for everyday dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable maple glazed carrots. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will yield the best results. You can use either baby carrots for convenience or regular carrots, peeled and sliced.

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
• 5 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 16 oz. bags baby carrots
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• Parsley, chopped

Notes & Substitutions

• For a vegan option, substitute the butter with olive oil and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs are great, but dried herbs work just as well; use about 1 teaspoon of fresh herbs for every ½ teaspoon of dried.

Equipment

You won’t need much to whip up this recipe. Here are the essentials.

• Large skillet or pan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Optional: vegetable peeler (if using whole carrots)

How To Make Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly maple glazed carrots every time. The key is to cook them until tender and beautifully glazed.

1. In a large skillet or medium pan over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the Italian seasoning, rosemary, and thyme until the butter starts to bubble and turns golden brown (about 2–3 minutes). This infuses the butter with aromatic flavors.
2. Whisk in the maple syrup and dark brown sugar until the sugar has completely melted into the butter mixture. This creates the base for the delicious glaze.
3. Add the carrots to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the maple-butter mixture. Make sure all the carrots are well covered for even glazing.
4. Pour in the water, then add the salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil for about 2 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and the carrots are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Carrots

Here are some tips to ensure your maple glazed carrots turn out perfectly.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust cooking time depending on the size of your carrots; larger carrots may need a bit longer.
• Use a lid for the first part of the cooking process to help steam the carrots and ensure they cook evenly.
• Before serving, it’s important to ensure carrots reach a safe internal temperature; the FDA recommends cooking carrots to a minimum internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking can result in mushy carrots, so keep a close eye on them.
• Burning the glaze happens when the heat is too high; reduce heat if it starts to darken too quickly.
• Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland carrots, so don’t be afraid to adjust to taste.

Serving, Storing, and Variations

These maple glazed carrots make a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses. They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf.

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs like sage or fresh parsley.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• For a roasted version, toss carrots with glaze ingredients and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and caramelized.
• Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy these maple glazed carrots as part of a balanced diet.

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen carrots? While fresh carrots are best, you can use frozen in a pinch. Reduce cooking time as they soften faster.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the maple glazed carrots a day in advance and reheat them before serving.
• How do I prevent the carrots from sticking to the pan? Stir the carrots frequently and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan to prevent sticking.
• Can these carrots be grilled or baked? Yes! Toss with glaze ingredients and grill in a foil packet or roast on a baking sheet until tender.

Conclusion

These maple glazed carrots are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. With their simple preparation and elegant presentation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of cooking with confidence! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, leave a comment, and share your photos!

Maple Glazed Carrots

These maple glazed carrots are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal side dish. Baby carrots are simmered in a rich glaze of maple syrup, brown sugar, and herbs until tender and beautifully caramelized.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
• 5 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 16 oz. bags baby carrots
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then whisk in Italian seasoning, rosemary, and thyme until fragrant and golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
• Whisk in maple syrup and brown sugar until the sugar has completely melted and the glaze is smooth.
• Add the baby carrots to the skillet and stir until they are evenly coated with the prepared glaze.
• Pour in water, salt, and pepper, increase heat to high and bring to a boil for 2 minutes; then reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to tenderize carrots and thicken the sauce.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the carrots are tender-crisp. You can adjust the cooking time slightly based on your preferred doneness.

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